Northern Ireland executive restored after party breakthrough

NORTHERN Ireland’s power-sharing executive was restored with the instalment of a First Minister and Deputy First Minister, resolving a stand-off that threatened to derail the government at a critical time after Brexit.

The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) nominated Paul Givan as First Minister and Sinn Fein nominated Michelle O’Neill as Deputy First Minister yesterday, ending a dispute over giving more weight to the Irish language in the region.

The breakthrough came after the UK said it would push laws on Irish language and identity through Parliament in Westminster if Northern Ireland’s Assembly didn’t do so by the end of September.

Tensions are running high over the UK’s divorce deal with the EU, which left Northern Ireland in a hybrid position inside the bloc’s customs union and Britain’s internal market.

The settlement impacts long-standing issues of identity – nationalist and unionist – that dominate the region’s politics.

A commitment on the use of the Irish language was part of a deal which paved the way for the restoration of the region’s assembly in 2020 after a three-year suspension. But when First Minister Arlene Foster stepped down on Monday, the planned legislation became a key stumbling block in negotiations for the executive to continue without the need for elections.

Her resignation meant the region’s two largest parties had seven days to nominate and endorse a First Minister and Deputy First Minister, or UK Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis may be forced to call a new poll.

Sinn Fein had indicated legislation on cultural issues needed to be approved by ministers before a July 10 recess in order for them to engage in the leadership process and return to power-sharing with the DUP. It asked the British government to introduce the legislation in Westminster. The DUP had indicated it couldn’t commit to a definite time-frame.

Following the intervention by Lewis, DUP leader Edwin Poots said Givan would be nominated for First Minister “at the earliest opportunity”.

The legislation on Irish language and identity “should be implemented, in all its parts”, he said.

“Importantly though, the place for such legislation is the NI Assembly.”