Michelle O’Neill, the leader of Sinn Féin in Northern Irelandsaid today that the British countryside is entering “a new era” after the historic victory of its nationalist party against the Unionists for the local parliament.
“Today is a very important time of change” said O’Neill of the ballot counting center, promising to work to resolve differences. “I will offer a leadership that includes everyone, that glorifies diversity, that guarantees the rights and equality of those who have been excluded, discriminated against or ignored in the past.”he stressed.
“It’s a defining moment for politics and our people”, O’Neill added after Sinn Fein secured the most votes in the local elections for the first time. At the same time, he stated that the time had come for a “healthy debate” on the union of Northern Ireland with the Republic of Ireland.
The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), which favors Northern Ireland’s stay in the UK and has so far been the dominant political formation in the local parliament, has acknowledged Sinn Fein’s victory.
“It looks like Sinn Féin will be the first party”said DUP chief Jeffrey Donalson, speaking on Sky News. He reiterated, however, that his party would refuse to join a new unity government unless Northern Ireland’s protocol, the special customs regime governing the province’s post-Brexit trade, was changed.
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