Ulster Unionist Party Leader Mike Nesbitt has welcomed Theresa Villiers as the new Secretary of State and paid warm tribute to her predecessor Owen Paterson.

Mr Nesbitt said: "In welcoming Theresa Villiers, I would like to pay tribute to Owen Paterson who was not only a hard-working Secretary of State but possibly the most diligent Shadow Secretary of State we have ever had. I hope his successor will show the same enthusiasm and commitment.

"I look forward to meeting Theresa Villiers but in the meantime urge her to clarify whether she will be supportive of the devolution of the powers to vary Corporation Tax to Northern Ireland as Owen Paterson was. I would also welcome an early indication that she will continue to prepare the ground for a new NI Act that will bring efficiency and effectiveness to Stormont."

(CD/GK)