Political parties in Northern Ireland appointed a new Executive today with Sinn Féin opting to replace its entire ministerial team.
DUP leader Peter Robinson got first choice of portfolios as leader of the largest party after emerging with 38 seats in the Assembly election.
Mr Robinson confirmed he will return Sammy Wilson to the Department of Finance portfolio.
While Sinn Féin surprised observers by holding on to education, it confirmed outgoing minister Caitríona Ruane, who presided over controversial efforts to remove academic selection, would be succeeded by John O’Dowd.
On Friday the parties used Twitter to announce their department choices.
Many of the names of new ministers announced today were published on the social networking site before the start of the Assembly session during which the roles were officially filled.
The DUP leader selected Edwin Poots as Minister for Health, Nelson McCausland as Social Development Minister, and confirmed Arlene Foster will remain as Minister for Enterprise.
All were ministers in the last Assembly.
First Minister Mr Robinson announced one new face, however, with Jonathan Bell confirmed as his junior minister in the Office of First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM).
The party leader said in two year’s time he will appoint DUP rising star Simon Hamilton to the crucial role at finance, while party veteran Jim Wells will take over at health.
Sinn Féin has replaced its former ministerial team, with three of the roles now allocated to women.
Michelle O’Neill has been appointed Minister for Agriculture; Carál Ní Chuilín is the Minister for Culture while Martina Anderson will be a junior minister at the OFMDFM.
The Ulster Unionist Party named Danny Kennedy as Minister for Regional Development. The nationalist SDLP confirmed that Alex Attwood, a minister in the last administration, will hold the environment brief.
The cross-community Alliance Party selected Stephen Farry as Minister for Employment and Learning.
PA