Just to say thank you to all the MLAs who turned out for our Sport Relief stroll up Prince of Wales Avenue. The elements were kind to us, even though it had been pouring down shortly before we began. All five parties were represented, and no one appeared too competitive, although it did look a little bit like a photo finish on the Stormont steps between Willie Clarke, Gerry Kelly and David McClarty.
I couldn't be sure who won because, as our cameraman Tony rather unkindly pointed out, I came in last, just behind Alex Attwood and David McNarry. I like to put my performance down to my concentration on engaging the politicians in conversation, rather than the Political Editor being seriously unfit....
How long it took Ian Paisley Jr. to confirm his resignation in the Assembly this morning. As I write the new junior minister, Jeffrey Donaldson, is speaking in the chamber about pre school facilities in his Lagan Valley constituency, and the Executive website has been speedily updated with his picture. Executive Ministers The new minister has already indicated that he will give up the chairmanship of the Assembly and Executive Review Committee. He will also be replaced as the DUP's representative on the Policing Board. Clearly his appointment reinforces the notion that the two junior ministers are Justice ministers in waiting.
My spies tell me that our Environment Minister Arlene Foster is off to London for Dods Political Directory's awards, in which she has been shortlisted for "Devolved Female Politician of The Year". The opposition is Plaid Cymru's Helen Jones and the SNP's Nicola Sturgeon.
UPDATE: Congratulations are due to Arlene who won her award, and to "Eagle Eye" who spotted my spelling mistake, now corrected.
The latest estimate, according to the Finance Minister Peter Robinson of how many full time civil service posts will be lost over the next three years under the continuing review agenda and the Review of Public Administration. It is strangely similar to the 1868 figure recently given for civil service vacancies. I shall post the full question and answer in the extended entry.
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Two of the Assembly's "big hitters" squared up to each other yesterday, when the DUP's Mervyn Storey teased John O'Dowd about his size, always a dangerous venture when dealing with someone who towers above most MLAs. Mr Storey wondered aloud whether Mr O'Dowd had replaced Paul Butler as Caitriona Ruane's minder because Sinn Fein "had to bring in someone with a bit more stature to try to intimidate us a wee bit more". Later in the Education debate, John O'Dowd responded that he was "not here as the Minister’s bodyguard. I assume that she does not need one and that verbal attacks will not turn into physical ones. I always rely on my brain instead of my brawn, and I find that my brain — as well as my brawn — soars above his."
The Ulster Unionist John McAllister had to battle his way through a question to the Health Minister Michael McGimpsey about the Downe Hospital in Downpatrick yesterday. He had such a bad sore throat that he apologised to MLAs, saying he might have to visit the new hospital before it is officially opened. But would the medics be sympathetic if they learned that some of his difficulty was self inflicted, cheering at the Ireland Scotland rugby match?
I'm 
