Menu
25/05/2016
Claire Sugden Named NI Justice Minister
Independent unionist MLA Claire Sugden is to be NI's new Justice Minister.
Ms Sugden will take over from Alliance leader David Ford, who turned down the post.
She said the decision to take justice ministry was the most difficult of her life, however she was up for the challenge.
SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood condemned the decision by Sinn Fein and the DUP.
Mr Eastwood said: "The decision taken today by Sinn Fein will have consequences that are far-reaching for the Nationalist community. Once again Martin McGuinness allowed the DUP to dictate that the position would not go to a Nationalist. Martin may well claim to be in control but today's events once again show that because of Sinn Fein's weakness the DUP call the shots.
"Sinn Fein have failed at the first hurdle to stand up for the cross community protections enshrined by D'Hondt. That alone should dictate the allocation of Justice Minister. But together with the DUP, Sinn Fein have allowed the corruption of this process – it happened once before and today we see it happening again. It is clear that under this Executive, this is a position for which no Nationalist need apply."
(CD)
Ms Sugden will take over from Alliance leader David Ford, who turned down the post.
She said the decision to take justice ministry was the most difficult of her life, however she was up for the challenge.
SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood condemned the decision by Sinn Fein and the DUP.
Mr Eastwood said: "The decision taken today by Sinn Fein will have consequences that are far-reaching for the Nationalist community. Once again Martin McGuinness allowed the DUP to dictate that the position would not go to a Nationalist. Martin may well claim to be in control but today's events once again show that because of Sinn Fein's weakness the DUP call the shots.
"Sinn Fein have failed at the first hurdle to stand up for the cross community protections enshrined by D'Hondt. That alone should dictate the allocation of Justice Minister. But together with the DUP, Sinn Fein have allowed the corruption of this process – it happened once before and today we see it happening again. It is clear that under this Executive, this is a position for which no Nationalist need apply."
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 July 2014
OTR Letters 'Not An Amnesty'
'On the Run' letters sent to wanted republican terrorist suspects did not amount to an amnesty, a judge has found. Lady Justice Hallett has completed a review, ordered by Prime Minister David Cameron, on the so-called 'On the Run' letters.
OTR Letters 'Not An Amnesty'
'On the Run' letters sent to wanted republican terrorist suspects did not amount to an amnesty, a judge has found. Lady Justice Hallett has completed a review, ordered by Prime Minister David Cameron, on the so-called 'On the Run' letters.
02 February 2010
DUP Mulls Over Justice Deal
DUP leader Peter Robinson is expected to seek unanimous support for a justice deal within his party. Mr Robinson met with the DUP Assembly group yesterday, amid mounting speculation an agreement between the unionist party and Sinn Fein was on the cusp of being signed. He made it clear last night some issues regarding parading remain outstanding.
DUP Mulls Over Justice Deal
DUP leader Peter Robinson is expected to seek unanimous support for a justice deal within his party. Mr Robinson met with the DUP Assembly group yesterday, amid mounting speculation an agreement between the unionist party and Sinn Fein was on the cusp of being signed. He made it clear last night some issues regarding parading remain outstanding.
01 February 2010
Justice 'Breakthrough' Speculation
The DUP and Sinn Fein are poised to sign off a deal on devolved policing and justice powers, according to reports. Stormont's two largest parties have sought agreement on the matter since the establishment of the current Assembly in 2007. Recent wrangling has threatened to destabilise the entire power-sharing government.
Justice 'Breakthrough' Speculation
The DUP and Sinn Fein are poised to sign off a deal on devolved policing and justice powers, according to reports. Stormont's two largest parties have sought agreement on the matter since the establishment of the current Assembly in 2007. Recent wrangling has threatened to destabilise the entire power-sharing government.
19 January 2010
UUP Slams Alliance 'Soul Selling'
Ulster Unionists would have "extreme reservations" about an Alliance Party Justice Minister at Stormont, a senior figure has warned. Basil McCrea (pictured) also accused the Alliance leadership of 'selling its soul' to secure the ministerial portfolio.
UUP Slams Alliance 'Soul Selling'
Ulster Unionists would have "extreme reservations" about an Alliance Party Justice Minister at Stormont, a senior figure has warned. Basil McCrea (pictured) also accused the Alliance leadership of 'selling its soul' to secure the ministerial portfolio.
18 January 2010
Justice Negotiations Continue
Acting First Minister Arlene Foster has dismissed claims the DUP entered policing and justice negotiations under duress. She quashed claims by Traditional Unionist Jim Allister (pictured) that the DUP effectively had a 'gun put its head' by Sinn Fein amid party turmoil and scandal.
Justice Negotiations Continue
Acting First Minister Arlene Foster has dismissed claims the DUP entered policing and justice negotiations under duress. She quashed claims by Traditional Unionist Jim Allister (pictured) that the DUP effectively had a 'gun put its head' by Sinn Fein amid party turmoil and scandal.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
