Sinn Fein’s Michelle O’Neill Breaks Barriers, Sworn in as Northern Ireland’s Premier

Sinn Fein’s Michelle O’Neill Has been Appointed
Forming of Coalition Succeeded in 2 Years

For the first time in history, a nationalist prime minister has emerged from the Northern Ireland devolved government.

According to the New York Times (NYT) on the 3rd (local time), Michelle O’Neill (47), vice-president of Sinn Fein, which advocates for the establishment of a unified Ireland, was appointed as the new prime minister of Northern Ireland on this day.

This is the first time a prime minister has emerged from this party, which started as a political organization of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) that used to stage armed struggle by advocating separatism and claiming Irish independence. The event is evaluated as a significant moment in the turbulent history of Northern Ireland, which was separated from Ireland in 1921 and centered around pro-British Protestants.

In her acceptance speech, new Prime Minister O’Neill said, “Today is the day to open the door to the future,” and “We celebrate a moment of equality and progress. A new opportunity to work and grow together.”

Sinn Fein became the first party after winning the parliamentary elections in May 2022. Still, the launch of the autonomous assembly and administration was delayed for almost two years due to the opposition by the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), a pro-British federalist party. In Northern Ireland, nationalist and federalist parties have jointly formed a coalition to govern according to the comprehensive peace agreement since 1988.

Previously, the DUP had withdrawn from the coalition government due to dissatisfaction with trade policies after the UK’s Brexit (Departing from the EU). However, recently, they decided to end the boycott of the autonomous government after reaching an agreement to resolve trade concerns with the UK central government. This included a fund support of 3.3 billion pounds (approximately $4.4 billion) and measures to strengthen labor unions.

Emma Little Pengelly of the DUP took office as the Deputy Prime Minister of Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Parliament elected former DUP leader Edwin Poots as its speaker on the day.

U.S. President Joe Biden, well-known for his Irish heritage, issued a statement saying strongly supporting the revival of the Northern Ireland devolved government. He emphasized it by stating, “This is a crucial step.”