Menu
13/05/2010
Attwood Takes Over Social Development
Housing is a priority for the new man in charge of social development at Stormont.
SDLP MLA Alex Attwood is to replace his party leader, Margaret Ritchie as NI Social Development Minister.
Alex Attwood said: "I am very grateful for this opportunity and honoured to accept this position on behalf of the SDLP.
"I intend to build upon Margaret (Ritchie')s legacy in the Department and - representing an area of high deprivation - I know exactly the amount of work there is still to do.
"Fair access to housing was one of the major civil rights issues that led to the formation of the SDLP.
"Margaret Ritchie has led the way in delivering her New Housing Agenda."
He continued: "I fully intend to continue her work and will do everything possible to secure the resources needed to deliver the SDLP Housing Vision – A Decent Home for Everyone."
Meanwhile, the newly elected MP, Margaret Ritchie said: "I made a commitment that if nominated, selected and elected for South Down I would stand down as Minister for Social Development," said Ms Ritchie.
"Alex Attwood will therefore take my place at the Executive table as the SDLP's new Minister.
"I wish Alex all the best in his new role. His political pedigree is first class and I have no doubt he will prove a talented and able Minister."
(NS/BMcC)
SDLP MLA Alex Attwood is to replace his party leader, Margaret Ritchie as NI Social Development Minister.
Alex Attwood said: "I am very grateful for this opportunity and honoured to accept this position on behalf of the SDLP.
"I intend to build upon Margaret (Ritchie')s legacy in the Department and - representing an area of high deprivation - I know exactly the amount of work there is still to do.
"Fair access to housing was one of the major civil rights issues that led to the formation of the SDLP.
"Margaret Ritchie has led the way in delivering her New Housing Agenda."
He continued: "I fully intend to continue her work and will do everything possible to secure the resources needed to deliver the SDLP Housing Vision – A Decent Home for Everyone."
Meanwhile, the newly elected MP, Margaret Ritchie said: "I made a commitment that if nominated, selected and elected for South Down I would stand down as Minister for Social Development," said Ms Ritchie.
"Alex Attwood will therefore take my place at the Executive table as the SDLP's new Minister.
"I wish Alex all the best in his new role. His political pedigree is first class and I have no doubt he will prove a talented and able Minister."
(NS/BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 August 2010
SF Opposes Ritchie Calls For Police Primacy
Sinn Fein have condemned a nationalist call for the PSNI to again run secret anti-terror operations instead of members of MI5.
SF Opposes Ritchie Calls For Police Primacy
Sinn Fein have condemned a nationalist call for the PSNI to again run secret anti-terror operations instead of members of MI5.
27 May 2014
40 Jobs Announced Through Crossgar Supermarket
40 jobs are expected to be created through the construction of a new SuperValu store in Crossgar, County Down. The 6,000sq ft store and filling station is due to open in September on the Belfast Road. SDLP South Down MP Margaret Ritchie said: "This is very welcome news and I congratulate the owner in partnership with SuperValu for this development.
40 Jobs Announced Through Crossgar Supermarket
40 jobs are expected to be created through the construction of a new SuperValu store in Crossgar, County Down. The 6,000sq ft store and filling station is due to open in September on the Belfast Road. SDLP South Down MP Margaret Ritchie said: "This is very welcome news and I congratulate the owner in partnership with SuperValu for this development.
17 August 2010
SDLP Leader Slammed For MI5 Comments
There has been an angry response to yesterday's call to give the PSNI back its former lead role in intelligence gathering. Speaking after SDLP leader Margaret Ritchie claimed that MI5 should hand over dissident republican intelligence to the PSNI as it had failed to prevent terror attacks across NI.
SDLP Leader Slammed For MI5 Comments
There has been an angry response to yesterday's call to give the PSNI back its former lead role in intelligence gathering. Speaking after SDLP leader Margaret Ritchie claimed that MI5 should hand over dissident republican intelligence to the PSNI as it had failed to prevent terror attacks across NI.
25 May 2010
SDLP Unity 'U-Turn' Sees MLA Shunned
There's embarrassment today after a leading north Antrim SDLP politician was forced to withdraw a call for nationalist unity - before being shunned by his own party this afternoon.
SDLP Unity 'U-Turn' Sees MLA Shunned
There's embarrassment today after a leading north Antrim SDLP politician was forced to withdraw a call for nationalist unity - before being shunned by his own party this afternoon.
30 April 2009
High Court Rules Loyalist Funding Cut 'Error'
A decision by NI Executive Minister, Margaret Ritchie, to axe funding for loyalists has been slapped down by the High Court.
High Court Rules Loyalist Funding Cut 'Error'
A decision by NI Executive Minister, Margaret Ritchie, to axe funding for loyalists has been slapped down by the High Court.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and 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.
