The restoration of power-sharing in Northern Ireland is a “signpost” for the future and a united Ireland, according to Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty. 

The Northern Ireland Assembly is meeting in Stormont Castle today for the first time in two years after the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) ended its boycott of the Northern Ireland Executive. 

Sinn Féin vice-President Michelle O’Neill was elected First Minister, the first nationalist politician in Northern Ireland to do so. 

Deputy Doherty told The Anton Savage Show Sinn Féin becoming the largest party in Northern Ireland is a “seismic change”. 

“We have to remember that the state of Northern Ireland and the Stormont parliament was created on the basis that there would be a dominance of unionist rule,” he said. 

“Today at 1pm or shortly afterwards, a republican woman from Tyrone and Sinn Féin will be elected its First Minister... that is a hugely symbolic departure.” 

Future of Northern Ireland

Beyond the historic symbolism of the day, Mr Doherty said the return to power-sharing is a powerful symbol for the future of Ireland. 

“It's a signpost set the state which was a unionist State is no longer unionist,” he said. “Sinn Féin is now the largest party in the north. 

“It’s a signpost of things to come in terms of where we're moving in terms of a referendum on Irish unity. 

“But crucially, it's also about parliament being restored, power-sharing being restored. 

“Parties in the north, regardless of their political opinions, have a democratic mandate coming together to deliver for people right across this island and particularly in the north.” 

Irish unity

The Sinn Féin TD said “no one has their head in the sand” about the debate on Irish unity anymore. 

“People understand that there will be a referendum on the issue of Irish unity,” he said. 

“Former leaders of the DUP nearly a decade ago, were talking about the need to organise and prepare for that referendum.” 

A 'First Minister for all'

He said Michelle O’Neill and Sinn Féin MLAs in the Northern Ireland Assembly will not “pretend” they do not want a united Ireland, but it won’t affect how the party represents all Northern Irish people. 

“Michelle O'Neill is very clear as she takes up her position as First Minister that she is a First Minister for all,” he said. 

“Yes, she’s the deputy leader of Sinn Féin, but she will represent without fear or favour.” 

The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has nominated MLA Emma Little Pengelly as Deputy First Minister alongside Ms O’Neill. 

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