10/03/2006

Bangor man retains Lib Dem Northern Ireland role

Lembit Öpik, MP for Montgomeryshire, has been reappointed as Liberal Democrat Spokesman on Northern Ireland and Wales by new party leader Sir Menzies Campbell.

Mr Öpik said: “I’m very pleased to retain the Northern Ireland job. “I have for some time believed we are in the end game of the peace process. It’s a highly technical area and Ming has rightly observed the importance of trusted relationships in this role.

“We both recognise the benefits of continuity and as a resuly Ming has offered me the chance to continue on the Northern Ireland brief.

“I look forward to carrying on work towards a lasting peace settlement in Northern Ireland.”

Originally from Bangor in County Down, Lembit Öpik has been Lib Dem spokesman on Northern Ireland since 1997.

As well as more mainstream political interests, he has become well known for his crusade to raise awareness about the threat of asteroid impact.

He has had some success in this area, successfully persuading the government to accept the recommendations of a report on Near Earth Objects.

(GB)

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