Nomination of Ministers (Designate)

– in the Northern Ireland Assembly at 5:30 pm on 29 November 1999.

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Photo of Lord John Alderdice Lord John Alderdice Initial Presiding Officer 5:30, 29 November 1999

I have some advice for Members before we proceed directly to running d’Hondt. Once this procedure is commenced, it will not be interrupted except by leave of the Assembly or under the terms of Standing Order 22 whereby a nominating officer may make request for a 15-minute suspension in order to consult before making his nomination. I remind Members that, as required by Initial Standing Orders, I have, by reference to the party affiliations as indicated by Members when taking their seats, published a consolidated list of political parties represented in the Assembly, the Assembly Members belonging to each political party and the nominating officer for each party.

At the sitting of the Assembly on 16 February 1999 a joint proposal from the First Minister (Designate) and the Deputy First Minister (Designate) relating to the number of ministerial offices to be held by Northern Ireland Ministers and the functions exercisable by the holder of each such office after the appointed day was agreed with cross-community support. I am now required by Initial Standing Orders to conduct the allocation of ministerial offices (designate) in accordance with the procedures set out in Initial Standing Orders.

Before commencing, I wish to remind Members again of the requirements set out in Initial Standing Orders. I shall ask the nominating officer from each political party, in the order required by the formula contained in the Initial Standing Orders, to select an available ministerial office (designate) and to nominate a person to hold it who is a member of his party and of the Assembly. Should a nominating officer require further time to consider a selection or nomination, it is open to me to permit a brief suspension of 15 minutes. However, I should point out that if no such request is made, or if the nominating officer does not make the selection or the nomination required within a maximum period of five minutes, or if the nominee does not agree to take up the selected ministerial office (designate) within the period of five minutes, in accordance with the Initial Standing Orders, I will ask the next nominating officer in line, according to the required formula, to select and to nominate. Under the terms of the Initial Standing Orders, the First Minister (Designate) and the Deputy First Minister (Designate) may be nominated themselves to hold a ministerial office (designate).

The last time we tried this procedure Members responded spontaneously with applause after each successful nominations. I suggest that today we hold back any expressions of emotion, positive or otherwise, and if at the end of the procedure the leaders of parties wish to make a brief comment, they may do so then. That is in order that expressions of emotion during the process can be restrained.

Photo of Ian Paisley Ian Paisley Leader of the Democratic Unionist Party

I understand from certain Members that the amplifiers in some parts of this building were not on during the call for the first vote. I would like you to enquire into that.

Photo of Lord John Alderdice Lord John Alderdice Initial Presiding Officer

I certainly will make enquiries.

I call on Mr Trimble, as the nominating officer of the political party for which the formula laid down in the Standing Orders gives the highest figure, to select a ministerial office (designate) and nominate a person to hold it who is a member of the Ulster Unionist Party and of the Assembly.

Photo of Rt Hon David Trimble Rt Hon David Trimble First Minister of Northern Ireland, Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party

I select the Enterprise, Trade and Investment portfolio, and I wish to nominate Sir Reg Empey.

Photo of Lord John Alderdice Lord John Alderdice Initial Presiding Officer

Will Sir Reg Empey confirm that he is willing to take up office?

Photo of Lord John Alderdice Lord John Alderdice Initial Presiding Officer

I ask you to make the affirmation required.

Photo of Reg Empey Reg Empey UUP

I affirm the Pledge of Office as set out in schedule 4 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

Photo of Lord John Alderdice Lord John Alderdice Initial Presiding Officer

Sir Reg Empey is now the Minister (Designate) of Enterprise, Trade and Investment.

I call on Mr Hume, as the nominating officer of the political party for which the formula laid down in Standing Orders gives the next highest figure, to select the ministerial portfolio and to nominate a person to hold it who is a member of the Social Democratic and Labour Party and of the Assembly.

Photo of Mr John Hume Mr John Hume Social Democratic and Labour Party

I select Finance and Personnel and nominate Mr Mark Durkan.

Photo of Lord John Alderdice Lord John Alderdice Initial Presiding Officer

Will Mr Durkan confirm that he is willing to take up office?

