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Theresa Villiers 'sad to end' work as Northern Ireland secretary | Theresa Villiers 'sad to end' work as Northern Ireland secretary |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Theresa Villiers has said she is "sad" to end her work in Northern Ireland after quitting the government. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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 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. |
Her party colleague John O'Dowd MLA said Ms Villiers "played a negative role in dealing with the legacy of the conflict" and had "placed obstacles in the path of families seeking access to truth". | |
Irish Foreign Minister Charlie Flanagan, who worked closely with Ms Villiers during negotiations with the Stormont parties, said he "appreciated the effort and commitment she invested" in the role. | |
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. |