Reacting to the announcement of Lord Caine as a Junior Minister at the Northern Ireland Office (NIO), Ulster Unionist Party leader Doug Beattie MC MLA said:

“I congratulate Lord Caine on his appointment as a Junior Minister in the NIO. He has a deep understanding of the political complexities of Northern Ireland having been involved in all sorts of negotiations over many years.

“There has been no Minister answering questions for Northern Ireland in the House of Lords since Lord Duncan left and with forthcoming legislation, it is vital for that gap to be filled.”

Ulster Unionist Peer, Lord Empey, said:

“I have known Lord Caine for many years and he is a true unionist committed to strengthening Northern Ireland`s ties as an integral part of the United Kingdom. He will bring a balanced approach and the experience he has will be invaluable.”