Photo of Mark Durkan Mark Durkan Social Democratic and Labour Party

I affirm the Pledge of Office as set out in schedule 4 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

Photo of Lord John Alderdice Lord John Alderdice Initial Presiding Officer

Mr Mark Durkan is now the Minister (Designate) of Finance and Personnel.

I call on Dr Paisley, as nominating officer of the political party for which the formula laid down in Standing Orders gives the next highest figure, to select a ministerial portfolio and to nominate a person to hold it who is a member of the Democratic Unionist Party and of the Assembly.

Photo of Ian Paisley Ian Paisley Leader of the Democratic Unionist Party

I select the Regional Development portfolio and nominate Mr Peter Robinson MP to hold it.

Photo of Lord John Alderdice Lord John Alderdice Initial Presiding Officer

Will Mr Peter Robinson confirm that he is willing to take up office?

Photo of Peter Robinson Peter Robinson DUP

May I very briefly set the context which allows me to respond positively to your enquiry about my willingness to take office. Everyone here knows that I am one of the sternest opponents of the Belfast Agreement. I have consistently maintained that the purpose and the objective of the agreement is to have Northern Ireland absorbed into a united Ireland through developing all-Ireland institutions. I still believe that to be the process underlying it. Whether a Member or a Minister, as a convinced Unionist I shall use every ounce of the influence I possess to frustrate and thwart Northern Ireland’s being conveyed into a united Ireland.

My position, in relation to both the release of paramilitary prisoners and the destruction of the RUC through the apparatus devised by the Belfast Agreement, is on public record and is unchanged. Moreover, it remains for me a fundamental principle that only those who are committed to exclusively peaceful and democratic means are suitable partners in government. The call of my conscience and the commitments I have given to the people of Northern Ireland are unalterable. I oppose terrorism in all its forms and of every shade. Whether it be the murder of a friend or that of an odious adversary, I oppose it without qualification and without any mental reservation.

As far as my conduct as a prospective Minister may be an issue, I want to place firmly on the record my intention and disposition to be scrupulously fair in every respect, while exercising such responsibilities as may be in my charge. The religious conviction or political opinion of any person or group will form no part of the judgement I will make on any matter. I shall work for everyone in this community seeking for them a better deal. I consider myself to be the servant of all and master of none.

I accept the nomination and affirm the Pledge of Office as set out in schedule 4 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

Photo of Lord John Alderdice Lord John Alderdice Initial Presiding Officer 5:45, 29 November 1999

Mr Peter Robinson is now Minister (Designate) for Regional Development.

I call on Mr Gerry Adams, as nominating officer of the political party for which the formula laid down in Standing Orders gives the next highest figure, to select a ministerial portfolio and to nominate a person to hold it who is a member of Sinn Féin and of the Assembly.

Photo of Gerry Adams Gerry Adams Sinn Féin

Ainmním Máirtín MacAonghusa mar Aire Oideachais. I nominate Mr Martin McGuinness as Minister of Education.

Photo of Lord John Alderdice Lord John Alderdice Initial Presiding Officer

Will Mr Martin McGuinness confirm that he is willing to take up Office? [Interruption]

Order. Let me make it quite clear that if there is disorder in the Galleries they will be cleared. Any points of order that are necessary will be taken at the end of this procedure. It will not be interrupted.

Photo of Mr Cedric Wilson Mr Cedric Wilson NIUP

I cannot sit through this obscenity. I am leaving.

Photo of Lord John Alderdice Lord John Alderdice Initial Presiding Officer

Order. Will Mr McGuinness confirm that he is willing to take up office?

Photo of Martin McGuinness Martin McGuinness Sinn Féin

Tá. Cinntím sin agus glacaim leis an ghealltanas. I affirm the Pledge of Office as set out in schedule 4 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

Photo of Lord John Alderdice Lord John Alderdice Initial Presiding Officer

I declare that Mr Martin McGuinness is now Minister (Designate) of Education.

I call on Mr Trimble, as nominating officer of the political party for which the formula laid down in Standing Orders gives the next highest figure, to select a ministerial portfolio and to nominate a person to hold it who is a member of the Ulster Unionist Party and of the Assembly.

Photo of Rt Hon David Trimble Rt Hon David Trimble First Minister of Northern Ireland, Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party

I select the Department of the Environment, and I nominate Mr Sam Foster.

