Michelle O’Neill becomes Northern Ireland’s first nationalist leader

Ani |
Has been updated: February 4, 2024 05:48 IST

dublin [Ireland]February 4 (ANI): In a historic moment, power-sharing resumed after two years, with Irish nationalist leader Michelle O’Neill becoming Northern Ireland’s first minister, according to CNN.
Michelle O’Neill, from the pro-union Irish party Sinn Féin, originally a political branch of the Irish Republican Army (IRA), told MPs after taking office: “Today has opened the door to the future.” He is happy to be here as Prime Minister. ”
She promised to “serve everyone equally and be a Prime Minister for everyone”, including those who identify as British or Unionist.
“I am committed to continuing the work of reconciliation for all of our people,” he said in a speech, according to CNN. “We cannot change or undo the past. But what we can do is… It’s about building a good future.”
Mr O’Neill will be eligible to hold the position from 2022, when Sinn Féin secures a majority in May’s election.

The main opposition party, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), had protested against post-Brexit trade restrictions and refused to form a power-sharing government.
The DUP reached a deal with the British government on Thursday to allay Brexit concerns, paving the way for MPs to be recalled to Northern Ireland’s parliament on Saturday, ending two years of parliamentary deadlock.
CNN reported that the Speaker of the House of Commons was also sworn in, as was Emma Little-Pengery, the DUP-appointed deputy prime minister who has the same powers as the prime minister.
In her speech, Little Pengelly said she “could never have imagined” serving Northern Ireland in this way, recalling an IRA bomb outside her home as a child. .
The Northern Ireland Assembly is the devolved parliament of Northern Ireland.
Despite being part of the United Kingdom, members of Parliament have powers to act on a variety of issues not specifically reserved to the Westminster government in London. (Ani)