11/12/2001

Northern Ireland Executive reshuffle expected

A reshuffle of the Northern Ireland Executive will be announced on Wednesday, ahead of the Christmas recess.

It has been widely predicted that SDLP minister for the Department of Employment and Learning Sean Farren will replace leader of the SDLP Mark Durkan as finance minister.

Mr Durkan, who was elected to the post of Deputy First Minister in November, will pass control of the finance department to another SDLP member, maintaining the cross-community make-up of ministers in the devolved administration.

The announcement of who is to replace Dr Farren as Minister for Employment and Learning will also be announced on Wednesday December 12.

Two SDLP assembly members are believed to be in the running to assume Dr Farren’s role. They are Carmel Hanna, South Belfast, and Joe Byrne, West Tyrone. (AMcE)

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