Photo of Lord John Alderdice Lord John Alderdice Initial Presiding Officer

Will Mr Foster confirm that he is willing to take up office?

Photo of Mr Sam Foster Mr Sam Foster UUP

I accept the nomination under the Pledge of Office of schedule 4 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

Photo of Lord John Alderdice Lord John Alderdice Initial Presiding Officer

May I ask you to repeat the words

"I affirm the Pledge of Office as set out ...".

Photo of Mr Sam Foster Mr Sam Foster UUP

I affirm the Pledge of Office as set out under schedule 4 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

Photo of Lord John Alderdice Lord John Alderdice Initial Presiding Officer

Mr Sam Foster is now Minister (Designate) of the Environment.

I call Mr John Hume, as nominating officer of the political party for which the formula laid down in Standing Orders gives the next highest figure, to select a ministerial portfolio and to nominate a person to hold it who is a member of the Social Democratic and Labour Party and of the Assembly.

Photo of Mr John Hume Mr John Hume Social Democratic and Labour Party

Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment — Mr Sean Farren.

Photo of Lord John Alderdice Lord John Alderdice Initial Presiding Officer

Will Mr Farren confirm that he is willing to take up the office?

Photo of Sean Farren Sean Farren Social Democratic and Labour Party

Glacaim leis an Oifig agus deimhním Gealltanas na hOifige mar atá leagtha amach i sceideal 4 d’Acht Thuaisceart Éireann 1998. I affirm the Pledge of Office as laid out in schedule 4 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

Photo of Lord John Alderdice Lord John Alderdice Initial Presiding Officer

Mr Sean Farren is now Minister (Designate) of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment.

I call on Rev Dr Paisley, as the nominating officer of the political party for which the formula laid down in Standing Orders gives the next highest figure, to select the ministerial portfolio and to nominate a person to hold it who is a member of the Democratic Unionist Party and of the Assembly.

Photo of Ian Paisley Ian Paisley Leader of the Democratic Unionist Party

I ask for a break of 15 minutes, as permitted.

The sitting was suspended at 5.49 pm and resumed at 6.04 pm.

Photo of Lord John Alderdice Lord John Alderdice Initial Presiding Officer

Dr Paisley, will you select a portfolio and nominate a Minister?

Photo of Ian Paisley Ian Paisley Leader of the Democratic Unionist Party

I select the Social Development portfolio and nominate Nigel Dodds.

Photo of Lord John Alderdice Lord John Alderdice Initial Presiding Officer

Will Mr Nigel Dodds confirm that he is willing to take up office?

Photo of Nigel Dodds Nigel Dodds DUP

I refer to the statement that was made a few moments ago by my Colleague Mr Peter Robinson, the Member for East Belfast, the Minister (Designate) for Regional Development. I subscribe totally and fully to that statement, and, having done so, I accept the nomination and affirm the Pledge of Office as set out in schedule 4 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

Photo of Lord John Alderdice Lord John Alderdice Initial Presiding Officer

Mr Nigel Dodds is now Minister (Designate) for Social Development.

I call on Mr Trimble, as nominating officer of the political party for which the formula laid down in Standing Orders gives the next highest figure, to select a ministerial portfolio and to nominate a person to hold it who is a member of the Ulster Unionist Party and of the Assembly.

Photo of Lord John Alderdice Lord John Alderdice Initial Presiding Officer

Will Mr McGimpsey confirm that he is willing to take office?

Photo of Michael McGimpsey Michael McGimpsey UUP

I confirm that I am willing to take office, and I affirm the Pledge of Office as set out in schedule 4 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

Photo of Lord John Alderdice Lord John Alderdice Initial Presiding Officer

Mr Michael McGimpsey is now appointed Minister (Designate) of Culture, Arts and Leisure.

I call on Mr Adams, as nominating officer of the political party for which the formula laid down in Standing Orders gives the next highest figure, to select a ministerial portfolio and to nominate a person to hold it who is a member of Sinn Féin and of the Assembly.

Photo of Gerry Adams Gerry Adams Sinn Féin

I would like a brief suspension please.

