Hain to take ‘hands-on’ approach

NEW Northern Secretary Peter Hain insisted yesterday he would have a direct, hands-on role in trying to bring devolution back permanently and cement the peace process.

After his first walkabout around Belfast City Centre since taking over the job from Paul Murphy, Mr Hain, who is also the Secretary of State for Wales, insisted the post had not been downgraded.

He said: “The prime minister made it clear that he will keep a very hands-on approach to the whole process for securing peace and building the institutions. It is very, very important to him and it is important to the whole of the government.