MPs make Commons maiden speeches

Margaret Ritchie made her maiden speech on Tuesday night

Three of Northern Irelands new MPs have given their maiden speeches in the House of Commons.

The MP for Strangford Jim Shannon, who replaced Iris Robinson, gave part of his speech in Ulster- Scots.

Naomi Long, the East Belfast MP who beat Peter Robinson, also gave her first address to parliament.

The South Down MP Margaret Ritchie, who succeeded Eddie McGrady, also made her maiden speech on Tuesday night.

All three of the new MPs paid tribute to their predecssors in their speeches.

Mr Shannon said his priority would be to help reduce unemployment in Northern Ireland.

Mrs Long urged the government to exercise caution when it came to making cuts in Northern Ireland.

SDLP leader Margaret Ritchie focussed on the expansion of the tourism industry and investment in renewable energy as a route to economic recovery in her speech.