Julian Smith dismissed as Northern Ireland Secretary
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has reshuffled his cabinet.
Northern Ireland Secretary of State Julian Smith has been relived of his duties, following a cabinet reshuffle by recently re-elected UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Smith was instrumental in working with Sinn Féin, the DUP and the Irish government in restoring Stormont following years of dormancy.
"Serving the people of Northern Ireland has been the biggest privilege," noted Smith in a statement released on Twitter on Thursday morning.
"I am extremely grateful to Boris Johnson for giving me the chance to serve this amazing part of our country. The warm and support from people across Northern Ireland has been incredible.
"Thank you so much."
Serving the people of Northern Ireland has been the biggest privilege. I am extremely grateful to @BorisJohnson for giving me the chance to serve this amazing part of our country. The warmth & support from people across NI has been incredible. Thank you so much.
— Julian Smith MP (@JulianSmithUK) February 13, 2020
In response, Tánaiste Simon Coveney hailed Smith's "effective" work to date.
"You have been such an effective Secretary of State for Northern Ireland at a time of real challenge and risk," noted Coveney.
"Without your leadership, I don't believe Northern Ireland would have a government today. Thank you Julian Smith for your trust, friendship and courage; UK and Ireland can look to [the] future with more confidence because of it."
U have been such an effective SOS for NI at a time of real challenge & risk. Without your leadership I don’t believe NI would have a Govt today. Thank you @JulianSmithUK for your trust, friendship and courage; UK & #Ireland can look to future with more confidence because of it.
— Simon Coveney (@simoncoveney) February 13, 2020
Also commenting following the news, DUP co-leader and First Minister of Northern Ireland Arlene Foster noted that Smith is "always welcome in Fermanagh".
"Spoke with Julian Smith a short time ago to thank him for his help in getting devolution restored," said Foster.
"We may not have always agreed (we did sometimes) but his dedication to the role was incredible. Best wishes to him and his family. Always welcome in Fermanagh."
Spoke with @JulianSmithUK a short time ago to thank him for his help in getting devolution restored. We may not have always agreed (we did sometimes) but his dedication to the role was incredible. Best wishes to him and his family. Always welcome in Fermanagh. https://t.co/2hUzOWmRBS
— Arlene Foster DBE PC #ProudofNI. (@ArleneFosterUK) February 13, 2020
