New DUP MLA attends assembly
The newest DUP MLA has been welcomed to the Northern Ireland assembly by party leader Peter Robinson.
Paul Givan was returned as the new member for the Lagan Valley constituency replacing Jeffrey Donaldson MP who resigned as a member on 10 June.
Mr Robinson welcomed Mr Givan, a DUP councillor in Lisburn, to the assembly on Monday.
He said: "I have known Paul for a long time and I know that he will work tirelessly for the people of Lagan Valley in his new role."
Mr Robinson also thanked Mr Donaldson for "the sterling work and the role he has played in the assembly both in the Chamber and in the various Committees".
He said: "Jeffrey worked extremely hard on improving the lives of everyone in Northern Ireland and I know he will continue to do so as the Member of Parliament for Lagan Valley."
Mr Donaldson retained his Lagan Valley seat in the May general election.
The party said that Mr Givan was selected to take the place of Mr Donaldson who stood down in keeping with the DUP's commitment to phase out dual mandates.