After a two-year hiatus, the Northern Ireland Assembly has restored its power-sharing government with Sinn Féin's Michelle O'Neill making history as the first nationalist, first Catholic, and part of the first all-female Executive Office as head of state. The election of former DUP leader Edwin Poots as Speaker facilitated the return of the Assembly and the establishment of an Executive, which includes the first openly gay Executive Minister. This marks a significant step in Northern Ireland's history, signaling a move towards peace and reconciliation, echoing the constituency of peace and reconciliation that David Trimble spoke of in his Nobel acceptance speech. Leaders across the political spectrum, as well as international figures like President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, have welcomed the restoration of the devolved government. O'Neill, in her first speech as First Minister, expressed her determination to deliver for all communities and called for an immediate ceasefire and dialogue for peace regarding the Palestinian situation. Additionally, she has contested the UK government's claim that Irish unity is 'decades' away, anticipating a border poll within the next ten years.
Congratulations @moneillsf and @MaryLouMcDonald on a fantastic day yesterday. The future holds great promise! Watching closely and wishing you much success. “A First Minister for all.” https://t.co/0411xV3Vvh
Northern Ireland elects first nationalist leader The move ends two years of political gridlock in Belfast’s legislature https://t.co/WOVk8mnP3Y https://t.co/XGQI00IuuZ
“Today we are heartbroken for the suffering of the Palestinian people. And I call today in this chamber for an immediate ceasefire." Sinn Féin’s Michelle O’Neill became the first nationalist to hold the position of Northern Ireland’s first minister. In her speech, she… https://t.co/ko22NwXaBN
Northern Ireland’s O’Neill says a unification vote could be possible in a decade https://t.co/EGcytfXAc1 via @irenegperez
Northern Ireland could hold a referendum about leaving the UK to join the Republic of Ireland within the next decade, according to First Minister Michelle O’Neill https://t.co/3MijjTUocF
'I'm somebody who wants to be a unifier'. New First Minister of Northern Ireland @moneillsf tells Senior Ireland Correspondent @skydavidblevins while she's a "proud Republican" she will respect Unionist values. #TrevorPhillips https://t.co/fhIHlpTGAF 📺 Sky 501 and YouTube https://t.co/8DboSA5yVT
Northern Ireland's newly appointed first minister @moneillsf says she "absolutely contests" the UK government's claim that Irish unity is decades away. O'Neill adds she anticipates a border poll within 10 years. #TrevorPhillips https://t.co/fhIHlpTGAF https://t.co/a90vuadt3L
Now & Then… a still from @fergalkeane47’s special report in last night’s @BBCNews I’m relieved to see our politicians return to Stormont and I look forward to seeing how Michelle O’Neill will lead this new government. It’s good news, but I’m also interested in all the things.. https://t.co/y1LhdnxkB0
👀 On Michelle O'Neill's claim there will be a referendum on a united Ireland within 10 years, education secretary Gillian Keegan says: "I don't want to speculate on that." https://t.co/zxOza95405
Watch Sunday Morning with @TrevorPTweets live to hear 👇 🔴 @moneillsf as she becomes Northern Ireland’s first nationalist first minister 🔴 Education Sec - @GillianKeegan 🔴 Shadow Culture Minister - @RhonddaBryant ➕ more #TrevorPhillips https://t.co/PgXmDpsuQs
"We're in the decade of opportunity." Watch the full interview with Northern Ireland's new first minister Michelle O'Neill on Sunday Morning With #TrevorPhillips. ⏰ 8:30am today 📱 https://t.co/iolhSBEm3G 📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube https://t.co/RhffhtYbQ4
Sinn Fein says there WILL be a referendum on uniting Ireland within a DECADE after Michelle O'Neill is installed as First Minister at Stormont https://t.co/jueTlb1Czv https://t.co/PLRCzaEecf
“Alexa, what’s another word for first?” Northern Ireland’s first nationalist First Minister, first all female Executive Office, first openly gay Executive Minister. There’s no re-routing the march of time. @moneillsf @little_pengelly @AndrewMuirNI https://t.co/O1baeBNFc0
Stormont’s first nationalist First Minister Michelle O’Neill has pledged to work with unionists to build a better future for Northern Ireland https://t.co/fPyEsGEbRQ
"We're in the decade of opportunity." Watch the full interview with Northern Ireland's new first minister Michelle O'Neill on Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips from 8:30am. #TrevorPhillips 📱 https://t.co/iolhSBDOe8 📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube https://t.co/4JdmsT5vBN
"We're in the decade of opportunity." Watch the full interview with Northern Ireland's new first minister Michelle O'Neill on Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips. #TrevorPhillips ⏰ 8:30am 📱 https://t.co/iolhSBDOe8 📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube https://t.co/VK0qgwIlP3
Northern Ireland’s new first minister “absolutely contests” UK Govt claim that Irish unity is “decades” away. https://t.co/EaArSK0Pm7
We welcome the restoration of the power-sharing government in Northern Ireland. A stable, devolved government will help preserve peace and prosperity for the people of Northern Ireland.
