the Northern Ireland Office
/ðə ˌnɔːðən ˈaɪələnd ɒfɪs/
/ðə ˌnɔːrðərn ˈaɪərlənd ɑːfɪs/
- the British government department responsible for Northern Ireland since 1972, when direct rule was introduced. It is run by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. Its responsibilities changed following the setting up of the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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the Northern Ireland Office