MP Angela Smith has been congratulated on her new job in Northern Ireland by Essex County Council and a neighbouring MP.
Both the Conservative-controlled county and Tory MP John Baron wished her good luck in the most important role of her political career - overseeing direct rule in the province as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
Angela was a Pitsea county councillor for eight years, so Essex County Council was quick to send its congratulations from the full council meeting.
Angela is currently MP for Basildon and East Thurrock.
Billericay MP John Baron said: " Congratulations to Angela on this move to the Northern Ireland office.
"My hope is that this Government now stops pandering to the terrorists in the province and forces Sinn Fein to disband the IRA. This move is long overdue."
Published Thursday October 17, 2002
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