The United States is committed to a brighter future for Northern Ireland. My statement on today’s restoration of devolved government in Belfast. https://t.co/cQoCOaA8m8
Northern Ireland's new first minister 'contests' claim Irish unity is 'decades' away Read more 🔗 https://t.co/515dSYL2pl
Biden hails return to power-sharing government in Northern Ireland https://t.co/uJFuVShpC9
Statement from President Joe Biden on the Restoration of the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly. https://t.co/oFwIDSC8Ro
#BREAKING Biden says return of power-sharing Northern Ireland government an 'important step' https://t.co/EPmtCIPZtw
📷 A pleasure to meet both the outgoing and newly elected Speakers of the restored NI Assembly today. The UK Government is fully committed to ensuring Northern Ireland thrives and I am delighted to see the return of elected representatives to Stormont. https://t.co/xoxS2VS4jk
This is big for Northern Ireland! Another step toward moving away from “The Troubles” & eventually a united Ireland https://t.co/Y837OUDfQA
Edwin Poots is the new Speaker at the Northern Ireland Assembly - @JayneMcCormack looks at how the veteran unionist, and former DUP leader, will now be charged with keeping business at Stormont moving. https://t.co/8ysnnytskZ
I am honoured to take office as First Minister. I am committed to representing all our people and communities. Let us work together to build a brighter, better future for everyone. https://t.co/J6uM9msUd3
Delighted to be at Parliament Buildings today to witness democracy being restored through the nomination of ministers. A great day for the people of Northern Ireland and I look forward to working with all parties in the Executive. https://t.co/GgQRxP3SyN
Who is Edwin Poots, the new Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly? https://t.co/2qyyfy4fnm
👏Many congratulations to all MLAs and Northern Ireland ministers - I look forward to working with you https://t.co/AU0CsOOTnN
It is a historic day in Northern Ireland as the Assembly sits once more to determine its own future. I trust that this next chapter will restore hope and determine lasting peace, as well as address the needs of the people and communities of Northern Ireland.
I am honoured to address the Assembly on this day of historic change. As a First Minister for all, I am determined to work together with all parties to deliver for workers, families and all our communities. https://t.co/OwF6gH5mRP
Follow historic day in Northern Ireland here...👇 https://t.co/piI3YcPPQy
The new First Minister @moneillsf making her first speech in the Assembly Chamber. https://t.co/O8U67tIVsW
New Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill: “We are all heartbroken for the suffering of the Palestinian people. I call, today, in this chamber for a ceasefire, for an immediate dialogue for peace.” https://t.co/Ass7w1YtMF
Really good to see the N Ireland Assembly representatives back in the chamber at Stormont.
