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Theresa Villiers 'sad to end' work as Northern Ireland secretary | |
(about 2 hours later) | |
Theresa Villiers has said she is "sad" to end her work in Northern Ireland after quitting the government. | |
She was replaced as Northern Ireland secretary by James Brokenshire on Wednesday as Theresa May appointed her first cabinet. | |
Ms Villiers quit after turning down the new prime minister's offer of a non-cabinet post at the Home Office. | |
She was the third longest-serving Northern Ireland secretary, having held the portfolio since 2012. | |
"I believe that I leave the political situation there in a more stable position than it has been for many years." Ms Villiers said. | |
"I was able to to help tackle the crisis, which a year ago left us on the brink of a collapse of devolution and a return to direct rule." | "I was able to to help tackle the crisis, which a year ago left us on the brink of a collapse of devolution and a return to direct rule." |
But she said she was "confident that progress will continue to embed peace, stability and prosperity" in Northern Ireland. | But she said she was "confident that progress will continue to embed peace, stability and prosperity" in Northern Ireland. |
"Northern Ireland and its people will always have a very special place in my heart," she said. | "Northern Ireland and its people will always have a very special place in my heart," she said. |
"I send my very best wishes to Northern Ireland's leaders as they continue the crucial process of implementing the two historic agreements that the cross-party talks I chaired were able to deliver." | "I send my very best wishes to Northern Ireland's leaders as they continue the crucial process of implementing the two historic agreements that the cross-party talks I chaired were able to deliver." |
First Minister Arlene Foster said she "enjoyed working with" Mrs Villiers and wished her "all the best for the future". | First Minister Arlene Foster said she "enjoyed working with" Mrs Villiers and wished her "all the best for the future". |
But Sinn Féin MEP Martina Anderson said Mrs Villiers "will be no loss". | But Sinn Féin MEP Martina Anderson said Mrs Villiers "will be no loss". |
"All British Secretary of States (sic) should stay over there," she tweeted. | "All British Secretary of States (sic) should stay over there," she tweeted. |
Ms Villiers confirmed her departure from the government in a post on Facebook. | Ms Villiers confirmed her departure from the government in a post on Facebook. |
She said Mrs May had been "kind enough to offer me a role" but added that it was "not one which I felt I could take on". | She said Mrs May had been "kind enough to offer me a role" but added that it was "not one which I felt I could take on". |
"I am very grateful to have been given the opportunity to serve on the front bench for 11 years," she added. | "I am very grateful to have been given the opportunity to serve on the front bench for 11 years," she added. |