THE Tory MP for Aberdeen South, Mr Raymond Robertson (above), last

night took the first step towards potential ministerial office when he

was appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary to Northern Ireland

Minister Michael Ancram.

Mr Robertson, who became the MP at the last election and is

vice-chairman of the Scottish Conservative Party, said: ''It is a

tremendous privelege to have been asked to help out with the political

development work currently going on at the Northern Ireland Office. I am

looking forward to the challenges and to working closely with Michael

Ancram again.''

Mr Ancram said Mr Robertson would have an important role at a crucial

time for Northern Ireland.