Sinn Fein’s Michelle O’Neill appointed as NI’s first nationalist First Minister
Stormont’s first nationalist First Minister Michelle O’Neill has pledged to work with unionists to build a better future for Northern Ireland.
The appointment of the Sinn Fein vice president provided a moment of history on the day the powersharing institutions returned after a two-year hiatus.
In her speech to the reconvened Assembly, Ms O’Neill said: “Today opens the door to the future – a shared future.
“I am honoured to stand here as First Minister.”
DUP MLA Emma Little-Pengelly was nominated as deputy First Minister.
Taking up the post, she said she and Ms O’Neill come from “very different backgrounds”, but for her part she will work “tirelessly to ensure that we can deliver for all in Northern Ireland”.
Secretary of State described it as a “great day for Northern Ireland”.
