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Northern Ireland deputy first minister vows to prioritize people over devolution deal ‘conditions’ | UK News

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The deputy prime minister says it is time to prioritize political stability, as the daughter of a former Loyalist prisoner now shares power with the daughter of a former IRA prisoner.

by David Blevins, Senior Ireland Correspondent @skydavidblevins


Tuesday 13 February 2024 19:46 UK

Northern Ireland’s deputy first minister has said the UK Government cannot expect Stormont to receive additional revenue while families are under huge financial pressure.

The Treasury is asking the new power-sharing executive to generate an additional £113m as part of the £3.3bn. Package for restoring privilege delegation.

However, Emma Little-Pengery, the first trade unionist to become deputy prime minister, insisted that “now is not the time” and that political stability must be prioritized.

“There are a lot of families here who are very, very stretched and their incomes are being squeezed,” she says.

there’s a lot of pressure. Cost of living crisis, rising inflation. We are acutely aware that these families are under significant financial pressure.

“Despite this, the UK Government is proposing to put further pressure on families trying to pay this money.

“Now is not the time to put more pressure on us. We need to stabilize the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Executive.

“We want to tackle big problems. We need to make reforms. It will take time, but let’s think about the pressures people are under at the moment,” she added.

“Just because we have differences doesn’t mean we can’t get along.”

The appointment of the DUP’s Mr Little Pengelly as deputy prime minister facilitated the historic election of the Sinn Féin government. Michelle O’Neill becomes first nationalist Prime Minister.

Michelle O’Neill, the daughter of a former IRA prisoner, now leads a power-sharing government with Mrs Little Pengelly, the daughter of a former Loyalist prisoner.



image:
Emma Little-Pengery and Michelle O’Neill. Photo: P.A.

Mrs Little Pengelly told Sky News: “I have always said that I do not believe that any child should be held responsible for the actions allegedly committed by others.

“We have very different experiences in life, but those differences should not mean that we cannot get along or work constructively.

“And for me, I am absolutely determined to do that.”

read more:
Michelle O’Neill attends police graduation ceremony
Irish unity referendum by 2030
Man charged with attempted murder of senior NI detective



image:
Rishi Sunak and Northern Ireland Minister Chris Heaton-Harris meet Michelle O’Neill and Emma Little-Pengery at Stormont Castle.Photo: Reuters

He added: “I think the people of Northern Ireland want us to work with them to make that happen and reform our public services.

“I approach this issue with a very, very positive attitude because there is a huge amount in that area that we can agree on and work on constructively.

“I get to know and engage with people of all different mindsets and backgrounds.

“What we need is a professional, good, strong, constructive relationship, and that is what I will promote.”





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