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Donaldson takes up minister post Donaldson takes up minister post
(about 7 hours later)
Democratic Unionist MP Jeffrey Donaldson has been sworn in as Northern Ireland's new junior minister.Democratic Unionist MP Jeffrey Donaldson has been sworn in as Northern Ireland's new junior minister.
The former Ulster Unionist, 45, replaces party colleague Ian Paisley Jnr, who formally resigned last week.The former Ulster Unionist, 45, replaces party colleague Ian Paisley Jnr, who formally resigned last week.
It followed criticism over Mr Paisley's links to developer Seymour Sweeney and controversy over lobbying activity. Mr Paisley denied any wrongdoing.It followed criticism over Mr Paisley's links to developer Seymour Sweeney and controversy over lobbying activity. Mr Paisley denied any wrongdoing.
Mr Donaldson was sworn in by assembly speaker William Hay and will serve alongside First Minister Ian Paisley.Mr Donaldson was sworn in by assembly speaker William Hay and will serve alongside First Minister Ian Paisley.
"The new executive faces many challenges and I look forward to working with executive colleagues in delivering a peaceful, prosperous and fair society for all the people of Northern Ireland," Mr Donaldson said."The new executive faces many challenges and I look forward to working with executive colleagues in delivering a peaceful, prosperous and fair society for all the people of Northern Ireland," Mr Donaldson said.
The Lagan Valley MP defected to the DUP in 2004 after a high-profile fall-out with his then party leader David Trimble.The Lagan Valley MP defected to the DUP in 2004 after a high-profile fall-out with his then party leader David Trimble.
He is currently a member of the Northern Ireland Policing Board and a Privy Councillor at Westminster.He is currently a member of the Northern Ireland Policing Board and a Privy Councillor at Westminster.
BBC ANALYSIS The DUP rise of Jeffrey Donaldson
Confirmation of his new appointment came on Monday after Ian Paisley Jnr told the assembly that he had left his post with "deep humility" but in good spirits.Confirmation of his new appointment came on Monday after Ian Paisley Jnr told the assembly that he had left his post with "deep humility" but in good spirits.
Mr Paisley said he had been "proud to serve my country".Mr Paisley said he had been "proud to serve my country".
"I leave with high hopes, good spirit, deep humility and with gratefulness in my heart," he said."I leave with high hopes, good spirit, deep humility and with gratefulness in my heart," he said.
I leave with high hopes, good spirit, deep humility and with gratefulness in my heart Ian Paisley jnr Mr Paisley will continue in his role as an assembly member for North Antrim.I leave with high hopes, good spirit, deep humility and with gratefulness in my heart Ian Paisley jnr Mr Paisley will continue in his role as an assembly member for North Antrim.
His father, Ian Paisley senior, paid tribute to his son's contribution to the government.His father, Ian Paisley senior, paid tribute to his son's contribution to the government.
"I would just like to say as the first minister a word of thanks from the members of the office, of my own office and the deputy's, our thanks to my son Ian for the hard work he did while he was in office and we wish him well in the future.""I would just like to say as the first minister a word of thanks from the members of the office, of my own office and the deputy's, our thanks to my son Ian for the hard work he did while he was in office and we wish him well in the future."
Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams said Mr Paisley and his father played a "very key role" in the work to restore the political institutions, but said he left with many questions still unanswered.Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams said Mr Paisley and his father played a "very key role" in the work to restore the political institutions, but said he left with many questions still unanswered.
"Sinn Fein will be seeking to end the practice whereby members can use public monies to rent properties from family members and other practices like this," he said."Sinn Fein will be seeking to end the practice whereby members can use public monies to rent properties from family members and other practices like this," he said.
Social Democratic and Labour Party leader Mark Durkan said: "I note the expression from Mr Paisley this morning of deep humility and I welcome that, because we all know the saying that pride comes before a fall.Social Democratic and Labour Party leader Mark Durkan said: "I note the expression from Mr Paisley this morning of deep humility and I welcome that, because we all know the saying that pride comes before a fall.
"We had evidence of vanity in some of the statements that were being made last week so I welcome the expression of humility today.""We had evidence of vanity in some of the statements that were being made last week so I welcome the expression of humility today."
Alliance leader David Ford said: "I too would wish to recognise that in the manner of his resignation statement Mr Paisley has redeemed a little of what went before.Alliance leader David Ford said: "I too would wish to recognise that in the manner of his resignation statement Mr Paisley has redeemed a little of what went before.
"There are clearly many issues that will now need to be addressed.""There are clearly many issues that will now need to be addressed."