Britain's new sports minister is a woman of strong opinions who was born in Northern Ireland 53 years ago. She was educated at Belfast Royal Academy, Ulster College of Physical Education and the City of London College. Ms Hoey won the 1989 by-election for Vauxhall. In the House she has defended foxhunting, voted against a total ban on handguns and counts John Major and Lord Cranborne among her friends.
She was made a junior Home Office minister last year and has taken a tough stance, particularly against soccer thuggery. Her association with football includes time spent as educational adviser to Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
She lives with photographer Tom Stoddart.