Reid retains NI post

Dr John Reid re-appointed as NI Secretary of State

Northern Ireland Secretary John Reid has retained his post in the province despite a major cabinet reshuffle by the Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Dr Reid said he was proud of what had been achieved in the province

"I am honoured that I have been asked to carry on the work here under a prime minister whose commitment to its peace and prosperity is unparalleled," he said.

"There could be no more worthwhile job for any politician than to be asked to play a part in securing lasting peace and political agreement in Northern Ireland.

'Resignation threat'

Dr Reid faces intensive negotiations with political leaders in the province in the coming weeks as both the British and Irish governments seek to move the peace process forward.

Pressure to implement all aspects of the Good Friday Agreement, including police reform, decommissioning and demilitarisation has intensified since the First Minister David Trimble, issued a threat to resign if the IRA had not started decommissioning by 1 July.

"I am looking forward to working with local politicians and will be speaking to them once the counting of votes has concluded across Northern Ireland," Dr Reid said.

Dr Reid took the post of Northern Ireland Secretary when Peter Mandelson resigned in January over the Hinduja passport affair.