Menu
23/04/2010
Justice Minister To Quit Council Role
Prisons rather than matters of regional rates and community services will now fill the agenda for a long-serving Antrim councillor.
The newly installed NI Justice Minister, Alliance leader David Ford has confirmed that is to resign his Council seat to devote his energies to his new role.
He said that among the key issues in the Hillsborough agreement was a review of all prisons, and while Councillor Ford has said he will make good on his pledge to quit, he said it was a decision he took "with regret".
"I now believe that I should step down from Council to concentrate on my responsibilities in the Department of Justice. I do not believe that any Minister should also be a local councillor," he said.
"Back in 2001, I stepped down from the Council to concentrate on the Assembly.
"Sadly, the next year, the Assembly was suspended which was why I stood again for the Council in 2005 and was elected again with a further increased vote.
"I am happy that the Assembly is now in a much more stable position and contributing positively to life in Northern Ireland," he said.
Meanwhile, his pending review of the regime at Co Antrim's Maghaberry Prison has been announced.
Justice Minister David Ford said that he had advised the First Minister and Deputy First Minister that he intended "to initiate a rolling review".
The move came as Mr Ford outlined his priorities during his first meeting with the Assembly's Justice Committee.
Referring to the issues identified in the Hillsborough Agreement, which could be progressed by the Department of Justice, the Minister said: "Among the key issues referred to was a review of the conditions of detention, management and oversight of all prisons."
He said that the first part will review the sometimes controversial management of Maghaberry Prison.
(BMcC/GK)
The newly installed NI Justice Minister, Alliance leader David Ford has confirmed that is to resign his Council seat to devote his energies to his new role.
He said that among the key issues in the Hillsborough agreement was a review of all prisons, and while Councillor Ford has said he will make good on his pledge to quit, he said it was a decision he took "with regret".
"I now believe that I should step down from Council to concentrate on my responsibilities in the Department of Justice. I do not believe that any Minister should also be a local councillor," he said.
"Back in 2001, I stepped down from the Council to concentrate on the Assembly.
"Sadly, the next year, the Assembly was suspended which was why I stood again for the Council in 2005 and was elected again with a further increased vote.
"I am happy that the Assembly is now in a much more stable position and contributing positively to life in Northern Ireland," he said.
Meanwhile, his pending review of the regime at Co Antrim's Maghaberry Prison has been announced.
Justice Minister David Ford said that he had advised the First Minister and Deputy First Minister that he intended "to initiate a rolling review".
The move came as Mr Ford outlined his priorities during his first meeting with the Assembly's Justice Committee.
Referring to the issues identified in the Hillsborough Agreement, which could be progressed by the Department of Justice, the Minister said: "Among the key issues referred to was a review of the conditions of detention, management and oversight of all prisons."
He said that the first part will review the sometimes controversial management of Maghaberry Prison.
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 July 2011
Court Penalties Are 'Not Fine', Says Ford
The NI Justice Minister David Ford has today published for consultation proposals to tackle the problem of fine default. Motorists who refuse to pay their court fines could have their vehicles seized, clamped or have their licence endorsed under proposals put out to the public.
Court Penalties Are 'Not Fine', Says Ford
The NI Justice Minister David Ford has today published for consultation proposals to tackle the problem of fine default. Motorists who refuse to pay their court fines could have their vehicles seized, clamped or have their licence endorsed under proposals put out to the public.
18 July 2014
OTR Report 'First Step In Rebuilding Justice System'
Justice Minister David Ford has said the findings of a report on the so-called 'On the Run' letters are the first steps in rebuilding confidence in the justice system. Lady Justice Hallett has completed a review, ordered by Prime Minister David Cameron, on the so-called 'On the Run' letters.
OTR Report 'First Step In Rebuilding Justice System'
Justice Minister David Ford has said the findings of a report on the so-called 'On the Run' letters are the first steps in rebuilding confidence in the justice system. Lady Justice Hallett has completed a review, ordered by Prime Minister David Cameron, on the so-called 'On the Run' letters.
18 October 2021
New Church Officially Opens At Magilligan Prison
A new House of Worship has been officially opened at Magilligan Prison by Justice Minister Naomi Long.
New Church Officially Opens At Magilligan Prison
A new House of Worship has been officially opened at Magilligan Prison by Justice Minister Naomi Long.
21 June 2005
Forensic scientist to be called in to find 'disappeared'
Irish Justice Minister Michael McDowell has said that the Irish and British government's will bring in a forensic scientist to assist with a renewed effort to find the five undiscovered bodies of the disappeared.
Forensic scientist to be called in to find 'disappeared'
Irish Justice Minister Michael McDowell has said that the Irish and British government's will bring in a forensic scientist to assist with a renewed effort to find the five undiscovered bodies of the disappeared.
29 November 2004
Drive launched to clear roads of 'run-arounds'
Lord Mayor of Belfast Tom Ekin and Criminal Justice Minister John Spellar have joined forces to launch Operation Clean Up, a long-term initiative to remove hundreds of untaxed and so-called ‘run-around’ vehicles from the city’s streets.
Drive launched to clear roads of 'run-arounds'
Lord Mayor of Belfast Tom Ekin and Criminal Justice Minister John Spellar have joined forces to launch Operation Clean Up, a long-term initiative to remove hundreds of untaxed and so-called ‘run-around’ vehicles from the city’s streets.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
