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02/04/2007
Party leaders meet to discuss new government
Northern Ireland’s party leaders have met today to discuss the sharing out of the ministrial portfolios for the government departments.
Leader of the Democratic Unionist Party Ian Paisley gets first choice under the d’Hondt formula, which uses assembly seats won by parties to calculate ministerial privileges.
Sinn Fein’s team, which will be led by John O’Dowd consists of Martin McGuinness, Conor Murphy, Michelle Gildernew, Caitriona Ruane and Gerry Kelly.
Former Belfast Lord Mayor Alex Maskey will take over from Mr Kelly as the party’s policing and justice spokesperson. The party will take education for the second time, as well as regional development and agriculture.
The DUP will be taking finance, economy, environment and learning. SDLP will take social development and the Ulster Unionists take health and employment and learning.
Meanwhile today the demolition of the Maze prison began with the destruction of the exterior prison wall.
The Minister responsible for the site, the Rt Hon David Hanson said there was added symbolism in today’s event because of the announcement last week of the new up-coming power-sharing government.
He said: “Last Monday a political wall came down, bringing with it a new start to life in Northern Ireland with a new assembly and power sharing Executive. Today we are taking down a physical wall that will open the way to an iconic development that will also be shared by all the people here.”
(JM/SP)
Leader of the Democratic Unionist Party Ian Paisley gets first choice under the d’Hondt formula, which uses assembly seats won by parties to calculate ministerial privileges.
Sinn Fein’s team, which will be led by John O’Dowd consists of Martin McGuinness, Conor Murphy, Michelle Gildernew, Caitriona Ruane and Gerry Kelly.
Former Belfast Lord Mayor Alex Maskey will take over from Mr Kelly as the party’s policing and justice spokesperson. The party will take education for the second time, as well as regional development and agriculture.
The DUP will be taking finance, economy, environment and learning. SDLP will take social development and the Ulster Unionists take health and employment and learning.
Meanwhile today the demolition of the Maze prison began with the destruction of the exterior prison wall.
The Minister responsible for the site, the Rt Hon David Hanson said there was added symbolism in today’s event because of the announcement last week of the new up-coming power-sharing government.
He said: “Last Monday a political wall came down, bringing with it a new start to life in Northern Ireland with a new assembly and power sharing Executive. Today we are taking down a physical wall that will open the way to an iconic development that will also be shared by all the people here.”
(JM/SP)
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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.
