Posted 2/3/2024, 6:43:11 AM
Michelle O'Neill to Lead Northern Ireland Government as First Nationalist First Minister
- Michelle O'Neill to become first nationalist leader of N. Ireland's government when assembly returns after 2-year boycott
- Appointment symbolic - reflects Sinn Fein's position as biggest party and shifting demographics
- O'Neill faces pressing issues like budget constraints and crumbling public services
- O'Neill calls restoration of assembly "a day of optimism" and wants joint effort on problems
- Main pro-UK unionist party DUP agreed to deal this week to lift checks on goods from GB to NI, allowing Stormont to return