Eileen Bell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eileen Bell
|
|
|---|---|
Bell in 2007
|
|
| 2nd Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly | |
| Interim 8 May 2007 – 8 May 2007 |
|
| Deputy | Francie Molloy (2007 – 2007) David McClarty (2007 – 2007) John Dallat (2007 – 2007) |
| Preceded by | Herself |
| Succeeded by | William Hay |
| In office 9 May 2006 – 30 January 2007 |
|
| Preceded by | John Alderdice |
| Succeeded by | Herself |
| Deputy leader of the Alliance Party | |
| In office 2001–2006 |
|
| Leader | Sean Neeson David Ford |
| Preceded by | Seamus Close |
| Succeeded by | Naomi Long |
| Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly for North Down |
|
| In office 25 June 1998 – 7 March 2007 |
|
| Preceded by | New Creation |
| Succeeded by | Stephen Farry |
| Member of North Down Borough Council |
|
| In office 19 May 1993 – 7 June 2001 |
|
| Preceded by | James O'Fee |
| Succeeded by | Tony Hill |
| Constituency | Bangor West |
| Member of the Northern Ireland Forum | |
| In office 30 May 1996 – 25 April 1998 |
|
| Preceded by | Forum created |
| Succeeded by | Forum dissolved |
| Constituency | Top-up list |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 15 August 1943 Dromara, Northern Ireland |
| Political party | Alliance |
| Alma mater | University of Ulster |
| Occupation | Public servant, politician |
Eileen Bell CBE (born 15 August 1943) is a retired politician from Dromara, Northern Ireland. She was a member of the Alliance Party. Eileen Bell served as a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly (MLA) for North Down from 1998 to 2007. She also held the position of Deputy Leader of the Alliance Party.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Eileen Bell was born in Dromara, a village in Northern Ireland. She grew up in West Belfast. She attended the Dominican College, Belfast. Later, she studied at the University of Ulster.
After her education, Eileen worked in different jobs. She was part of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, which means she worked for the government. She also served as a Welfare Officer for the Community of the Peace People. This group worked to promote peace.
Political Journey
Eileen Bell began her political career in 1986. She became the General Secretary of the Alliance Party. This role involves managing the party's daily operations.
In 1993, she was elected to the North Down Borough Council. This meant she helped make decisions for the local area. She also became a member of the 1996 Northern Ireland Peace Forum. This forum was set up to discuss peace in Northern Ireland.
Serving in the Assembly
In the 1998 Northern Ireland Assembly elections, Eileen Bell won a seat. She became a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for North Down. This meant she helped make laws for Northern Ireland.
In June 2001, she was chosen as the Deputy Leader of the Alliance Party. She served alongside leaders like Seán Neeson and David Ford. She kept her seat in the 2003 Assembly elections. In December 2005, she decided to step down as Deputy Leader. She also chose not to run in the next Assembly elections.
Speaker of the Assembly
Eileen Bell played an important role in the Northern Ireland Assembly. She acted as the Speaker of the Assembly in 2006 and 2007. The Speaker is like a referee in a debate. They make sure meetings run smoothly. On 8 May 2006, she was officially appointed Speaker. She was later replaced by William Hay on the same day.
Life After Politics
After leaving politics, Eileen Bell focused on charity work. She became the Vice President and Legislative Advisor for Autism NI. This charity supports people with autism. She worked hard to help create an Autism Bill in Northern Ireland. This bill aimed to improve support for people with autism.
She also chaired the Downtown Women's Group. This group helped women get involved in politics. She remained a board member until the group closed in 2015.
Honours and Awards
In the 2008 New Year Honours, Eileen Bell received a special award. She was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). This honour recognizes her important contributions to public life.