BREAKING: Edwin Poots is elected as Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly Sky's @skydavidblevins says 'Edwin Poots and Sir Jeffrey Donaldson were political rivals, so we may be witnessing the healing of old wounds'. https://t.co/ILUPgwVsrw 📺 Sky 501 and YouTube https://t.co/gTpRTR9sUb
#BREAKING N.Ireland lawmakers restore power-sharing assembly after two-year hiatus https://t.co/Xz8rm9UXWM
#Breaking Former DUP leader Edwin Poots has been elected Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly https://t.co/ss7qN1lM6i
NEW: Northern Ireland Assembly elects former DUP leader Edwin Poots as Speaker. Election of Speaker means a First and Deputy First Minister can be chosen and Stormont can resume.
This is a moment of huge democratic significance for Northern Ireland. It is two years to the day since power-sharing collapsed, and nearly 21 months since MLAs were elected. Today they will be able to return to the Assembly and establish an Executive.
‘Historic day’ as devolved government returns in Northern Ireland | ITV News https://t.co/Q8ccoTZ2Zz
"We look to our future. A future that I believe can be one where Northern Ireland prospers. Where NI is stable and at peace with itself." DUP Leader @J_Donaldson_MP speaks at Stormont as a power-sharing govt will return to Northern Ireland https://t.co/2Q2MyxnPgY 📺 Sky 501 https://t.co/TyZ4QEXzUA
"I believe that today is a good day for Northern Ireland." DUP Leader @J_Donaldson_MP speaks at Stormont on a historic day in which a power-sharing government will return to Northern Ireland, ending its two-year political quagmire https://t.co/PAiZ4D1jU3 📺 Sky 501 https://t.co/uIRA9MWz0e
This is a day of historic change. I am determined to deliver for everyone as a First Minister for all. https://t.co/VmqCYbROuT
NI Assembly to elect new first minister as Stormont returns Live updates: https://t.co/pjqKJbXvS0 https://t.co/jaS9yMqnhK
The return of power-sharing at Stormont is good news. We still have different views on the constitutional future of Northern Ireland, and that debate will of course continue. But when Nationalists and Unionists want to make the place work - together - then everyone benefits. https://t.co/e0ZnIS7X4m
Northern Ireland gets a working government for the first time in two years, and a historic First Minister https://t.co/XpUWABDBhz
Northern Ireland government to be restored two years after collapse https://t.co/llMcLe6chR
📢 Coming up on Sunday Morning with @TrevorPTweets 👇 🔴 Education Sec - @GillianKeegan 🔴 Shadow Culture Minister - @RhonddaBryant 🔴 @moneillsf as she becomes Northern Ireland’s First Minister ➕ more #TrevorPhillips ⏰ 8:30am 📱 https://t.co/iolhSBDOe8 📺 Sky 501 and YT
Powersharing to return in NI with Michelle O’Neill as first minister https://t.co/CsPuyhewCR
A day of huge significance and symbolism in Northern Ireland. If you've come from there, live there or been there you've seen the potential of this part of the UK. Let's hope the constituency of peace and reconciliation David Trimble spoke of in his Nobel acceptable speech wins. https://t.co/TaaFeY3lwU
Devolved government will return in Northern Ireland, with Sinn Fein’s @moneillsf making history as the first nationalist first minister ✍️: Jonathan McCambridge https://t.co/R3i6CuyQVM
Sinn Féin's Michelle O'Neill will make history in Northern Ireland today when she becomes the first Catholic and republican head of state, writes @vincekearney https://t.co/3RhUmShH7Q
Northern Ireland assembly returns with first Sinn Fein leader https://t.co/J19YKM7wgw via @jenniduggan @livfletcher_ https://t.co/FrsJL6ajNY
In the 4.5 years I chaired Westminster’s NI Committee my affection for NI & her people only grew. Today is an important day in NI’s history. I want to wish all MLAs the best of luck. So much needs doing for NI’s communities. Today, a new chapter begins. It’s what the people want
🟢 Northern Ireland gets first Sinn Fein leader – but functioning Stormont could prevent reunification https://t.co/zgAM4vUyO7