After two years, Northern Ireland is poised to restore a working government as the hardline unionist party, the DUP, has agreed to a power-sharing deal following a bitter Brexit dispute. Sinn Féin's Michelle O'Neill, once the political wing of the IRA, could become the First Minister on Saturday. The DUP had been boycotting Stormont's devolved government since 2022 in protest against post-Brexit trade rules.
New Deal Eases EU Checks on Goods Moving to Northern Ireland
In the new agreement, only a fifth of the goods transported from Great Britain to Northern Ireland will be subject to cumbersome EU checks and paperwork. However, checks will still be required on items destined for the EU via the Republic of Ireland's land border. The deal, unveiled by Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris, also includes a £3.3 billion cash injection. Some Brexiteers fear that this may make it harder for the UK to break away from Brussels red tape.
Replacing the Current System
The new deal commits to replacing the current system of using green and red lanes for goods arriving in Northern Ireland, which was established last year in the Windsor Framework agreed upon by the UK and EU. DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson expressed his firm belief in the deal, stating that there should be no checks on goods moving within the United Kingdom and its internal market. He also praised Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for delivering on his promises.
Rishi Sunak: Power-Sharing Offers a Brighter Future
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hailed the restoration of power-sharing as a step towards a brighter future for Northern Ireland. He emphasized the importance of local, accountable government and strengthening the Union. After two years without an executive, the prospect of power-sharing being reinstated is seen as a significant development.
