New ministerial team revealed

Dr John Reid (centre) with Des Browne and Jane Kennedy

Two new ministers have been appointed to the Northern Ireland Office to work under Secretary of State John Reid.

As part of a ministerial re-shuffle announced by Prime Minister Tony Blair, Jane Kennedy replaces Adam Ingram with a portfolio covering security, policing and prisons.

Des Browne replaces political development minister George Howarth and his portfolio will cover criminal justice, victims and human rights.

In the re-shuffle announced on Monday night, Mr Ingram will move to the Ministry of Defence.

Political leaders

On Friday night, 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.

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.