Executive of the 3rd Northern Ireland Assembly facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Executive of the 3rd Northern Ireland Assembly |
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| 2nd Executive of Northern Ireland | |
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| Date formed | 8 May 2007 |
| Date dissolved | 16 May 2011 |
| People and organisations | |
| Head of state | Elizabeth II |
| Head of government | Ian Paisley (2007–08) Peter Robinson (2008–Jan. 10; Feb. 2010–11) Arlene Foster (Jan.–Feb. 2010) |
| Deputy head of government | Martin McGuinness |
| No. of ministers | 10 (2007–10) 11 (2010–11) |
| Member party | DUP Sinn Féin UUP SDLP Alliance (2010–11) |
| Status in legislature |
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| History | |
| Election(s) | 2007 assembly election |
| Legislature term(s) | 3rd Assembly |
| Predecessor | Executive of the 2nd Assembly (Direct rule) |
| Successor | Executive of the 4th Assembly |
The Second Executive was the main government team for Northern Ireland from 8 May 2007 to 16 May 2011. It was a special type of government called a power-sharing coalition. This means that different political groups worked together to lead the country.
Local control, known as devolution, was given back to Northern Ireland on 8 May 2007. This happened after an agreement called the St Andrews Agreement. In the election held in March 2007, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and Sinn Féin became the biggest parties in the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Contents
Northern Ireland's Government Team (2007-2011)
The Executive is like the cabinet or main leadership team for Northern Ireland. It is made up of ministers who are in charge of different government departments. These departments handle important areas like education, health, and the environment.
How the Government Was Formed
After the 2007 election, the DUP and Sinn Féin, as the largest parties, formed the core of this power-sharing government. Other parties also joined to make sure many voices were heard. This setup helps different groups work together for Northern Ireland.
Who Was in Charge?
The Executive was led by two main people: the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister. They worked together to make important decisions for Northern Ireland.
| Office | Name | Term | Party | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Minister | Ian Paisley | 2007–08 | DUP | |
| Deputy First Minister | Martin McGuinness | 2007–11 | Sinn Féin | |
| Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development | Michelle Gildernew | 2007–11 | Sinn Féin | |
| Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure | Edwin Poots | 2007–08 | DUP | |
| Minister of Education | Caitríona Ruane | 2007–11 | Sinn Féin | |
| Minister for Employment and Learning | Sir Reg Empey | 2007–10 | UUP | |
| Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment | Nigel Dodds | 2007–08 | DUP | |
| Minister of the Environment | Arlene Foster | 2007–08 | DUP | |
| Minister of Finance and Personnel | Peter Robinson | 2007–08 | DUP | |
| Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety | Michael McGimpsey | 2007–11 | UUP | |
| Minister for Regional Development | Conor Murphy | 2007–11 | Sinn Féin | |
| Minister for Social Development | Margaret Ritchie | 2007–11 | SDLP | |
Changes in Leadership and Roles
Over its four years, some ministers changed roles or new people took over. This is normal in governments as leaders step down or new needs arise.
Changes in 2008
In June 2008, Peter Robinson became the new First Minister. Other ministers also changed departments. For example, Arlene Foster became the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment.
| Office | Name | Term | Party | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Minister | Peter Robinson | 2008–10 | DUP | |
| Minister of Finance and Personnel | Vacant | 2008 | ||
Changes 9 June 2008 |
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| Office | Name | Term | Party | |
| Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure | Gregory Campbell | 2008–09 | DUP | |
| Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment | Arlene Foster | 2008–11 | DUP | |
| Minister of the Environment | Sammy Wilson | 2008–09 | DUP | |
| Minister of Finance and Personnel | Nigel Dodds | 2008–09 | DUP | |
Changes in 2009
More changes happened in July 2009. New ministers took over roles in Culture, Arts and Leisure, the Environment, and Finance and Personnel.
| Office | Name | Term | Party | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure | Nelson McCausland | 2009–11 | DUP | |
| Minister of the Environment | Edwin Poots | 2009–11 | DUP | |
| Minister of Finance and Personnel | Sammy Wilson | 2009–11 | DUP | |
Changes in 2010
In January 2010, Arlene Foster briefly served as acting First Minister. Later, Peter Robinson returned to the role. A new Department of Justice was also created, with David Ford becoming its first Minister.
| Office | Name | Term | Party | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Minister of Northern Ireland | Arlene Foster (acting) | 2010 | DUP | |
Changes 3 February 2010 |
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| Office | Name | Term | Party | |
| First Minister of Northern Ireland | Peter Robinson | 2010–11 | DUP | |
Changes 12 April 2010 |
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| Office | Name | Term | Party | |
| Minister of Justice | David Ford | 2010–11 | Alliance | |
Changes 27 October 2010 |
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| Office | Name | Term | Party | |
| Minister for Employment and Learning | Danny Kennedy | 2010–11 | UUP | |
Junior Ministers
Junior Ministers also played a role in the government. They helped the main ministers in the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister.
| Junior Minister in the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister | Ian Paisley, Jr. | 2007–08 | DUP | |
| Jeffrey Donaldson | 2008–09 | DUP | ||
| Robin Newton | 2009–11 | DUP | ||
| Junior Minister in the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister | Gerry Kelly | 2007–11 | Sinn Féin |
See also
- List of Northern Ireland Executives
- Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly elected in 2007
