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SDLP 'picks Ritchie for justice' | |
(about 8 hours later) | |
The SDLP's nomination for justice minister will be Margaret Ritchie rather than current justice spokesman Alban Maginness, the BBC understands. | |
Last week, the first and deputy first ministers invited parties to nominate candidates for the post by 11 December. | |
Ms Ritchie is vying for the SDLP leadership with Alasdair McDonnell and party sources suggest her nomination is an attempt to boost her campaign. | |
A party spokesman said an announcement would be made later in the week. | |
He said SDLP leader Mark Durkan would be writing to Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness to confirm the party has a number of "eligible and capable candidates". | |
It is thought that Mr Durkan, who is stepping down after the general election, proposed Social Development Minister Ms Ritchie as its candidate for the justice ministry. | |
The letter from DUP leader Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness of Sinn Fein made it clear they would not pick one of their own assembly members. | |
David McNarry said the letter calling for nominations was "silly" | |
Ulster Unionist David McNarry said his party viewed the letter as "silly" and would not be responding to it and that the DUP should lead on the issue. | Ulster Unionist David McNarry said his party viewed the letter as "silly" and would not be responding to it and that the DUP should lead on the issue. |
"What way is that to run a government," said Mr McNarry. | "What way is that to run a government," said Mr McNarry. |
"That you beat your chest and say 'I'm the DUP and I'm Sinn Fein and we're the two big parties - we're not running, so would you send some proxy guys'." | "That you beat your chest and say 'I'm the DUP and I'm Sinn Fein and we're the two big parties - we're not running, so would you send some proxy guys'." |
The letter from Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness called on the other party leaders to consider which candidates are likely to get cross-community support, adding that they hoped to agree on a potential minister before Christmas. | The letter from Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness called on the other party leaders to consider which candidates are likely to get cross-community support, adding that they hoped to agree on a potential minister before Christmas. |
On Saturday, it emerged that the Alliance Party would not put forward any names for consideration as minister of justice without agreement on other key issues first. | |
In a leaked letter, the party said there must first be agreement on a policy programme for the justice post. | In a leaked letter, the party said there must first be agreement on a policy programme for the justice post. |
It also wants progress on a community relations strategy. |