SDLP pick Ritchie to be minister

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South Down assembly member Margaret Ritchie has been nominated as the social development minister in the NI assembly by the SDLP.

On Monday, the four main parties announced how the ministerial portfolios will be shared in the new power-sharing executive.

The SDLP is the first of the parties to nominate a minister for their department.

Party leader Mark Durkan said Mrs Ritchie would be an excellent choice.

"I am delighted to be nominating a woman and one of the strongest members of our assembly team with a strong reputation of hard work and delivery.

"I have no doubt that she will make an excellent minister and bring the SDLP's commitment to change to the department of social development," he said.

I am looking forward to making a difference on real issues, such as affordable housing, and regenerating our communities Margaret Ritchie

Mrs Ritchie said she was honoured by the nomination.

"I look forward to working for everyone in the community," she said.

"The department of social development brings with it huge challenges and I am looking forward to making a difference on real issues, such as affordable housing, and regenerating our communities."

The departments were allocated to the parties via the d'Hondt process - based on the amount of seats in the assembly each won in last month's election.

Social development is the only department to have an SDLP minister.

Secretary of State Peter Hain has promised to give ministers-in-waiting access to their departments.

The NI assembly is due to get under way on 8 May.