Former governor of the Apprentice Boys of Derry Alistair Simpson has been appointed to the north/south implementation language body.
He is thought to be the first prominent member of the loyal orders to join the north/south implementation bodies established following the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.
Mr Simpson's name is listed with members responsible for the exercise of functions through the Ulster Scots Agency (Tha Boord of Ulster Scotch).
Last night he said: "We in the Apprentice Boys have had quite a lot to do with the Ulster Scots Agency over the last four years with the festival and they have helped us out quite a lot.
"When I was asked to join the board I felt yes... it is a histor-ical organisation, like ourselves, going into the Ulster Scots history. I am interested in this type of work."
Asked how he felt about the politics of his appointment to
a north/south implementation body, Mr Simpson said: "That does cause me any bother at all. I am not a politician.
"I am there to see that the ordinary people get something out of this organisation.
"As a governor of the Apprentice Boys over the last nine years I have done quite a lot of visits right across the British Isles, both north and south of Ireland and right across the water. So it is nothing new to me."
Mr Simpson said he felt it was "a privilege" that he had been asked to serve on the north/
south language body.
This week appointments were confirmed to the Foyle, Carling-ford and Irish Lights Commiss-ion, the North/South Language Body, InterTradeIreland and the Food Safety Promotion Board.
Yesterday (Thursday) Sinn Féin welcomed the appointment of all nominees to the implementation bodies.
Assembly member Conor Murphy said: "The implementation bodies are a vital part of the Good Friday Agreement.
"They benefit people across Ireland and, along with the areas of cooperation, represent areas of work that need to be consolidated and expanded."
