NI farm minister steps down for cancer surgery

Northern Ireland’s agriculture minister is stepping away from his role for cancer treatment.

DUP MLA Edwin Poots revealed he has been diagnosed with a cancerous growth on his kidney and needs surgery.

Doctors made the discovery when Mr Poots underwent emergency surgery to remove a burst appendix in December.

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Mr Poots stepped down temporarily as of midnight on Monday (1 February) to facilitate his surgery and recuperation.

As urgent cancer surgery was being cancelled due to the coronavirus, Mr Poots previously said he was considering a private operation and may have to pay £10,000-£15,000

The 55-year-old previous told the BBC’s Stephen Nolan Show that his prognosis was good. “I don’t need chemotherapy. I don’t need radiotherapy. I need an operation,” he added.

Christian beliefs

Mr Poots said his Christian faith was helping him to cope with the situation.

“I believe God will bring me through this and He has made people who are extremely bright and capable to be able to do what is needed to be done to save my life,” he added.

DUP leader and first minister Arlene Foster has written to the Northern Ireland Assembly speaker and nominated Gordon Lyons MLA to take up the role as minister for the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera).

Foyle MLA Gary Middleton will take on Mr Lyons’ responsibilities as junior minister in the office of the first minister.

Mrs Foster said: “We give Edwin our best wishes and assure him and his family of our prayers.

“This is a temporary change, and we look forward to having Edwin back at work, having made a full recovery.”

Deputy first minister and Sinn Féin vice-president Michelle O’Neill also tweeted a message of support for Mr Poots.

Best wishes to Edwin and to his family https://t.co/Unj1eEuouz

— Michelle O’Neill (@moneillsf) February 1, 2021