Stormont Executive Ministers Named

The Stormont parties have named their ministerial teams for the new Executive.

The DUP's Arlene Foster has once again been named as Enterprise Minister, having previously held the post during the last assembly term and Sammy Wilson also returns to the role of Finance Minister. However, the DUP has said that party colleague, Simon Hamilton, will replace him in two years

A political hot potato has been handed to the DUP's Edwin Poots as he has today been named as Health Minister.

He was first in charge of the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure and then the Department of the Environment, in the last administration.

But, after two years, he will also be replaced by former Health Committee, Chairman, Jim Wells.

Another DUP stalwart, Nelson McCausland, who has previously served as Culture Minister, will head up the Department of Social Development.

Meanwhile, Sinn Fein's John O'Dowd takes on the post of Minister for Education, Michelle O'Neill, Minister for Agriculture and Caral Ni Chuilin, Culture.

Martina Anderson will be Junior Minister in the First and Deputy First Minister's Office (OFMDFM) - replacing North Belfast MLA, Gerry Kelly.

In other appointments, the Ulster Unionists' Danny Kennedy will be Minister for Regional Development, Alex Attwood, SDLP, is the new Environment Minister and Dr Stephen Farry of the Alliance Party, will be the new Minister for Employment and Learning.

In other news, the DUP's Paul Givan is set to become Chairman of the Department of Justice and Mervyn Storey will chair education, with Paul Frew (Agriculture) and Jimmy Spratt also named as chairmen.

Commenting today, DUP Leader and First Minister, Peter Robinson said: "While I will make changes during this Assembly term I have decided to keep together the existing Ministers for the early years," he said, explaining that he had asked the party officers to make a "one time-limited exception to the rule that Parliamentary representatives should not be given Assembly posts".

He said they agreed and that Sammy Wilson will therefore - for a further two-year period - remain as a minister while still being a Westminster MP.

"I consider it essential to have continuity in this portfolio at this crucial time but to ensure a seamless handover I have asked Simon Hamilton to act as an Assembly Private Secretary in Finance as he will take over from Sam in two years time."

He also noted: "All other posts will be reviewed at the mid-point of the term (it is likely to be a five-year term) and in only one other Department am I naming a successor Minister.

"In DHSSPS I have asked Edwin Poots to take on Ministerial responsibility and at the mid-point of the Assembly term Jim Wells shall be appointed Minister.

"In the meantime Jim will hold the Deputy Chairmanship of the Health Committee," he said.

"As no councillor should hold Ministerial office my colleague, Robin Newton considered his priority was to stand for council instead of holding a Ministerial post.

"He topped the poll in the council election and as a consequence Jonathan Bell will join my team in OFMDFM as Junior Minister," Mr Robinson concluded.

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams also commented today as he announced the party's appointments to the Stormont Executive. The party leader thanked all the outgoing Sinn Fein Ministers and wished the new team well, led again by Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness.

Justice Served

Also announced today is news that a cross-community vote in the Assembly saw David Ford re-elected as Justice Minister David Ford.

Alliance Leader, Mr Ford said: "It is a great privilege to be re-elected Justice Minister by this new Assembly. During my first year in office, I commissioned detailed work into all aspects of the justice system.

"Now I have been given the opportunity to follow through on that initial work and to deliver the reforms necessary for a justice system to meet the needs of Northern Ireland."

For example, David Ford is expected to receive Jim Daniell's report on Access to Justice and the final report from the Prison Review team led by Dame Anne Owers on fundamental reforms to the prison service in the next few months.

"No-one should underestimate the size of the challenge ahead. Reforming, streamlining and speeding up a justice system which for generations worked in isolation will take time," he said.

(BMcC/GK)