Menu
26/02/2008
Donaldson Made Junior Minister
A relative 'new boy' to the Democratic Unionist Party, Co Down MP Jeffrey Donaldson has been sworn in as Northern Ireland's new Junior Minister.
A former Ulster Unionist, Mr Donaldson, who is the Lagan Valley MP, defected to the DUP in 2004 after a high-profile fall-out with his then party leader, David (now Lord Trimble).
The former UDR soldier is currently a member of the Northern Ireland Policing Board and a Privy Councillor at Westminster.
He replaces party colleague Ian Paisley Jnr, who formally resigned last week after criticism over links to developer Seymour Sweeney and controversy over lobbying activity. Mr Paisley denied any wrongdoing.
Mr Donaldson was sworn in by assembly speaker William Hay and will serve alongside First Minister Ian Paisley.
"The new executive faces many challenges and I look forward to working with executive colleagues in delivering a peaceful, prosperous and fair society for all the people of Northern Ireland," Mr Donaldson said.
Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams said Mr Paisley Jnr and his father played a "very key role" in the work to restore the political institutions, but said he left with many questions still unanswered.
"Sinn Fein will be seeking to end the practice whereby members can use public monies to rent properties from family members and other practices like this," he said.
Alliance leader David Ford said: "I too would wish to recognise that in the manner of his resignation statement Mr Paisley has redeemed a little of what went before.
"There are clearly many issues that will now need to be addressed."
A former Ulster Unionist, Mr Donaldson, who is the Lagan Valley MP, defected to the DUP in 2004 after a high-profile fall-out with his then party leader, David (now Lord Trimble).
The former UDR soldier is currently a member of the Northern Ireland Policing Board and a Privy Councillor at Westminster.
He replaces party colleague Ian Paisley Jnr, who formally resigned last week after criticism over links to developer Seymour Sweeney and controversy over lobbying activity. Mr Paisley denied any wrongdoing.
Mr Donaldson was sworn in by assembly speaker William Hay and will serve alongside First Minister Ian Paisley.
"The new executive faces many challenges and I look forward to working with executive colleagues in delivering a peaceful, prosperous and fair society for all the people of Northern Ireland," Mr Donaldson said.
Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams said Mr Paisley Jnr and his father played a "very key role" in the work to restore the political institutions, but said he left with many questions still unanswered.
"Sinn Fein will be seeking to end the practice whereby members can use public monies to rent properties from family members and other practices like this," he said.
Alliance leader David Ford said: "I too would wish to recognise that in the manner of his resignation statement Mr Paisley has redeemed a little of what went before.
"There are clearly many issues that will now need to be addressed."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 April 2024
Justice Minister Welcomes Report On Domestic Abuse Review
Justice Minister, Naomi Long, has welcomed the findings of an independent review of domestic abuse legislation aimed at holding perpetrators to account.
Justice Minister Welcomes Report On Domestic Abuse Review
Justice Minister, Naomi Long, has welcomed the findings of an independent review of domestic abuse legislation aimed at holding perpetrators to account.
18 April 2024
Other News In Brief
SDLP Criticise SF And Alliance For Backing DUP Amendment The SDLP have accused Sinn Féin and the Alliance Party of allowing the DUP to "delay action on poverty". Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole made the accusation, after the Executive parties backed a DUP amendment to the SDLP's Opposition Day proposal to remove the two-child limit.
Other News In Brief
SDLP Criticise SF And Alliance For Backing DUP Amendment The SDLP have accused Sinn Féin and the Alliance Party of allowing the DUP to "delay action on poverty". Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole made the accusation, after the Executive parties backed a DUP amendment to the SDLP's Opposition Day proposal to remove the two-child limit.
21 February 2024
Irish Govt Commits To Invest €800m In Northern Ireland
The announcement of an €800 million (£685m) investment in Northern Ireland by the Irish Government has been welcomed as a "significant contribution" by Finance Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA.
Irish Govt Commits To Invest €800m In Northern Ireland
The announcement of an €800 million (£685m) investment in Northern Ireland by the Irish Government has been welcomed as a "significant contribution" by Finance Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA.
08 February 2024
Online Business Ideas Gaining Traction In Northern Ireland
Are you looking for a new business venture that can be operated from the comfort of your own home? The rise of the internet has provided countless opportunities to start an online business and reach customers from all over the world.
Online Business Ideas Gaining Traction In Northern Ireland
Are you looking for a new business venture that can be operated from the comfort of your own home? The rise of the internet has provided countless opportunities to start an online business and reach customers from all over the world.
29 January 2024
The Ultimate Guide To Bingo Halls In Northern Ireland
Bingo, a game that has been a staple in Northern Ireland's entertainment scene for decades, continues to capture the hearts of enthusiasts across the region. In recent years, there has been a notable rise in bingo hall attendances, and some attribute this surge to the growing popularity and accessibility of bingo sites.
The Ultimate Guide To Bingo Halls In Northern Ireland
Bingo, a game that has been a staple in Northern Ireland's entertainment scene for decades, continues to capture the hearts of enthusiasts across the region. In recent years, there has been a notable rise in bingo hall attendances, and some attribute this surge to the growing popularity and accessibility of bingo sites.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A few fog patches at first, soon clearing to leave a dry day with some patchy cloud and good sunny spells. Light and variable winds. Feeling mild in sunny spells. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:Dry and quite chilly overnight under prolonged clear spells and light winds. This will allow a few fog patches to develop in places. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
