The SDLP MP for South Down, Mr Eddie McGrady, appeared to express his indignation at not being chosen as one of the party's three ministers on the executive by refusing to accept one of the "academic" nominations.
Had the executive been properly appointed, the SDLP would have received three of the 10 ministries yesterday. Prior to the nomination of ministers, there was considerable speculation as to who the party leader, Mr John Hume, would appoint to these three positions.
The competition was between Assembly members Mr Mark Durkan, Ms Brid Rodgers, Mr Sean Farren and Mr McGrady. Yesterday, it became clear that Mr McGrady, who is the party's Westminster chief whip, was the member to lose out.
Mr Durkan, Mr Farren and Ms Rodgers were appointed to three positions and when additional ministries were offered to the SDLP - because the UUP boycotted proceedings - Mr Hume asked Mr McGrady to accept the nomination for the fourth ministry.
However, Mr McGrady stood up to refuse the position of minister of health, social services and public safety. It instead went to Dr Joe Hendron.
Afterwards, Mr McGrady made it clear that he was offended that he was not among the proposed three formal appointees. Asked why he refused the academic appointment, he said: "You don't tell your grandmother how to suck eggs. Is it not clear [why he refused the position]?"
A political associate of Mr McGrady said the South Down MP was very annoyed that he had been passed over by Mr Hume. "For this to happen to Eddie after so many years in the SDLP and politics was obviously very hurtful to him."
