Dismissed by many commentators as disengaged and dispassionate, the pro-Brexit Ms Villiers will likely be best remembered as one of the blandest of Northern Ireland’s secretaries of state.
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Earlier today Theresa Villiers quit the Government after being told she was being replaced in the role.
The Conservative MP for Chipping Barnet was appointed as secretary of state for Northern Ireland in September 2012.
Northern Ireland, a British province, will represent the only land frontier between Britain and the European Union once Britain leaves the bloc, and Ireland is seeking support to ensure that freedom of movement and goods across the island is preserved.
He added: “It is vital that Northern Ireland’s interests are fully protected and advanced including in relation to the border”.
The Tory MP, who backed Andrea Leadsom for party leader, had expressed a desire to continue in the post, highlighting that she was on the same side of the European Union argument as Democratic Unionist Stormont First Minister Arlene Foster and therefore had no reason to step down. These accords aided in keeping the power-sharing executive afloat during times of threat.
“The post carries significant responsibilities on important matters that remain within the competence of Westminster, such as security, parades and dealing with the legacy of the past”.
Speaking about Brokenshire’s new appointment Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan said he hoped to meet with the new Secretary soon.
Ms Villiers said she wanted to thank everyone who supported her during her time in Government.
Villiers, the former Transport Minister, went four years in the Northern Ireland Office.
“The Prime Minister said in her statement yesterday, there is a “precious bond between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland”. Upon leaving her post she said she believes that Northern Ireland is more stable than it has been in years.
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Subsequently overseeing three talks processes – Haass, Stormont House and Fresh Start – Ms Villiers can take some credit for a year ago finally securing a deal on welfare reform and devolving corporation tax but her inability to deliver on the past is arguably her greatest political failure.
