One year after the Northern Ireland Executive was re-established following a two-year hiatus due to disagreements over post-Brexit trade rules, First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have acknowledged the executive’s progress, while emphasising that significant improvements to public services are still needed. O’Neill said the coalition had made “huge strides forward”, including winning almost £500m in additional funding for public services and resolving public sector pay disputes. However, both women admitted that the shortened term of the executive, which is made up of four parties, presented challenges. In particular, Little-Pengelly admitted that it was unrealistic to expect to end health waiting lists within 12 months, despite progress being made.
O’Neill also addressed comments from her predecessor, Baroness Arlene Foster, who called for those in authority who attend paramilitary commemorations to be prosecuted. Foster accused O’Neill of “glorifying terrorism” after the Deputy First Minister attended a commemoration of three people who were killed in 1971 while transporting a bomb which exploded prematurely. O’Neill rejected Foster’s accusations, stating that it is important to show respect towards all those who lost loved ones during the Troubles. O’Neill also reassured Foster that “I will continue to keep my promise to be a First Minister for all.”
Finally, the political leaders were asked about their personal relationship. Both said that they have a professional working relationship, having different opinions on some issues but sharing the same goals of delivering for the people they represent. The First Minister referred to the challenges of working in a four-party coalition where everyone doesn’t always share the same views. In contrast, the Deputy First Minister emphasised the importance of prioritisation when dealing with the issues that matter most to people.
Despite the progress made, the issues facing Northern Ireland are ongoing, requiring politicians to work together, a sentiment echoed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is today visiting Northern Ireland to hold talks with politicians in a bid to overcome contentious issues such as post-Brexit EU trade rules and the Northern Ireland Protocol. Johnson will meet both O’Neill and Little-Pengelly, as well as Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis and Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney
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