Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
The landscape has changed warns O’neill
DEPUTY First Minister Michelle O’neill responded yesterday to the resignation of Arlene Foster saying the “incoming DUP leader should recognise the political landscape across our island has changed”.
She added: “I spoke to Arlene today and she informed me of her decision to step down. I wished her and her family well.
“I have worked alongside her this past year in what has been a difficult and challenging time for everyone with the unexpected onset of the Covid pandemic.
“I acknowledge the efforts
Arlene Foster has made as First Minister and the service she has given in working with the Executive as we battled the biggest health crisis in a generation.
“It is now a matter for the DUP to choose a replacement. The incoming DUP leader should recognise the political landscape across our island has changed.
“The broad community are impatient for social reform and political change which reflects a modern and progressive society where everyone can feel they belong on an equal basis.
“As joint head of government my focus, and the focus of our Executive, must remain on the task of leading us safely out of the pandemic, building a fairer economic recovery, providing first-class public services and delivering the New Decade, New Approach deal to the benefit of every section of our society.
“This requires a genuine commitment from all political leaders to power-sharing and to work to deliver equality for women, for the LGBT community, for Irish language and identity and all sections of our community.
“Within the Executive and Assembly, Sinn Fein will work with all parties to progress social reform, political change and economic prosperity – but we will robustly oppose damaging policies or regressive throwback politics.
“The public and electorate want the parties to enter into a new era and make politics work. This is certainly my top priority now.”
We must learn to live together & share this country ARLENE FOSTER YESTERDAY