Tyrone’s First Minister vows to break chain of austerity

MICHELLE O’Neill has vowed to break the chain of Tory austerity in her new vision for the North, following formation of the Executive.

Saturday afternoon saw the the Northern Ireland Assembly restored after the DUP ended their boycott earlier last week.

As the largest party following the Assembly election in 2022, Sinn Féin put forth Michelle O’Neill to take the seat of First Minister.

Following her appointment, the Tyrone woman gave her inaugural speech as First Minister, identifying herself as a proud woman of ‘Ulster, Tyrone and an Irish and European citizen.’

“It is an honour for me to stand here today as First Minister,” she said. “We mark a moment of equality and a moment of progress and a moment of opportunity to work and to grow together.

“I welcome the fact that the DUP have decided to re-enter the democratic institution and respect the result of last year’s Assembly election. The public are now relying on us to act in their best interests, to serve our whole community with good faith.

“The days of second class citizenship are long gone and today confirms that they will never come back. As an Irish Republican, I pledge co-operation and genuine effort with those colleges of British, unionist tradition who cherish the union.”

She added, “This power sharing coalition will undoubtedly face great challenges, and there are many nettles for us to grasp.”

The new First Minister also addressed the many challenges now facing Stormont as the Assembly is re-established, including the cost of living crisis, patient waiting times and Tory austerity.

“I wish to lead an executive which has the freedom to make our own policies and spending choices,” she continued. “We cannot continue to be hamstrung to the Tories in London, so together we must unite and we equally must fight with one voice.

“Key infrastructure developments such as the A5, the A29 road schemes, Casement Park and other signature projects will be delivered so that we can enhance connectivity and support communities.

“I was a 20-year-old mother at the time of our agreement, and I remember vividly the sense of hope and real feeling of optimism. I got right in behind the politics and I have worked since then to build the peace.”