Former Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan is to be appointed to the House of Lords.
Dame Nuala, who spearheaded investigations into the police's handling of the Omagh bomb and other controversial inquiries, will sit as a cross-bench peer, as will Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks, who has also been elevated.
The chairman of the Hous
e of Lords Appointments Commission, Michael Jay, said of the pair: "They have been appointed on merit following our published selection process – by which anyone can apply – and in line with the commission's recently revised criteria that requires a commitment to play a full and active role in the Upper House."
Dame Nuala said that she was deeply honoured: "I see my appointment as a wonderful opportunity to continue to make a contribution.
"Throughout my career I have always tried to bring an independence of thought to issues in a way which would benefit people and enhance the services they get."
North Down Ulster Unionist MP Lady Sylvia Hermon said that she was "delighted, absolutely delighted" that someone of Dame Nuala's "calibre and intellect" is to join the House of Lords.
"She will no doubt enrich the place with her characteristic dignified and thoughtful style," Lady Hermon said.
"For some, the House of Lords can be a daunting place to work. But I have every confidence Nuala will take the ermine and formality in her stride and go on to make a very valuable and significant contribution."
Dame Nuala's husband is SDLP North Antrim Assemblyman Declan O'Loan, but SDLP leader Mark Durkan said that Dame Nuala would be an "independent and articulate voice" in the Lords.
He added: "While the SDLP has never nominated to the Lords, we have no problem working with members, including those from Northern Ireland, on a number of issues such as the successful case of the Desmonds' pensioners earlier this year.
"However the SDLP believe that a wholly appointed House of Lords is undemocratic and we continue to support calls for the reform of the second chamber which would be a democratic addition to the parliament."
Professor Richard Barnett, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ulster, where Dame Nuala is a visiting professor, said that she had served with great distinction.
A solicitor by profession, Dame Nuala was the first Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland in 2000 and upon leaving the post in 2007 was appointed Special Commissioner to the Equality Human Rights Commissions (UK) to chair a formal investigation into human rights.
