The East Antrim MLA stated: "I very much welcome the appointment of Claire Keatinge to the role of Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland.

"It has to be said that this appointment, along with many others, is long overdue, and the delay in the recruitment process has been a source of considerable frustration.

“There are serious questions to be answered as to why this and other processes have and are taking so long. Assurances need to be given by the Executive Office that such delays will not be repeated. It is important that the public can have faith that vacancies such as these will be filled swiftly when they arise.

"Nevertheless, I am content to see someone of such experience and calibre appointed, and this will give the public much greater faith in further public appointments as they are made over the coming weeks and months. Moreover, I look forward to Claire coming to the Executive Office committee to outline her work programme going forward.”