'Ordinary' people shine in honours
ULSTER'S unsung heroes are the stars of the Queen's New Year honours list, published today.
The majority of this year's gongs are for people out of the spotlight in a list devoid of the household names that often dominate.
'Non-state'
Instead, 88 per cent of the gongs have gone to "non-state" workers leading "ordinary" lives.
Many are members of the public nominated by friends and co-workers.
They include a beekeeper, community workers and voluntary staff.
The list appears to echo the 1993 vow by former Prime Minister John Major to turn it into the "people's honours" to stop it being viewed as "gongs for the boys".
A total of 51 people are on the list along with three awarded the Queen's Police Medal and one the Queen's Fire Service Medal.
Devoted
Among the dozens who have devoted their lives to serving their communities and professions, there are no knighthoods or damehoods.
Those from the voluntary and community sector, 22 of them, made up 43 per cent of the list. And only seven – 14 per cent – are civil servants.
Ten per cent came from the health sector and the same amount from the economic sector.
Sport, arts and the media sector made up six per cent each.
Ringland
One of the only familiar names was ex-rugby international Trevor Ringland who is getting an MBE for his tireless commitment to community relations.
The only elected politician recognised is Ballymoney deputy mayor Alderman Cecil Cousley – leader of the DUP on the council – who was made an MBE for his services to the Boys' Brigade and for 27 years in local government.
Former police officer Brian McCargo is made an OBE for his services to sport and to the Special Olympics in Northern Ireland.
He has been a player and administrator in rugby, athletics, soccer and boxing and was the driving force behind the introduction of the Law Enforcement Torch Run around Ireland by officers of the PSNI and Garda for the Special Olympic Games.
The chairman of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Rosemary Kelly, is given an OBE.
Hong Kong-born magistrate Ping-ka Andrew Wong is made an MBE for his services to the Chinese community in Northern Ireland.
The DoE's chief road safety officer, Harry Green, was another public servant to get one of the 32 MBEs.
Environment Minister Sammy Wilson said he had been the "face and voice" of road safety issues for three decades and said he was delighted his efforts had been recognised.
Beekeeper Dr Michael Young gets an MBE after 30 years' devotion to honey production and giving global lecture tours on his profession.
The highest honour this year – the CBE – went to just four people. They include a consultant paediatrician and Leslie Murray, chairman of environmental group Tidy NI.
Jonathan Phillips, Permanent Secretary at the Northern Ireland Office, was crowned with a knighthood on the London Honours List.
He said his career highlight was joining the NIO in 2002 to work on what he called the “torturous but ultimately successful” peace process negotiations.
Mr Phillips added: “Looking forward, I hope for 30 more years of hill walking. More importantly, my prayer is that the newly empowered political leadership will seize the opportunity to challenge continuing sectarianism in Northern Ireland.”
Northern Ireland Secretary Shaun Woodward congratulated him saying: “This honour is fitting recognition for the very significant contribution he has made to the political process in Northern Ireland.”
As to the awards for the 55 Ulster men and women, Mr Woodward publicly recognised their efforts in building a better future.
“Among those receiving awards today are people who have given remarkable service in many areas of our community,” he said.
“I extend my warmest congratulations to each and every one who has received their well deserved honour today.”
First Minister Peter Robinson said: “These honours reflect the dedication and service given to our society by so many individuals and are a fitting reward for their sterling efforts.”
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Weather for Belfast
Monday 28 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 23 C
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Sunny spells
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