Justice Minister vows to play constructive role in new Executive

Justice Minister, Claire Sugden MLA has vowed to play a progressive, constructive role within the Northern Ireland Executive.

The Minister was elected today on a cross community vote in the Northern Ireland Assembly. 

Minister Sugden said:  “It is an honour to have been appointed Minister of Justice for Northern Ireland and I am committed to working with my Executive colleagues to build strong, safer, shared communities.    

“The Department of Justice brief is wide and diverse covering a range of areas that impact on the entire community.  The evidence is clear – low incomes, educational under-achievement, poor housing, drug addiction and poor mental health and well-being are just some of the contributory factors to crime.  I look forward to working with my Executive colleagues to deliver a joined up approach to tackling some of these important issues.”

Continuing the Minister said:  “In the coming days and weeks I plan to start getting out and about to talk to those working across the sector, including those on the frontline. I have no doubt that while I will hear much about the challenges they face on a daily basis I will also hear about how rewarding their job can be.  They have the unique opportunity to quite literally ‘make a difference’ to someone’s life and that is something to be very proud of.”

In conclusion the Minister said:  “I do not underestimate the challenge ahead.  It is however, a challenge I am ready for and looking forward to.  I believe David McClarty would have been proud of the decision I have made today.  I will continue to deliver for my constituents throughout my term in office and would like to thank them for their support.  I will outline my key priorities in the near future.”  

Notes to editors: 

For media enquiries please contact the Department of Justice press office on 028 90526444.  Out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.    

Share this page