Minister to wed 'soon'

Northern Ireland Secretary Dr John Reid is to marry fiancee Carine Adler in the "not-too-distant future", it was announced today.

A spokesman for Dr Reid, MP for Hamilton North and Bellshill, confirmed a "private ceremony involving a few close friends" was planned.

The Herald newspaper today reported that the wedding would be in London next month, although a date had not been disclosed.

Dr Reid's spokesman said he could not confirm the time or location for security reasons.

He said: "The couple are planning a small private ceremony in the not-too-distant future, to which family and a few close personal friends will be invited."

The 54-year-old politician met Ms Adler, a Brazilian film director, also 54, two years ago after the death of his wife Cathie following a heart attack.

Dr Reid has two sons, Kevin and Mark. Ms Adler also has a son, Hal, from a previous marriage.