In a major breakthrough for Northern Irish politics, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has endorsed a new deal with the UK government, signalling the imminent return of power-sharing at Stormont.
The party's executive voted decisively in favour of the agreement during a marathon meeting on Monday night. This move ends a 24-month boycott that had crippled devolved institutions and left Northern Ireland without a functioning executive.
The End of a Long Standoff
DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson emerged from the talks to announce the party had reached a decision, though he stopped short of revealing the full details of the agreement. The central issue of the boycott—post-Brexit trading arrangements—appears to have been addressed by new government measures aimed at easing trade frictions between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
"I am confident that the agreement reached does provide a basis for our party to nominate members to the Northern Ireland Executive," Sir Jeffrey stated, marking a significant shift in the party's position.
Westminster's Relief and the Path Forward
The deal has been met with relief in Westminster. Shadow Northern Ireland secretary Hilary Benn welcomed the development, emphasising the urgent need for a restored executive to address the crippling public sector strikes and a deepening financial crisis.
"The people of Northern Ireland have been without their government for far too long. They need and deserve their politicians working for them around a table, taking decisions," Benn commented.
What Happens Next?
With the DUP's support secured, the focus now shifts to the assembly at Stormont. The next critical step is for the Northern Ireland Assembly to elect a speaker, followed by the nomination of ministers to form a new power-sharing executive.
This paves the way for Sinn Féin's Michelle O'Neill to become Northern Ireland's first nationalist First Minister, a historic moment reflecting the party's status as the largest in the assembly following the last election.
The return of devolved government is expected to unlock a crucial £3.3 billion financial package from Westminster to stabilise Northern Ireland's public services.
