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.
北爱尔兰办事处：自1972年实行直接统治以来，负责北爱尔兰的英国政府部门。它由北爱尔兰国务卿管理。北爱尔兰议会成立后，其职责发生了变化。