First meetings for new NI minister

Northern Ireland Secretary Paul Murphy was today preparing to make his first public appearance in his new role following the Cabinet reshuffle.

Mr Murphy, the former Welsh Secretary, took over yesterday from John Reid as Northern Ireland Secretary following the resignation of Estelle Morris.

He was expected today to meet members of the public as the North’s politicians sought early meetings with him in a bid to restore devolution following the suspension of the Assembly last week.

British government sources today expected Mr Murphy to spend the weekend reading up on the current situation in the peace process and making initial contact with some of the key players.

He was also expected to meet Foreign Minister Brian Cowen early next week as the Irish and British governments attempt to bring back the devolved power sharing institutions.

Mr Murphy faces a considerable challenge to restore trust between unionists, nationalists and republicans following the suspension of the Assembly.

David Trimble’s Ulster Unionists have insisted republicans must demonstrate their commitment to stand down the IRA if power sharing is to be resurrected.

Britain's Prime Minister Tony Blair also last week warned republicans in a key note speech in Belfast that they had now ‘‘reached a fork in the road’’ in the peace process where they must choose between pursuing politics exclusively or continuing paramilitary activity.

Republicans, however, have resisted calls for IRA disbandment with the provisionals insisting in a briefing of journalists last weekend that their organisation was ‘‘not a threat’’ to the peace process.

Mr Murphy and his officials will be watching closely a speech by Sinn Fein president Gerry Adam’s in Co Monaghan tomorrow which could indicate whether republicans believe IRA disbandment is a realistic possibility in the coming months.

During a visit to Westminster yesterday, Sinn Fein chairman Mitchel McLaughlin said disbandment of the IRA was a likely outcome of the peace process being allowed to run its course.

As he took over the reigns of power at the Northern Ireland Office from John Reid, Mr Murphy said he hoped devolution could be restored ‘‘as soon as possible’’.

Mr Murphy admitted his job would not be easy and he shared his predecessors ‘‘sadness’’ that the power sharing government and Assembly at Stormont had to be suspended.