25/06/2009
DUP Announces Further Reshuffle
The DUP has conducted a further reshuffle of its front-line team at Stormont.
Three party MPs, who chair Assembly committees, have stood down.
Strangford parliamentarian Iris Robinson (pictured) will leave her controversial position chairing the Health and Social Services committee.
Mrs Robinson's suitability for the role was called into question when she previously suggested homosexuals could be "cured". She will be replaced by South Down MLA Jim Wells.
MP Willy McCrea will not longer chair the Agriculture Committee, paving the way for Ian Paisley Jr.
Upper Bann MP David Simpson will step aside from the Social Development committee chairmanship, allowing up-and-coming DUP politician Simon Hamilton to take his first high-profile posting.
Newtownards MLA Mr Hamilton was tipped for a junior ministry post, however the role - vacated by Jeffry Donaldson - went to Robin Newton.
Earlier this week it was announced that MPs Nigel Dodds and Gregory Campbell would leave the Executive after the summer recess.
They, along with fellow party MPs - who also sit at the Assembly - are progressively moving away from holding dual mandates, or "double-jobbing".
First Minister Peter Robinson and new Finance Minister Sammy Wilson will be the DUP's only MPs sitting in both Westminster and at the Stormont Executive table.
Mr Robinson said: "I indicated earlier in the week that I proposed to make further changes to the DUP postholders in the Assembly.
"I want to thank the outgoing committee chairs, William McCrea, Iris Robinson and David Simpson, for their work and efforts over the last year."
Several other DUP vice-chairs have been reshuffled, including a promotion for Michelle McIlveen, who will now deputise on Regional Development committee issues.
The Stormont committees are designed to hold Minister to account and scrutinise departmental policy and procedures.
Usually a ministerial department will have cross party representation, for example a unionist minister will be overseen by a nationalist committee chair.
See: Sammy Moves To Finance In Shake-Up
(PR/BMcC)
Three party MPs, who chair Assembly committees, have stood down.
Strangford parliamentarian Iris Robinson (pictured) will leave her controversial position chairing the Health and Social Services committee.
Mrs Robinson's suitability for the role was called into question when she previously suggested homosexuals could be "cured". She will be replaced by South Down MLA Jim Wells.
MP Willy McCrea will not longer chair the Agriculture Committee, paving the way for Ian Paisley Jr.
Upper Bann MP David Simpson will step aside from the Social Development committee chairmanship, allowing up-and-coming DUP politician Simon Hamilton to take his first high-profile posting.
Newtownards MLA Mr Hamilton was tipped for a junior ministry post, however the role - vacated by Jeffry Donaldson - went to Robin Newton.
Earlier this week it was announced that MPs Nigel Dodds and Gregory Campbell would leave the Executive after the summer recess.
They, along with fellow party MPs - who also sit at the Assembly - are progressively moving away from holding dual mandates, or "double-jobbing".
First Minister Peter Robinson and new Finance Minister Sammy Wilson will be the DUP's only MPs sitting in both Westminster and at the Stormont Executive table.
Mr Robinson said: "I indicated earlier in the week that I proposed to make further changes to the DUP postholders in the Assembly.
"I want to thank the outgoing committee chairs, William McCrea, Iris Robinson and David Simpson, for their work and efforts over the last year."
Several other DUP vice-chairs have been reshuffled, including a promotion for Michelle McIlveen, who will now deputise on Regional Development committee issues.
The Stormont committees are designed to hold Minister to account and scrutinise departmental policy and procedures.
Usually a ministerial department will have cross party representation, for example a unionist minister will be overseen by a nationalist committee chair.
See: Sammy Moves To Finance In Shake-Up
(PR/BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 August 2010
NAMA Applauded At Stormont
There has been high-level support expressed for the work of the Irish Republic's National Asset Management Agency, (NAMA) and its impact on NI finances.
NAMA Applauded At Stormont
There has been high-level support expressed for the work of the Irish Republic's National Asset Management Agency, (NAMA) and its impact on NI finances.
08 June 2006
Sinn Fein calls on government to unveil 'Plan B'
After three days of failed attempts to establish a chairperson for the Preparation for Government Committee, the appointment will now be placed in the hands of NI Secretary of State, Peter Hain.
Sinn Fein calls on government to unveil 'Plan B'
After three days of failed attempts to establish a chairperson for the Preparation for Government Committee, the appointment will now be placed in the hands of NI Secretary of State, Peter Hain.
05 June 2006
No agreement on vital Assembly committee chair
The first meeting of the Preparation for Government Committee ended at Stormont today without a decision being reached on who should chair proceedings. Representatives from each of the main parties showed up for the meeting, however they were unable to agree on a chairperson.
No agreement on vital Assembly committee chair
The first meeting of the Preparation for Government Committee ended at Stormont today without a decision being reached on who should chair proceedings. Representatives from each of the main parties showed up for the meeting, however they were unable to agree on a chairperson.
20 November 2024
DAERA Minister Confirms Commitment to Deposit Return Scheme
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has reaffirmed his commitment to introducing a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in Northern Ireland. The DRS is designed to encourage recycling by offering a monetary incentive for returning single-use drinks containers. The scheme will cover PET plastic, steel, and aluminium containers ranging from 150ml to 3 litres.
DAERA Minister Confirms Commitment to Deposit Return Scheme
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has reaffirmed his commitment to introducing a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in Northern Ireland. The DRS is designed to encourage recycling by offering a monetary incentive for returning single-use drinks containers. The scheme will cover PET plastic, steel, and aluminium containers ranging from 150ml to 3 litres.
19 November 2024
Minister Announces Funding For Winter Road Maintenance
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has announced additional funding to improve road safety during the winter months and address waste-water infrastructure challenges.
Minister Announces Funding For Winter Road Maintenance
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has announced additional funding to improve road safety during the winter months and address waste-water infrastructure challenges.