This is the first time a nationalist who aims to unite Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland has held the position.
A power-sharing government will be reinstated in Northern Ireland today as Michelle O’Neill makes history as the first nationalist Prime Minister.
Politicians are expected to gather at Stormont later to make a series of cabinet appointments to the executive branch, ending two years of political quagmire.
The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), the country’s largest trade union party, had signaled it was ready for a political recall. Sign an agreement with the UK government regarding post-Brexit tradeparty leader Sir Geoffrey Donaldson said this effectively removed the so-called Irish Sea trade border.
Two bills included in the deal were swiftly passed by the House of Commons on Thursday, paving the way for the return of Stormont Parliament.
MLAs (Members of the Legislative Assembly) will elect the new Speaker of Stormont, and will subsequently nominate the positions of First Minister and Deputy First Minister.
Sinn Féin’s Ms O’Neill will become first minister, but the DUP has not yet announced who will be named deputy first minister. Under the Good Friday Agreement, the deputy minister has the same powers as the first minister.
The power-sharing arrangements brought about by this agreement played a key role in ending the turbulent sectarian violence.
A range of ministerial posts across Stormont will also be filled.
Speaking after the party’s leadership meeting at Stormont Castle on Friday, DUP leader Sir Jeffrey said: “When the executive meets, we need to really understand what the priorities are for everyone in Northern Ireland. is important,” he said.
“We look forward to Parliament sitting and working through the process to restore devolution.”
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MPs divided over Stormont deal
budget crisis is top priority
The key priorities are: Budget crisis affecting public services in Northern Ireland.
The UK Government has proposed a £3.3bn package, including £600m to settle public sector pay claims, to secure Northern Ireland’s finances once Parliament resumes.
But Sir Jeffrey said the parties would work together to secure more funding from the Treasury, adding: “The fiscal issue is unfinished business and we will finish it.”
Mr O’Neill’s selection as first minister was made possible after he led Sinn Féin to victory in the 2022 parliamentary elections, making it the first nationalist to hold the post who aims to unite Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. This will be the first time. Country.