Equality campaign loses an inspirational leader

AS a former board member of the Equality Authority I wish to express my deep dismay at the resignation of Niall Crowley as its CEO.

His departure from the organisation is a blow to the progress of equality in Ireland and is a huge loss to the public service. Recent political decisions with regard to the Equality Authority will impact negatively on the equality agenda in Ireland.

Under cover of budget constraints, Dermot Ahern, Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, as advised by his secretary-general, has cost the State a fine public servant when his actions forced Mr Crowley to refuse to continue to lead an organisation that the State has decided to nobble with budget cuts of more than 40%.