Adding a feather in his cap, Dr George Leslie created history as the first non-Irish citizen to be appointed as a Peace Commissioner in the county.

Dr Leslie received confirmation of his appointment in a letter from Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee. Speaking to the Enniscorthy Guardian, he said it’s a privilege and “great honour” for him personally.

“It’s a really huge honour for me and also for my family,” said Dr George.

Firmly established within the community in Enniscorthy where he works out of the Slaney Medical Centre, he has a boundless love of Ireland, its history and culture and that’s something that stems from when he spent time living with a host here in 1998 who explained a lot about Irish culture and heritage to him.Passionate and sincere about serving his community, Dr George’s interest in becoming a peace commissioner, which is an honorary unpaid post, stems from his love of community and a desire to give as much as he can back to the people who have made him feel welcome over the last two decades.

“I enjoy every moment of my life in Ireland and the beautiful sweetness of your democracy,” said Dr George.

“We were in the Middle East for 20 years and I always used to come to Ireland with my family for holidays,” he said.

“When I was living here in 1998, I was living with an Irish host and he was a fatherly figure,” he added.

“He explained to me the rich culture of this country and the struggles the people went through.”

However, it was also the manner with which the man explained things to Dr George that had a lasting impression on him: “He explained things in a very calm manner and not to make friction with anybody but at the same time he used to say we should forgive but not forget.”

“I learned many things from this country, medically and societal-wise,” he said.

“I met many good people everywhere around the world but here in particular.”

Dr George said he values the appointment of peace commissioner because it enables him to contribute even more to his community outside of his role as a GP.

A Peace Commissioner is an honorary position in Ireland with special powers and whose role is to primarily taking statutory declarations, and witnessing signatures on documents required by various authorities. Peace Commissioners have the power to issue summons and warrants and to sign certificates and orders under various Acts of the Oireachtas