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The new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, John Reid, is a fanatical Glasgow Celtic supporter, but since another Northern minister, Adam Ingram, is equally partisan for Rangers, a certain balance now exists that didn't in Peter Mandelson's time. And while Mandy was known as a great dancer, Reid is renowned for his guitar playing. He makes no secret of his Irish Catholic background, referring to it when he and the President, Mrs McAleese attended Aberdeen University for her honorary degree and the opening of the research institute for Irish-Scottish studies. But Reed also stressed a Presbyterian element in his heritage.