Following upheaval in the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) with the resignation of Sir Jeffrey Donaldson as its leader, the UK government has guaranteed stability by working alongside Stormont’s power-sharing executive. NI Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris said the government would “continue to work with all the political parties” following recent progress after the return of power-sharing eight weeks ago. He welcomed the appointment of Gavin Robinson as DUP’s interim leader and reflected on how Northern Ireland’s political parties can work together. While Sir Jeffrey contests the charges, First Minister Michelle O’Neill said the parties now have to “knuckle down” and “do the business of government”.
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said she was “determined” to maintain political stability in the wake of Sir Jeffrey’s resignation on Friday, whilst Robinson confirmed the thoughts of the party being with those who “put their faith in the justice system”. In a statement from Dublin, O’Neill expressed her priority in providing stability as the first minister working with all other party leaders to ensure cohesion. The first and deputy first ministers are determined to protect power-sharing’s functioning, with the statement issued from Heaton-Harris looking to build on the progress already achieved, demonstrating the government’s commitment to make Northern Ireland an outstanding place to work, live and invest.
The assembly and executive at Stormont were suspended for two years, only returning in February after the DUP ended its boycott amid a row over post-Brexit trade arrangements for Northern Ireland. Heaton-Harris worked closely alongside Sir Jeffrey to secure power-sharing’s return to Stormont. There have also been charges against a 57-year-old woman for aiding and abetting connected to the alleged offences, with both due to appear in court in April.
The Northern Ireland secretary welcomed the commitment to ensure the return of power-sharing achieved by first and deputy first ministers and is determined to continue working with other political parties in the country. As the DUP undergoes changes in leadership, the government vows to maintain stability and support Stormont’s power-sharing executive
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