Ritchie: I’m delighted to accept peerage and will give a voice to NI

Michael Clarke: Hearty congratulations and well done. We need that your voice and wisdom have influence in these troubled times.

Maureen Fleming: Well deserved. Congratulations, Margaret Ritchie.

Herbie Irvine: Good for you. Enjoy.

Yvonne Kane: Congratulations, Margaret. You have worked hard for all the people in your area. Well deserved.

Alan Bennett: A courageous lady, no matter your views, who deserves the honour.

Klaus Winkenjohann: And no DUP member on the list. That’s the more important message.

Gary Simpson: Somebody’s gotta give the people of South Down representation in Parliament. No better person for the job.

Francis Massey: Well done. I do not agree with her politics, but she is a lady of courage.

Frank Holden: Sorry, but aren’t the SDLP fundamentally opposed to the House of Lords?

Tiernan Laird: Frankly, she should resign from the SDLP.

Bob A Fett: Nationalist ... she’s far from being classed a nationalist and she isn’t a member of the Stoops.

Peter Lombard: There are plenty of Irish nationalists who believe the message of Irish nationalism requires a voice in the chambers which dictate law in this part of the world and that sitting out on the sidelines and whinging serves no useful purpose whatsoever.

Trevor Lynn Williamson: My word. Who recommended this perennial gurn for this? I’m all for disbanding the House of Lords even more now.

James Alexander: Arise, Lady Ritchie of Downpatrick, and be recognised.