Critics pounce as leader cuts deal to preserve power

LONDON — British Prime Minister Theresa May struck a deal with Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party on Monday that is designed to give her minority government enough support in Parliament to endorse her legislative agenda later this week.

The move, made necessary by her Conservative Party’s dismal performance in the June 8 election, came with a high cost: May’s government agreed to a massive injection of funds into Northern Ireland in exchange for Democratic Unionist support.

The deal drew angry criticism from leaders in Scotland and Wales — who say their countries get little while Northern Ireland will receive a bonanza — and from the DUP’s rivals in Northern Ireland, who said it violates the Good Friday agreement.

Ian Blackford, a leader of the Scottish National Party, said his party would do everything possible to make sure Scotland gets “its fair share” under a formula that prescribes how United Kingdom government funds are shared by England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

“After weeks of secret backroom negotiations, the Tories have now signed a grubby deal with the DUP,” Blackford said. “For years, the Tories have been cutting budgets and services, but suddenly they have found a magic money tree to help them stay in power.”

The package includes 1 billion pounds ($1.27 billion) of new funding and 500 million pounds ($638 million) of previously announced funds to help Northern Ireland develop its infrastructure, health services and schools. It should allow May to win backing for the Brexit dominated agenda announced last week in the Queen’s Speech that marked the opening of a new Parliament.

The prime minister had enjoyed a clear majority in Parliament until she called a snap election in a bid to secure more Conservative seats. Instead, many voters turned to the Labor Party, costing May her majority and forcing her to seek a partner.

She downplayed policy differences between her party and the more socially conservative DUP, which opposes abortion and same-sex marriage.

“We also share the desire to ensure a strong government, able to put through its program and provide for issues like the Brexit negotiations, but also national security issues,” May said.