Devolved Government
Roles of Northern Ireland Office Ministers, (2010)

On 11 May 2010, following the Westminster general election on 6 May, a new coalition government was formed by the Conservative Party and the Liberal Democrats. David Cameron, then leader of the Conservative Party, became the new Prime Minister and on 12 May formed his first cabinet. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland had had certain ministerial resposibilities at the Northern Ireland Office (NIO).

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, retained overall control of:

• overseeing the Northern Ireland devolution settlement;
• representing Northern Ireland interests at UK government level;

• international relations;
• taxation;
• national insurance;
• regulation of financial services;
• regulation of telecommunications and broadcasting;
• national security in respect of Northern Ireland;
• human rights; and
• legacy issues (including current ongoing public inquiries).

Owen Paterson was appointed as Secretary of State from 12 May 2012 to 4 September 2012. He was replaced by Theresa Villiers on 4 September 2012.

In addition Hugo Swire, was appointed as Minister of State at the NIO on 13 May 2010 to assist the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. He was replaced by Andrew Robathan in October 2013.