THE Northern Secretary, Dr Mo Mowlam, held talks with the Alliance and SDLP yesterday and allocated portfolios to her junior ministers.
Mr Paul Murphy, MP for Torfaen in Wales, is appointed Minister for Political Development. He also has responsibility for the Department of Finance and Personnel, as well as the information service and overseeing EU matters.
Mr Adam Ingram, MP for East Kilbride, is named Security Minister. He has also been allocated the Department for Economic Development with the exception of the Training and Employment Agency.
Mr Tony Worthington, a parliamentary under-secretary of state, is the new Education Minister. He will be responsible for the Training and Employment Agency, the Department of Health and Social Service and Community Relations.
Lord Dubs, another parliamentary under-secretary of state, has been allocated agriculture and the environment. He will answer on all Northern Ireland matters in the House of Lords.
The SDLP and Alliance leaders, Mr John Hume and Lord Alderdice, both held their first formal meetings with Dr Mowlam at Stormont Castle yesterday. Speaking afterwards, he was hopeful that the new government could work well with Dublin to rejuvenate the peace process and increase economic co-operation.
Lord Alderdice told Dr Mowlam the most important issue currently facing her administration was the marching season.
Dr Mowlam will meet the DUP leader, the Rev Ian Paisley, at Westminster today. She held a discussion with the UUP leader, Mr David Trimble, on Monday.
The Workers' Party has said it is also seeking a meeting with her.
. The Tanaiste, Mr Spring, will tonight have dinner with Dr Mowlam in London. Mr Spring is also scheduled to have a meeting with the Foreign Secretary, Mr Robin Cook, tomorrow before going to Downing Street to join the Taoiseach, Mr Bruton, in his first meeting with the British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair.