03/12/2013

The Minister has served as an elected representative for 15 years and is currently in his third term as an MLA for Upper Bann.

He is hoping to push through the creation of a single Education and Skills Authority (ESA) which will help the management of the education system. With more than 14,000 responses, the education reform has generated greater public interest than any other consultation on education since devolved government was restored.

He had pursued a career as a chef prior to his time in public office and is a father of three.

With Judge Smithwick rejecting IRA evidence, what confidence can we have in a truth process?<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

There's a reason they don't have discussions like this now in South Africa. Why? Because they had a Truth Commission. Simple. ‏@liamocoinn

Unionists shouldn't gloat over the findings of Smithwick. Think about RUC, British Intelligence and loyalist paramilitaries. ‏@academic_anon

There was no evidence to back this up. The judge offered no proof that the IRA men were lying. There are no clear facts in this report. Vincent, Rosslea

If we had a Truth Commission, would we get the truth from the British or would it be covered by ‘security issues’? Matt, Wiltshire

Why were all parties so quick to dismiss John Larkin’s comments on the past?

Once again all the parties are going around and around. We have to move on, are we are going to stay in the past? Ed, Warrenpoint

Over 3000 unsolved murders, It's not an amnesty that's required, it's a competent investigative police force! ‏@PaulMac_11

John Larkin has spoken some truth, in so far as keeping looking back is like picking at a sore that will never heal. Anon.

So much hurt and hate in name of religion. We are all under the same sky! Geoff, Ayr.

Sinn Fein - tell the truth now, stop waiting on your ‘get out of jail free’ card. ‏@jock_nelson

I have no confidence that people who murdered in cold blood would tell the truth in a Truth Commission. Easy to kill, easier to lie. @Pacman4370

A convicted murderer can become a politician, but they can’t join the police. It’s not right. David, Belfast

There will never be truth, or peace - the way it’s going, it’s tit for tat. Gerard, Newry

Victim’s families deserve the truth and hopefully, justice one day.‏@Carl_M67

If we all don't deal with the past, then it will always be a part of our future. Sean, North Belfast.

Should we follow the example of Canada in 1965 with a new iconic flag for Northern Ireland? 

I agree we should have a new flag. The sooner the better. Margaret, Carrickfergus

We can have a Northern Ireland flag, like Scotland, England and Wales and fly the Union Flag over our government buildings, like Scotland England and Wales. Peter, Lisburn

My granddaughter says there should be only be one flag flying on City Hall: a white flag for peace. Mary, Belfast

What constitutional resemblance does the Irish Tricolour bear to this country? Northern Ireland is a British state! ‏@bear_rfc_1872

Will we have a flag for all the minorities who live here? John, Belfast

The Cross of St Patrick couldn't be divisive. Some unionists don't have the confidence to break the symbolic umbilical cord of the Union Flag and they need to be more courageous. Chris.

Ask Dr Haass what would happen in USA if the people were told to take their flag down. Rob, Antrim

Why not fly the European flag in the middle and the Union Jack and Tricolour either side at City Hall? Dinky, Carryduff

People are missing the point. Haass is suggesting a starting point of neutrality and equality for this country Rab, Belfast

So despite all the flags I see every day, there isn't actually a Northern Ireland flag. How ironic! ‏@mgvsmith

There is a border between the south and north of Ireland and if they want to change that, then we are one of the provinces of Ulster, so let’s have the Ulster flag - it’s good enough for the Rugby team. Richard, Whitehead

All nationalists and republicans are proud of the Red Hand - it's our history, loyalists don't understand this. ‏@sharkattack686

Is the UVF ceasefire still intact?

Paramilitaries are an affront to democracy, actions to tackle them should have full cross party support. ‏@rowangibney

If the UVF has disbanded, who are the thugs that paint the UVF murals in East Belfast? Michael

Republicans are involved in shootings and bombings day and daily, yet as always the media focus on one organisation. It's a case of, if in doubt, blame the UVF. Jimmy, Belfast 

The dogs in the street know the UVF ceasefire is over, how can Billy not?? Shane, Lurgan

Is Gerry Adams now a liability to Sinn Fein and Republicanism, both north and south?

Adams is a disgrace, he should go. Crawford, Falls Road

Without Gerry Adams there would be no peace here. So many lives saved. John, Fermanagh

As someone who voted Sinn Fein for 28 years, I never would again. Condolences to the families of the Disappeared. Mairtin, Belfast.

Can we scrutinise all our politicians in the same way we are scrutinising Gerry? They wouldn‘t stand up to it. Gavin, Belfast

Sinn Fein is a cult! Look how they operate. John, Doagh.

Gerry Adams, a great man and a great leader; he has done so much for Ireland. Joe, Kilwilkie 

If Scotland is an independent nation in 2016, where does this leave Unionism?

Why would Scotland want to distance itself from the English Conservatives and this shower we have here?? @connal99

Scotland - the actual catalyst for constitutional change. This is when unionism is going to have a seriously tough time. @kukondo

Give Scotland, Ireland and Wales independence - leave the English on their own, see how they fare. Anon

I believe Scotland can achieve independence and it could bring Unionism to a new understanding, that the Union isn't everything. ‏@AislinnBunting