AN elderly person's lobbyist has been appointed Commissioner for Older People in Northern Ireland.
Eddie Lynch will take up his £75,000 post in June.
The 39-year-old has experience as chief executive of Age Sector Platform and in a senior position at the Consumer Council.
First Minister Arlene Foster said: "Older people in Northern Ireland play an important role in our society and it is important they have a champion to make their voices heard.
"Eddie brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the job having dedicated much of his working life to championing the rights of older people."
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said older people should feel valued.
"It is important older people have an accessible and strong advocate who will reflect their needs and wishes enabling them to live dignified and fulfilled lives."
The principal aim of the commissioner is to promote and safeguard the interests of older people.
Anne Watson, chairwoman of Age Sector Platform, said: "Eddie's work in the age sector over the last eight years has been second to none.
"A passionate advocate for older people, his work in establishing the Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament has meant the voice of older people has never been stronger or more influential in Northern Ireland.
"A humble but highly respected person within the age sector, Eddie has always placed the voice of older people at the centre of our advocacy work.
"And that's how I know his appointment as commissioner will be welcomed by older people across Northern Ireland."
