Stormont: ministers appointed to the new Assembly Executive

Robin Swann returns to the Department of Health

Stormont Assembly meets for the first time in two years
Author: Nigel GouldPublished 3rd Feb 2024

The Northern Ireland Assembly had to be adjourned on its historic first day of return - during the nomination of ministers.

Two ministers had been appointed - Sinn Fein MLA Conor Murphy as Economy Minister and DUP MLA Paul Givan as Education Minister.

Sinn Fein then requested an adjournment before making their next appointment

It is understood there had been an expectation that the DUP would select the Department of Finance as their first choice of ministry.

Elsewhere, Sinn Fein nominated Caoimhe Archibald as Minister for Finance before the DUP nominated Gordon Lyons as Minister for Communities.

The UUP nominated Robin Swann to return as Health Minister.

Sinn Fein then nominated John O'Dowd as Minister for Infrastructure, and the Alliance Party nominated Andrew Muir as Minister for Agriculture, the Environment and Rural Affairs.

Alliance leader Naomi Long was appointed as Justice Minister for Northern Ireland.

The final ministers to be announced at the Northern Ireland Assembly were Aisling Reilly (Sinn Fein) and Pam Cameron (DUP), who will serve as junior ministers in the Executive Office.

Meanwhile SDLP MLA Matthew O'Toole will be leader of the Opposition.