Crucial Days Ahead for Return of Power Sharing in Northern Ireland

The next days will be crucial for the return of devolved government in Northern Ireland, according to Sinn Féin deputy leader Michelle O’Neill. On Monday, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and Sinn Féin reached an agreement to restore power sharing after a 23-month absence. Its leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said it provided a basis for Stormont’s return, subject to laws being passed at parliament.

Sinn Féin is the largest party in Northern Ireland and will nominate Michelle O’Neill for the position of first minister, with the DUP entitled to the role of deputy first minister. This will be the first time the Northern Ireland Assembly will have a nationalist first minister.

The DUP has blocked a functioning executive and assembly since February 2022, in protest against post-Brexit trade arrangements. The party argued that the checks on goods entering Northern Ireland from the rest of the United Kingdom weakened Northern Ireland’s place in the union.

Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris said he will publish details of an agreement between the government and the DUP on Wednesday which will secure Northern Ireland’s place in the UK internal market. Legislation could be passed in parliament on Thursday, leading to a potential assembly recall on Friday or Saturday.

Sir Jeffrey said the new legislation would remove checks on goods moving within the UK and remaining in Northern Ireland, and end Northern Ireland blindly following EU laws. He added that there will be legislation protecting the Acts of Union, which guarantees unfettered access for Northern Ireland business to the rest of the UK. These measures will be taken as legislative commitments, regardless of who forms the next UK government.

Speaking at a press conference, Sir Jeffrey highlighted the significant changes achieved in the deal, including the removal of physical checks on goods moving between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Despite the progress, there are still divisions within the DUP and challenges to manage the fallout.

Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald expressed her pleasure at the restoration of government in Northern Ireland and the installation of a nationalist first minister. The Alliance Party leader Naomi Long had bittersweet emotions due to the long absence of Stormont.

The agreement also received positive responses from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, and Simon Coveney, Ireland’s Minister for Enterprise, Trade, and Employment. They all expressed hopes for the restoration of the Northern Ireland Executive and the Assembly, as well as the resumption of north-south ministerial meetings.