Michelle O’Neill makes history as Northern Ireland’s first nationalist Prime Minister

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Northern Ireland’s devolved government has reunited and made history by appointing Michelle O’Neill as its first nationalist Prime Minister.

The appointment of the Sinn Féin vice-president is a pivotal moment for Irish nationalism, as it marks an end to the dominance of pro-British trade unionists as Prime Minister.

Taking up the post, she will work with unionists to build a better future for Northern Ireland and work “tirelessly” to improve the country alongside DUP MLA Emma Little-Pengery, who has been nominated as deputy prime minister. I vowed to make an effort.

After his appointment was confirmed and he took the oath of office, O’Neill addressed the chamber and said the restoration of the system marks a “moment of equality and progress.”

“It’s a new opportunity to work together and grow,” she said. “Wherever we come from, whatever our aspirations, I am convinced that we can and must build a future together.”

The top two positions in the ministerial executive have equal powers and responsibilities, but with Sinn Féin becoming the region’s largest party in the 2022 parliamentary elections, the promotion of a republican to first minister makes sense. , is undoubtedly an important symbolic moment. In the case of Northern Ireland.

The devolved government was reconvened after the region’s largest trade union party, the DUP, left the EU in February 2022 in protest of a post-Brexit trade deal.

In a new concession from party leader Sir Geoffrey Donaldson, he agreed to end the boycott, effectively abolishing the so-called Irish Sea trade border for goods remaining in the UK.

The proceedings began with a process to nominate a speaker, with former DUP leader Edwin Poots selected for the role.

Mr. O’Neill said the public trusts individuals to act in their own best interests and serve their communities as a whole with integrity.

“We have to make power sharing work, because collectively we have a responsibility to guide and enable all people and all communities,” she said.

“As a common purpose, we must make life better for workers, families, and communities. To create hope and opportunity.”

Ms O’Neill called on all MLAs to “respect each other”.

“The days of second-class citizenship are long gone,” she said.

“Today we have confirmation that they will never be coming back.

“As an Irish republican, I am committed to a genuine and honest effort in collaboration with my British, unionist heritage and union-loving colleagues.

“This is a gathering for Catholics, Protestants, and all dissenters.

“Despite our different outlooks and views on our future constitutional position, the people rightly expect us to work together, deliver, and work together.

“We have to build trust and confidence in our ability to do it.

“This will require courage and ambition, not just from those of us who have been elected, but from the people of the country.

“We can all invest in this, and the more we do, the better chance we have.”

The Republican leader said the new department leadership “certainly faces significant challenges,” citing issues surrounding local public services.

He said ministers needed to work together to press the UK Government for more funding for Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris said it was a “great day for Northern Ireland”.

He addressed the media in the Great Hall at Stormont after being nominated by First Minister Michelle O’Neill, Deputy First Minister Emma Littlepengelly and Speaker Edwin Poots.

“This is a great day for Northern Ireland, a great day for everyone here, a great day for businesses and public services here,” he said.

And Ireland’s Foreign Secretary Michael Martin hailed a “special day for the people of Northern Ireland”.

Mr Tánaiste also congratulated Mr O’Neill and Mr Little Pengelly on their appointments.

“I wish them both success in what will be a very demanding role. I look forward to working with them and their senior colleagues,” he said.

“I would also like to congratulate Edwin Poots on his election as Speaker of Parliament.”

Mr Martin said Northern Ireland “faces a number of real challenges”.

“The last few weeks and months have been focused on rebuilding Congress and the executive branch, and now the hard work begins in earnest.

“Northern Ireland faces many real challenges,” he said.

“These challenges can be met if executives work together and prioritize real, everyday needs over identity issues.

“The Government stands ready to support the work of the Executive and work with the UK Government to address this issue.”