THE decision to not reappoint Judith Thompson as the victims commissioner has received a mixed political reaction.
First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill have decided not to reappoint Ms Thompson when her term finishes at the end of August.
Ms Thompson was appointed in 2015 and her tenure was extended by a year by the Northern Ireland Office when there was no power-sharing Stormont executive in place.
SDLP MLA Dolores Kelly, the party's legacy spokesperson, said the decision was disappointing given the "critical juncture" in efforts to secure a Troubles pension for victims who sustained physical and psychological injuries.
"Judith Thompson has been engaged in these discussions, is aware of the live issues and has done a tremendous amount of work on behalf of victims and survivors. I cannot understand the rationale for replacing the commissioner at this point," she said.
Ms Kelly rejected criticism of the commissioner's work, saying that the role is "tightly restricted by the legislative framework they operate under".
However, Ulster Unionist MLA Doug Beattie, the party's justice spokesperson, said the decision was "not surprising".
He acknowledged it was "not an easy job" but said "several serious mistakes were made", and Ms Thompson "no longer has the trust of some victims' groups, and many members of the public and politicians alike".
He added: "Whilst I do wish Judith Thompson well in whatever role she assumes, I also want to see a new victims commissioner in place who puts innocent victims front and centre."
