The SDLP has reshuffled its ministerial team with the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Training and Employment, Dr Sean Farren, taking over the Finance portfolio from the Deputy First Minister, Mr Mark Durkan, reports Monica Unsworth in Belfast.
In a surprise move, one of the party's South Belfast MLAs, Ms Carmel Hanna, was appointed to Dr Farren's old post. The West Tyrone MLA, Mr Joe Byrne, had been widely tipped for the job but it is thought his membership of the Policing Board prevented him from taking on more responsibilities. Mr Durkan gave up his role as Minister of Finance after his election as Deputy First Minister last month.
Dr Farren, an MLA for North Antrim, held the position of SDLP chairman in the early 1980s and is a college lecturer by profession. Ms Hanna, originally from Warrenpoint, Co Down, is a registered nurse and certified midwife. A member of Belfast City Council, she is also the deputy chair of the Assembly's Environment Committee.