Outgoing ministers expresses disappointment at Edwin Poots' new ministerial team

By PA

Outgoing Stormont Economy Minister Diane Dodds has expressed disappointment in the new ministerial appointments announced by DUP leader Edwin Poots.

In a tweet, which has been retweeted by former DUP leader Arlene Foster and former leadership contender Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, Mrs Dodds described the make-up of the appointments as “regrettable”.

“It is regrettable however that the new team announced today does not match the rhetoric about healing and bringing the party together,” she tweeted.

It is regrettable however that the new team announced today does not match the rhetoric about healing and bringing the party together.

— Diane Dodds MLA (@DianeDoddsMLA) June 8, 2021

Paul Frew has been named as Northern Ireland’s new Economy Minister, replacing Diane Dodds.

Michelle McIlveen will be the new Education Minister, replacing Peter Weir.

DUP leader Mr Poots paid tribute to the two ministers who have been replaced.

Meanwhile, Peter Weir also took to social media to say he was disappointed to leave the role and also that there was "little sign of healing or reaching out". 

There are some great appointments but disappointed to leave education, and in the balance of appointments it is sad there is little sign of healing or reaching out

— Peter Weir (@peterweirmla) June 8, 2021

Edwin Poots was later asked about the negative reaction of outgoing economy minister Diane Dodds.

“I accept that Diane probably isn’t in the best place today,” he said.

“I have been in that circumstance twice before where I’ve been a minister and I’ve been asked to step aside for others. And therefore that is a natural reaction.”

However, Mr Poots said it was “inaccurate” to claim his team was only made up of his supporters.

“This team includes people who didn’t vote for me, who did vote for me and who didn’t declare their intentions,” he said.

Some of the other appointments include North Antrim MLA Mervyn Storey as chair of the Justice Committee and Jonathan Buckley will take up the role as chair of the Infrastructure Committee.

DUP deputy leader Paula Bradley has been appointed as chair of the Communities Committee.

Unionism can only grow if it is generous, inclusive and encourages as many pro-Union voters to the cause as possible. I will continue in my efforts to safeguard the Union and make Northern Ireland the best place to live, work and invest.

— Diane Dodds MLA (@DianeDoddsMLA) June 8, 2021

Mr Poots began his reshuffle of Stormont posts by announcing new chairs and vice-chairs of a number of committees.

Flanked by the new appointments and deputy party leader Paula Bradley, Mr Poots began the process of unveiling his new team in the Great Hall at Stormont.

The new team includes Christoper Stalford as principal deputy speaker and vice-chair of the Standards and Privileges Committee, Tom Buchanan as vice chair of Procedures, Keith Buchanan as vice chair of the Finance Committee and Gordon Lyons as vice chair of the Health Committee.

He also unveiled David Hilditch as vice chair of the Infrastructure Committee and William Irwin as vice chair of the Audit Committee. Pam Cameron will become chair of the Assembly and Executive Review Committee.