This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/6182741.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
NI children's role for politician NI children's role for politician
(about 4 hours later)
A leading SDLP assembly member is to quit politics in order to take a job as champion of children's causes in NI.A leading SDLP assembly member is to quit politics in order to take a job as champion of children's causes in NI.
Lagan Valley MLA Patricia Lewsley is to become Children's Commissioner. She replaces Nigel Williams, who died earlier this year following an illness.Lagan Valley MLA Patricia Lewsley is to become Children's Commissioner. She replaces Nigel Williams, who died earlier this year following an illness.
The SDLP's equality spokesperson has to step down as an assembly member and councillor, and must also resign as a member of the party.The SDLP's equality spokesperson has to step down as an assembly member and councillor, and must also resign as a member of the party.
She told her party of her intentions to take the £75,000 a year job on Friday.She told her party of her intentions to take the £75,000 a year job on Friday.
Mrs Lewsley, who plans to take up the office in the New Year, saidher past record "speaks for itself". Mrs Lewsley, who plans to take up the office in the New Year, said her past record "speaks for itself".
She will take it, mould it, make it her own and, in doing so, will successfully promote and safeguard children and young people's rights and best interests Maria EagleEducation minister "This is about doing what I do currently in a different way," she said. "As commissioner for children and young people, I will be a powerful, influential and independent voice for all children and young people.She will take it, mould it, make it her own and, in doing so, will successfully promote and safeguard children and young people's rights and best interests Maria EagleEducation minister "This is about doing what I do currently in a different way," she said. "As commissioner for children and young people, I will be a powerful, influential and independent voice for all children and young people.
"I will be there to represent their interests, to protect their rights and to challenge all those who work with and for children to do better.""I will be there to represent their interests, to protect their rights and to challenge all those who work with and for children to do better."
The appointment is for four years, with the possibility of being renewed for a further period of four years.The appointment is for four years, with the possibility of being renewed for a further period of four years.
Nigel Williams was NI's first children's commissionerThe selection process included being questioned by a panel of eight teenagers aged between 14 and 18.Nigel Williams was NI's first children's commissionerThe selection process included being questioned by a panel of eight teenagers aged between 14 and 18.
Education minister Maria Eagle said Mrs Lewsley had come through a rigorous process.Education minister Maria Eagle said Mrs Lewsley had come through a rigorous process.
"I have the confidence, and indeed children and young people should have the confidence, that she will take it, mould it, make it her own and, in doing so, will successfully promote and safeguard children and young people's rights and best interests," she said."I have the confidence, and indeed children and young people should have the confidence, that she will take it, mould it, make it her own and, in doing so, will successfully promote and safeguard children and young people's rights and best interests," she said.
SDLP leader Mark Durkan said: "I want to congratulate Patricia... she has a long track record as a champion of children's rights.
"Indeed, on the day that suspension was announced, she was due to present a private member's bill strengthening child protection, while in the assembly she chaired the all-party Working Group on Children."
Ulster Unionist Esmond Birnie said: "Given the secretary of state's appointment of the interim victim's commissioner, we trust that Patricia Lewsley was appointed for her abilities in this sector (abilities which she undoubtedly has) and not because she is a prominent SDLP MLA.
"I look forward to working with Patricia and wish her well in her new role."
Alliance deputy leader Naomi Long said Ms Lewsley had a long record of public service.
"She has highlighted the issue of childrens' rights as one of her key concerns," Ms Long said.
"We wish her well in this new appointment and trust that her passion for children and young people will be of great benefit to the sector."
The NSPCC's Martin Crummey said Ms Lewsley had been "an excellent advocate for children in her previous role as an elected representative".
"We look forward to working in partnership with Patricia and NICCY on effective safeguarding and child protection issues in order to reduce the level of child abuse in Northern Ireland," he said.
"We trust that Patricia Lewsley will bring added value to protecting and promoting the rights of children in NI."
Barney McNeany had been serving as commissioner on an interim basis following the death of Mr Williams.Barney McNeany had been serving as commissioner on an interim basis following the death of Mr Williams.
In 2003, Mr Williams was the first person to be appointed commissioner.In 2003, Mr Williams was the first person to be appointed commissioner.