Sammy Moves To Finance In Shake-Up

The DUP's Sammy Wilson will retain both a ministerial post and his Commons seat in a reshuffle designed to end double mandates held by DUP politicians.

Mr Wilson will replace party colleague Nigel Dodds at the Department of Finance and Personnel.

It is believed Mr Dodds will continue his political career at Westminster.

One-time Culture Minister Edwin Poots will take over Mr Wilson's seat at the Executive as Environment Minister.

Arlene Foster will remain at the Department of Enterprise, despite a much-mooted move to Finance.

North Belfast MLA Nelson McCausland will join the DUP cabinet team as Culture, Arts and Leisure Minister, replacing Derry MP Gregory Campbell.

East Belfast MLA Robin Newton will become another new face at the Executive as a Junior Minister - a post currently held by Lagan Valley MP Jeffrey Donaldson.

Party Leader Peter Robinson announced plans for a front line reshuffle following a disastrous performance at the European Elections.

The move was also prompted by an ongoing furore over so-called 'double-jobbing', where politicians stand in both Parliament and at the Assembly. Many MLAs and MPs also sit on local councils.

Mr Wilson will continue his work at Stormont and Westminster despite Mr Robinson's earlier pledge. Mr Wilson is also a Belfast city councillor.

"In keeping with our previously announced intention to phase out multiple mandates, all but one of my parliamentary colleagues will leave ministerial office," said Mr Robinson, the First Minister.

"New appointments will take effect after a period of briefing with outgoing ministers following the end of the Assembly term. I will announce new chairmanships before the end of this week," he added.

(PR/JM)