SINN Fein’s Michelle O’Neill has made history by becoming the first nationalist to be sworn in as First Minister of Northern Ireland. Her appointment comes after the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) agreed to a return to power sharing.
A New Era of Cooperation
Speaking at Stormont, O’Neill said, "Today opens the door to the future – a shared future." She expressed her commitment to making power-sharing work and delivering for all communities in Northern Ireland.
A Personal Connection
O’Neill comes from a family with a deep connection to the Troubles. Her father, Brendan Doris, was a jailed member of the IRA, and her cousin, Tony, was killed by the SAS in 1991.
Apology for the Troubles
In a significant move, O’Neill apologized "without exception" for "all the lives lost" during the Troubles. She emphasized the importance of leaving behind the days of second-class citizenship and working together for a better future.
A Pledge of Cooperation
As an Irish republican, O’Neill pledged to work cooperatively with her colleagues from the unionist tradition, cherishing the Union. She emphasized that the Assembly is for everyone – Catholic, Protestant, and dissenter.
New Deputy First Minister
The DUP’s Emma Little-Pengelly has been appointed as the new Deputy First Minister. While admitting that she and O’Neill come from "very different backgrounds," Little-Pengelly promised to work tirelessly to deliver for all in Northern Ireland.
Did you miss our previous article…
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