SDLP nominates justice minister
Tuesday February 09 2010
The SDLP has nominated MLA Alban Maginness for the post of Justice Minister - the first in the Executive's history.
Sinn Fein and the Democratic Unionist Party withheld their votes, which are expected to be decisive.
Talks over the post are expected to continue for some time ahead of next month's Assembly ballot.
The news comes days after an agreement over the transfer of policing and justice powers to the Assembly and the management of Orange Order parades was reached.
Mr Maginness, a former lawyer, represents the north Belfast constituency in Stormont.
SDLP leader Margaret Ritchie said she had agreed to participate in further talks with First Minister Peter Robinson and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness about the position. "We in the SDLP want policing and justice delivered as quickly as possible but there should not be any corruption of democracy in terms of the appointment," she said.
Alliance Party leader David Ford said he would not allow himself to be put forward until his party's demands were met.
"We need to see progress on building a shared future for the people of Northern Ireland and we need to see a group conversation for the Department of Justice which would ensure that it delivers for all of the people of Northern Ireland," he said.
He admitted there had been some "frostiness" at Tuesday's Stormont meeting but added Sinn Fein and the DUP were prepared to engage.
"Since last Friday there has been constructive and positive engagement, certainly through yesterday. There remains work to be done but the Alliance Party remains committed to doing that," he said.