Photo of Gerry Adams Gerry Adams Sinn Féin

I have been amazingly tolerant of the latchcos in the Gallery.

I thought Mr McCartney was going to leave. [Interruption]

Photo of Gerry Adams Gerry Adams Sinn Féin

I am quite prepared to continue to be tolerant, but I look to the Chair to ensure that I am able to speak without that nonsense.

I would like the brief suspension to which we are entitled.

The sitting was suspended at 6.07 pm and resumed at 6.22 pm.

Photo of Lord John Alderdice Lord John Alderdice Initial Presiding Officer

Mr Adams, will you select a portfolio and nominate a Member to hold it?

Photo of Gerry Adams Gerry Adams Sinn Féin

Ainmním Bairbre de Brún mar Aire Sláinte, Seirbhísí Sóisialta agus Sábháilteachta Pobail. I nominate Bairbre de Brún as Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety.

Photo of Lord John Alderdice Lord John Alderdice Initial Presiding Officer

Will Bairbre de Brún confirm that she is willing to take up office?

Photo of Bairbre de Brún Bairbre de Brún Sinn Féin

Cinntím sin agus dearbhaím Gealltanais na hOifige mar atá siad leagtha amach i sceideal 4 d’Acht Thuaisceart na hÉireann 1998. I affirm the Pledge of Office set out in schedule 4 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

Photo of Lord John Alderdice Lord John Alderdice Initial Presiding Officer

Ms Bairbre de Brún is now Minister (Designate) for Health, Social Services and Public Safety.

I call on Mr Hume, as nominating officer of the political party for which the formula laid down in Standing Orders gives the next highest figure, to select the remaining ministerial portfolio and to nominate a person to hold it who is a member of the Social Democratic and Labour Party and of the Assembly.

Photo of Lord John Alderdice Lord John Alderdice Initial Presiding Officer

Will Ms Rodgers confirm that she is willing to take up office?

Photo of Ms Brid Rodgers Ms Brid Rodgers Social Democratic and Labour Party

Glacaim leis an Oifig agus deimhním Gealltanas na hOifige mar atá sé leagtha amach i sceideal 4 d’Acht Thuaisceart na hÉireann 1998. I accept the office, and I affirm the Pledge of Office as set out in schedule 4 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

Photo of Lord John Alderdice Lord John Alderdice Initial Presiding Officer

Ms Rodgers is Minister (Designate) of Agriculture and Rural Development.

That concludes the process for the appointment of Ministers (Designate). I said that if party leaders were keen to speak at this point I would allow a little time for that. However, as there have been no requests to speak I shall proceed.

At this point we could suspend the sitting until tomorrow.

Photo of Mr John Tierney Mr John Tierney Social Democratic and Labour Party

Mr Presiding Officer, you said that we could applaud at the end of this procedure. [Applause]

Photo of Lord John Alderdice Lord John Alderdice Initial Presiding Officer

I call Members to order after that display of exuberance. We could suspend the sitting until tomorrow, as agreed by the Committee to Advise the Presiding Officer. However, we have made such progress with the business that it has been suggested that we proceed this evening to the nomination of Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen. That might be advantageous. As we have been working all afternoon I shall suspend the sitting for one hour so that Members may have some sustenance.

Immediately upon suspension I shall want to have a meeting with all the Chief Whips in Room 21 to ensure that we have agreement among the parties to move to the next stage, which is the nomination of Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen. We will resume in one hour’s time, and if there is not agreement I shall inform the House.

Photo of Ian Paisley Ian Paisley Leader of the Democratic Unionist Party

On a point of order, Mr Initial Presiding Officer. There will be a debate in the House of Commons tomorrow on what we are doing here today. It is right that Members of Parliament who are also Members of this House should have an opportunity to attend the Commons to defend their actions here. The programme suggested that we would sit through the night, but as it is still early the Assembly should go ahead with the other nominations. We have time tonight, and we should use it to deal at least with the question of the Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen, which will not take up very much time. I wish to put that on the record for the Whips.

Photo of Lord John Alderdice Lord John Alderdice Initial Presiding Officer

Knowing your Whip, I have no doubt that he will convey that very robustly at the meeting which will take place immediately while other Members start dinner.

The sitting was suspended at 6.28 pm.

On resuming —