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Honorary degrees for Baroness O’Loan and Wright

Thursday, 22 July 2010

FORMER Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland, Baroness Nuala O'Loan, and Director of Ballymena-based bus manufacturers Wrightbus, William Wright, have received honorary degrees from Queen's University. At a graduation ceremony on July 9 Baroness O'Loan received a Doctorate of Laws (LLD) from Queen's for distinction in public service while Mr Wright was awarded a DSc(Eng) for services to engineering and business and commerce.
Baroness O'Loan made an outstanding contribution to public services in Northern Ireland through her work as Police Ombudsman from the foundation of the Police Ombudsman's Office in 1999 until 2007.
Delivering the citation Anne Fenton, Director of the Institute of Professional Legal Studies at Queen's, said: "The post of Police Ombudsman is, without doubt, one of the most challenging within the public sector.

Outstanding
“In that role, Baroness O'Loan established an outstanding reputation for personal bravery, rigour and independence, setting a template for the future. Her selfless and courageous commitment to public service, both in Northern Ireland and internationally, is truly inspirational."
A former law lecturer, Baroness O'Loan was appointed by the Irish Government as Special Envoy in Timor-Leste (East Timor) in 2008 and, in July 2009, was appointed to the House of Lords.
Meanwhile, Mr Wright was one of the original founders of family-owned company Robert Wright and Son Coachworks Limited, which was established in 1946.
He was the key to the company's change in strategic direction, from Northern Ireland focused commercial body builder, to one of the UK's leading bus manufacturers - The Wright Group.
The Wright Group is the UK's leading independent supplier of buses. Still family owned and managed, the company has pioneered low floor buses in the UK, and has earned a reputation for building quality vehicles.

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