The ministers governing Northern Ireland following the reimposition of direct rule are to be scrutinised by a new watchdog, it emerged today.
The SDLP were today due to unveil "Direct Rule Watch," which will scrutinise the work of the four Northern Ireland Office ministers who took charge of the 11 government departments following the suspension last month of devolution.
An SDLP source said: "We are going to keep a close eye on the performance of the direct-rule ministers now occupying the ministerial seats which existed under devolution.
"We will be looking closely at how they perform and to see if the groundbreaking work that was initiated in the Assembly is carried through under direct rule.
East Derry Assembly member Mr John Dallat has been appointed by SDLP leader Mr Mark Durkan to head up the watchdog and to work with party colleagues in monitoring the performance of the four Northern Ireland Office ministers: Ms Jane Kennedy, Mr Des Browne, Ms Angela Smith and Mr Ian Pearson.
PA