‘Secretary of State role must go’ – Murphy
Sinn Féin MLA Conor Murphy has called for the position of Secretary of State to be abolished.
The Newry MLA made the call as it was announced Theresa Villiers had stepped down from government and James Brokenshire, Conservative MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup in Greater London, had taken up the role.
“While it remains to be seen what sort of role Mr Brokenshire will play in politics here I can say that Ms Villiers will not be missed,” he said.
“She has been the representative of a British government which inflicted austerity, welfare cuts and now an anti-democratic EU exit on the people of the North.
“She also played a negative role in dealing with the legacy of the conflict, continually placing obstacles in the path of families seeking access to truth.
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The local MLA added, “The position of Secretary of State is unnecessary. It should be abolished and all remaining powers of the NIO transferred to the Assembly.”
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