Devolved government in Northern Ireland set to return following DUP decision

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - Northern Ireland is poised to witness the restoration of its devolved government after a tumultuous 24-month hiatus, marking a significant breakthrough in the region's political landscape.

The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), which had been a key player in blocking the functioning of the assembly and executive over concerns regarding post-Brexit trade arrangements, has now agreed to re-enter the institutions.

The breakthrough came after intensive negotiations and a pivotal decision by the DUP, facilitated by an agreement that saw the UK government pass new legislation at Westminster. This legislative move paved the way for the DUP to reconsider its stance and commit to re-engaging in Northern Ireland's political process.

While the deal has been formally agreed upon, the practicalities of reigniting devolution are currently underway. The government unveiled the comprehensive agreement on Wednesday, with corresponding legislation swiftly passed at Westminster on Thursday afternoon.

Notably, this resurgence of devolution will see Sinn Fein’s Michelle O’Neill poised to become the region’s first-ever nationalist first minister, underscoring the evolving landscape of power-sharing and representation in Northern Ireland.

"It has been confirmed that the Assembly will meet on Saturday, as we come together to form an Executive and get Ministers back in office to take decisions to support workers, families and public services. I am determined to lead an Executive as a First Minister for all, and to build a better future for all our people and communities," O’Neill said on X.

The DUP announced Tuesday that it agreed to endorse a deal to restore power-sharing in Stormont, Northern Ireland's parliament.

The DUP had boycotted Stormont for nearly two years in protest of trade arrangements after Brexit.

The new plan will further reduce checks and paperwork on goods going from Great Britain -- England, Scotland and Wales -- to Northern Ireland, meaning that there will be no post-Brexit checks on British items which are staying in Northern Ireland.

The Northern Ireland Protocol, the first trade deal with the European Union after Brexit, was seeking checks on goods from Great Britain coming into Northern Ireland.

The new deal would bring no routine checks on goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, a move that paves the way for power-sharing to return to Stormont.