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Belfast Telegraph

By By Kathryn Torney
Friday 15, December 2006

The SDLP’s Patricia Lewsley is to be named as Northern Ireland’s new Children’s Commissioner, it emerged today.

It is understood that Mrs Lewsley, a mother-of-five, may decide to step down from politics when she takes on the high-profile position, which involves safeguarding and promoting the rights and best interests of children and young people.

Northern Ireland’s first Commissioner for Children and Young People, Nigel Williams, died in March.

The father-of-four was appointed to the new role in October 2003 in what NIO minister Angela Smith described as “an historic day for the children and young people of Northern Ireland”.

Mrs Lewsley has been a member of the SDLP for 17 years, is the party’s equality spokesperson, has served on the party’s Executive Committee and was the Chair of the SDLP Women’s Group.

She is also a member of the Northern Ireland Women’s Political Forum and is currently chair of SDLP.

The trained chef was a co-founder of Shopmobility in Belfast and initiated the appointment of the first and only Disability/Equal Opportunity Officer in local government.

Patricia was elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly in May 1998 to represent Lagan Valley and re-elected in 2003. She was elected to Lisburn City Council in 2001.

The SDLP’s website describes Mrs Lewsley’s other areas of interest as women’s and children’s issues.

Further information on the work of the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People can be found at www.niccy.org.

Belfast Telegraph

By By Matthew McCreary
Saturday 16, December 2006

Belfast’s taxi drivers are being given tours of local galleries in an effort to boost arts tourism in the city.

The idea follows the launch of a new guide earlier this week which provides information on Belfast’s many public and private galleries and street artworks.

The 32-page colour book has been produced by Belfast City Council as part of its cultural tourism strategy.

According to figures from the council, around 6.4 million people visited Belfast in 2005, generating over £285m for the local economy.

“It is therefore vital that we promote the rich and diverse artistic background and the explosion of contemporary artistic talent that we have in the city as part of our overall tourism strategy,” said Councillor Diane Dodds, who chairs the council’s Tourism and Promotion of Belfast Sub-Committee.

The free guide will be distributed at hotels, bars and restaurants across the city, but those behind it are particularly keen to target those who play a key role in dealing with tourists during their visits.

“We have been encouraging those involved in visitor servicing, including front-of-house staff, tour guides and taxi drivers, to familiarise themselves with some of the city’s galleries and studios,” said the council’s cultural tourism officer Carolyn Mathers.

“We have organised gallery tours with introductions from curators, giving an opportunity to see artists as they create their work. We hope our new guide will enhance people’s enjoyment of Belfast and encourage them to explore our vibrant art scene.”

The Belfast Art Guide is available from the Belfast Welcome Centre by calling 9024 6609 or can be downloaded from www.gotobelfast.com

BBC

Gerry Kelly is Sinn Fein’s justice spokesman

Sinn Fein will not collude in any attempt to exclude republicans from a future justice ministry, the party’s justice spokesman has said.

The DUP had suggested that a future minister should be elected by a weighted cross-community vote.

This method, however, is likely to exclude both Sinn Fein and the DUP.

Sinn Fein’s Gerry Kelly told the BBC Inside Politics programme he “will not collude” in his own party’s exclusion from office.

“What party could argue for its own exclusion in these circumstances?” Mr Kelly asked.

He said he and his party president, Gerry Adams, were part of a Sinn Fein delegation which met the head of the Police Service of Northern Ireland on Wednesday.

The Stormont meeting with Sir Hugh Orde came as republicans face growing pressure to support the police as part of the deal to restore devolution.