The Alliance Party, whose leader, Lord Alderdice, resigned on Monday, yesterday elected its chief whip, Mr Sean Neeson, as interim leader. The six-strong Assembly group, meeting at Stormont before the Assembly's inaugural session, decided that Mr Seamus Close should remain as deputy party leader.
Mr Neeson's tenure will last until September, when he will either be reconfirmed as permanent leader, or another person will be elected.