Professor Gerard Whyte:

One of the first things I did when I was invited to act on the selection panel was to look to see what effect our recommendations would have. Looking at the heads of the Bill, I was satisfied that our recommendations will be fairly effective and that they will be taken on board by the Government in selecting the human rights and equality commission, unless there are exceptional circumstances. One could envisage a situation in which the Government might have information we would not have which might call into question the appropriateness of a particular appointment. However, in that regard, the Government must make the case to us. If we are not satisfied with the case, we can return the matter to the Government and stand over our original decision.

Personally, I feel there is sufficient independence in the process for the selection panel for me to feel comfortable in agreeing to act in this capacity. I was also reassured when I heard who the other four members of the panel were.