The Northern Secretary has pledged his new ministerial line-up will work to restore devolution this autumn and to implement current major policy objectives.
Peter Hain yesterday introduced new junior ministers Paul Goggins and Maria Eagle who replaced Shaun Woodward and Angela Smith in last week's British government reshuffle.
The new team said they would strive for a return of the Stormont Executive before the November 24th deadline.
"While there has been a change of personnel the work of the Northern Ireland Office (NIO)continues," said Mr Hain.
Speaking at Stormont Castle, he said his team would "move forward in our radical reform agenda in health and education", pledging that the NIO would reform the 11-plus schools transfer system and reduce hospital waiting lists.
Keen to emphasise a sense of continuity, Mr Hain said David Hanson would retain his political development portfolio, while Lord Jeff Rooker would take charge of the radical reform contained in the Review of Public Administration, including the overhaul of local government rates and the introduction of water charges.
Ms Eagle, MP for Liverpool, Garston, takes responsibility for the department for employment and learning, the department of education, the department of enterprise, trade and investment as well as the department for culture, arts and leisure. She joins the NIO from the department for education and skills.
She is the fourth minister in charge of education in 3½ years.
Discounting the significance of so many changes in such a short time, Ms Eagle said: "I think it's important that we go forward to implement the reforms we are committed to.
"I don't think it matters whether it's the first minister or the second minister or the third minister in the job - just as long as you do it."
Mr Goggins, MP for Manchester, Wythenshawe and Sale East, moves from the Home Office to assume responsibility for security, policing and prisons, and takes charge at the department of health, social services and public safety.
He looked to a peaceful marching season to set the tone for what he hoped would be political progress in the autumn.
"I will begin a series of meetings with all the interested parties to make sure we have a stable position going forward into the season of parades. My commitment is to engage with them right away."
Before last week's reshuffle Mr Hain said he had signalled to Downing Street his desire to remain in Northern Ireland.
"I asked to stay . . . We are at a critical period in the political process, and I wanted to stay and see it through. I think we can."