Northern Secretary Reid announces he is to wed

Northern Ireland Secretary Dr John Reid is to marry his fiancée Ms Carine Adler in the "not-too-distant future".

Northern Ireland Secretary Dr John Reid is to marry his fiancée Ms Carine Adler in the "not-too-distant future".

Dr Reid's spokesman said he cannot confirm the time or location of the wedding for security reasons. He said: "The couple are planning a small private ceremony in the not-too-distant future to which family and a few close personal friends will be invited".

The 54-year-old politician met Ms Adler, a Brazilian film director, also 54, two years ago after the death of his wife, Cathie, following a heart attack.

Last year Dr Reid announced his intention to marry again but until recently had not set a date. It is expected both Dr Reid's sons, Kevin and Mark, and Ms Adler's son, Hal, from a previous marriage, will be at the ceremony.

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A former adviser to Mr Neil Kinnock, Dr Reid entered Parliament as MP for Motherwell North in 1987.

He joined the Labour front bench in 1990. He become shadow armed forces minister in 1995 and defence minister after Labour's election victory in 1997. The following year he became transport minister.

He was appointed Scottish Secretary on May 17th, 1999, after the advent of the Scottish Parliament and became Northern Ireland Secretary in January 2001.

PA