After two years of political turmoil, Northern Ireland’s devolved assembly is poised to return to full operation following a new agreement on trade between the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and the UK government, which was ratified by the House of Commons on Thursday.
The DUP, Northern Ireland’s largest pro-UK party, had brought down the nationalist-unionist power-sharing government in protest against trading arrangements following the UK’s official exit from the European Union. The new agreement, welcomed by Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, the leader of the ultra-conservative DUP, is aimed at safeguarding Northern Ireland’s position in the UK’s internal market.
The restoration of the devolved government will see Michelle O’Neill of Sinn Fein making history as the first Irish nationalist to assume the role of Northern Ireland’s First Minister following her party’s success in the May 2022 assembly elections.
Prior to Brexit, trade between the UK and the Republic of Ireland was seamless. However, the Northern Ireland Protocol, the first post-Brexit trade deal, introduced checks on goods arriving into Northern Ireland from Great Britain, leading to the DUP’s withdrawal from the assembly. The subsequent Windsor Framework was also unsatisfactory to the DUP.
The latest trade deal includes an end to routine checks on goods arriving from Great Britain destined for Northern Ireland, signaling a potential resumption of the devolved government. The UK government has also pledged a £3.3 billion financial package for Northern Ireland on the assembly’s resumption.
The lack of a functioning government has impacted decision-making and service provision in Northern Ireland, with dire consequences for the healthcare system.
In the aftermath of the assembly elections, speculation about Irish unification has been ignited, as Sinn Fein secured the most seats, sparking discussions about a potential poll on Irish unity. Mary Lou McDonald, Sinn Fein’s president, expressed that Irish unification was within “touching distance,” but public opinion currently favors remaining part of the United Kingdom.
The article paints a comprehensive picture of the evolving political scenario in Northern Ireland, with a focus on the recent agreement and its implications for the region. It also highlights the potential impact on Irish unification and the challenges ahead.
