NI's first Commissioner for Children appointed

A Co Derry man who has headed an Internet protection body hasbeen appointed Northern Ireland's first Commissioner for Childrenand Young People.

Mr Nigel Williams, chief executive of Childnet, takes up his(pounds) 75,000-a-year post in October.

Ms Angela Smith, a junior minister at the Northern IrelandOffice, named the commissioner at a special ceremony at an eastBelfast school.

"This is an historic day for the children and young people ofNorthern Ireland," she said. "They now have a champion to speak forthem, someone to ensure that their rights are safeguarded andrespected."

Mr Williams, who is from Limavady but has been London-based forsome 20 years, was selected by young people from 39 applicants fromthe UK and Ireland, the US, eastern Europe and New Zealand.

Speaking after the appointment was announced, Mr Williams said hewould have some of the most extensive powers of any Commissioner forChildren in the world.

"I am under no illusion about the extent of the task I have takenon," he said. "It will be a challenging role, with the potential tohave a positive impact."