8(1)The Secretary of State shall so exercise his powers of appointment under paragraph 6(1)(b) as to secure that as far as is practicable the membership of the Board is representative of the community in Northern Ireland.N.I.
(2)Before making any appointment under paragraph 6(1)(b), the Secretary of State shall consult—
(a)the First Minister and deputy First Minister;
(b)district councils; and
(c)such other bodies as he considers appropriate.
(3)The Secretary of State shall publish, in such manner as he considers appropriate, the names of bodies consulted by him under sub-paragraph (2)(c).
(4)In relation to the first appointment of members of the Board under this Part following the making of a restoration order by the Secretary of State under section 2(2) of the M1Northern Ireland Act 2000—
(a)sub-paragraph (2) applies as if paragraphs (b) and (c) were omitted; and
(b)sub-paragraph (3) does not apply.
(5)Subject to the following provisions of this paragraph, a person shall hold and vacate office as an independent member in accordance with the terms of his appointment.
(6)An independent member may not be appointed for a term of more than 4 years at a time.
(7)A person appointed to fill a casual vacancy shall hold office for the remainder of the term of the independent member in whose place he is appointed.
(8)An independent member shall cease to hold office if—
(a)he resigns by notice in writing to the Secretary of State; or
(b)he becomes disqualified for membership of the Board.
(9)A person whose term of office as an independent member expires or who has resigned shall be eligible for re-appointment.