Rural Network NI Welcomes New Ministers Into Post

16/05/2011

The Rural Network NI has welcomed the announcements of new ministerial appointments to the NI Assembly.

Speaking about the announcements, Martin McDonald, Rural Network NI, said, "We look forward to working with the newly appointed ministers, especially Minister Michelle O'Neill, MLA who has been appointed as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development."

"We are keen to work with Minister O'Neill and her Department to ensure the continued implementation of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme and the Department's overall rural strategy and policy. "

In addition to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, other Ministerial appointments were confirmed.  

The DUPs Edwin Poots will be health minister, Sammy Wilson will lead finance, Arlene Foster will be enterprise minister and Nelson McCausland social development minister.

In addition to Michelle O'Neill, Sinn Fein's John O'Dowd takes on education, and Caral Ni Chuilin, takes the culture portfolio.

Alex Attwood, SDLP, is the new environment minister.

Ulster Unionist Danny Kennedy will be minister for regional development.

Stephen Farry, Alliance Party, is the new minister for employment and learning and his party leader David Ford remains as justice minister.

Jonathon Bell, DUP, and Martina Anderson, Sinn Fein, are the two new junior ministers.

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