Hazzard given ministerial job

Hazzard given ministerial job

25 May 2016

SINN Fein’s South Down MLA Chris Hazzard will later this afternoon be formally handed a ministerial post in the new Northern Ireland Executive.

Mr Hazzard has been nominated for a ministerial position alongside party colleagues Máirtín Ó Muilleoir, Michelle O’Neill and Megan Fearon, but it is not yet known what portfolio he will be responsible for. His nomination as one of Stormont’s new ministers was confirmed yesterday by Martin McGuinness who will be reappointed Deputy First Minister.

Mr Hazzard (31), who was co-opted to the Assembly in 2012 and almost topped the poll in this month’s South Down Assembly election, said he is “delighted” to have been nominated as a Stormont minister and is looking forward to the challenge ahead.

The South Down MLA was his party’s education spokesperson in the last Assembly. He is an active member of the GAA and says he has taken great pride in his work in tackling rural isolation and promoting the identity and integrity of rural communities across the constituency.

Mr Hazzard said when he was told yesterday that he would be heading up one of the government departments, he was excited, but is acutely aware of the challenge that lies ahead.

“I am delighted and very excited to have been nominated by the party,” he said. “There are challenges ahead for all government departments in the new Assembly given the current economic climate and the impact of austerity cuts. 

“Nonetheless, exciting times lie ahead for me and I am very pleased to have been chosen as part of Sinn Fein’s ministerial team. I don’t yet know what portfolio I will be handed but recognise the importance of such a role within the new Assembly.”

Mr Hazzard said despite the current economic situation and the impact of austerity measures, decisions still have to be made and there are “big challenges across all departments.”

He added: “Since the Fresh Start agreement there has been a new spirit of co-operation between Sinn Fein and the DUP and I am looking to building on that going forward for the good of the people.”

Mr McGuinness said he is delighted with the strong ministerial team the party has nominated, adding: “They understand the onerous tasks that lie ahead of us. These people I have the utmost confidence in.

“The task ahead of us will be extremely challenging as the Tory party continue with their austerity agenda and as we continue to resolve the issues of the past and build unity, reconciliation, and equality. Sinn Féin will be entitled to three full ministerial positions and a junior ministerial position in the Executive Office.”