First Minister Michelle O'Neill has declared that the most significant issue facing the Stormont Assembly is the "severe underfunding of our public services". In a pointed New Year's message, she accused the UK's Labour Government of breaking its promise of a "new dawn" and continuing policies of austerity akin to the previous Conservative administration.
Executive Relations and Funding Struggles
Ms O'Neill acknowledged that working relationships within the power-sharing Executive, which includes ministers from Sinn Fein, the DUP, the UUP, and the Alliance Party, are "difficult and complex". This comes almost two years after the restoration of devolved government in Northern Ireland.
She highlighted recent practical difficulties, noting that the Executive has struggled in recent months to find the necessary funds to deliver pay parity for healthcare workers, teachers, and police staff with their counterparts in the rest of the United Kingdom. Disagreements over funding allocations, particularly between Sinn Fein and DUP ministers, have also surfaced.
Accusations of 'False Promises' and a Call for Change
The First Minister was sharply critical of the Labour Government elected in 2024. She stated that Labour had made "false promises of a new dawn" but was now "following Tory austerity". O'Neill argued that despite a continuing cost-of-living crisis, a recent budget failed to meaningfully support workers, families, and businesses.
"Austerity, cuts and stealth tax increases are all measures that hit those with the lowest incomes, rather than taxing the wealthy. That is a wrong," she said. Her conclusion was stark: "The reality is London has never and will never prioritise the interests of the people of the north of Ireland."
O'Neill used this critique to reiterate her party's constitutional position, calling for preparations for change and repeating Sinn Fein's call for a referendum on Irish unity by 2030. "Only where we can make our own decisions on this island will we be able to build sustainable public services," she asserted.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Despite the challenges, the First Minister struck an optimistic note for the coming year, describing 2026 as "promising to be an exciting year". She pointed to Belfast hosting Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann, a major Irish cultural festival, and the historic October appointment of Northern Ireland's first Commissioner for the Irish Language as key positive developments.
Quoting an Irish saying, "Tus maith leath na hoibre" (a good start is half the work), O'Neill urged a strong start to 2026. "The future is ours to shape and, by working together, we can make it a brighter one," she concluded.
