I want a minister to be in charge of a line department so they have clear political accountability.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
As a minister, you shouldn't imagine you know better than the technical experts in your ministry. In the end you're there to apply the political stamp of approval.
My ministry's always been one of social activism. I think a responsible minister must be at some levels involved in the social order.
No-one is forced to stand for Parliament; no-one is compelled to become a minister. If you take on those roles, which are great privileges, you also take on big responsibilities.
If our system of cabinet government is to work effectively, the prime minister of the day must appoint ministers he or she trusts and then leave them to carry out that policy.
I want to work with Peter Robinson as first minister in a positive, constructive way and leave the elections to the electorate.
Our first remark on this subject is that the ministry is an office, and not merely a work.
In the community, in the African-American community, one person ought to say something, and that is the minister. The minister is paid by the people. He doesn't work for a big company. He doesn't represent a particular special interest.
I'm a minister, and I serve as a minister in addition to being a university professor.
I have no great urge to be minister of this or minister of that, but instead would feel incredible blessed to have the opportunity to be a champion for a constituency and fight for their cause.
The responsibility of a minister is to step aside when there is a criminal investigation of the department. That protects the propriety of Parliament and of responsible government.