The DUP has defended its decision to opt for the ministries for Regional Development and Social Development rather than for Health and Education, which are now chaired by Sinn Fein ministers.
Speaking at a press conference held concurrently with the first meeting of the new power-sharing Executive at Stormont, the DUP leader, the Rev Ian Paisley, flanked by his party's two new ministers, Mr Peter Robinson and Mr Nigel Dodds, blamed the UUP for not picking the important health and education posts.
"We wanted to take the two ministries that would safeguard the prosperity of the people of Northern Ireland, those dealing with housing, pensions, benefits and so on. Everything in Northern Ireland revolves around regional and social development," Dr Paisley said.
He said he was aware of 5,000 or so cases of discrimination against Protestants in housing and other areas. "That is why housing is so important. If you don't have a home, you cannot get your children a place at school," Dr Paisley added.
He said he was outraged to see a senior Sinn Fein representative such as Mr Martin McGuinness in charge of the education of Northern Ireland's children. "Sinn Fein should have had no positions in the government of Northern Ireland at all," he stated.