Northern Ireland First Minister Paul Givan has announced his resignation from Stormont’s powersharing Executive.
The move comes as part of the Democratic Unionist Party’s (DUP) protest against the Northern Ireland Protocol in Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal.
Mr Givan’s resignation automatically removes Sinn Fein deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill from her job because, under Stormont’s powersharing rules, one cannot hold office without the other.
It comes 24 hours after DUP Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots acted unilaterally to order a halt to agri-food checks required under the post-Brexit trading arrangements. Civil servants have not yet implemented the instruction and checks are continuing.
“Today marks the end of what has been the privilege of my lifetime, to serve as the first minister of Northern Ireland,” Mr Givan told a press conference.
“Our institutions are being tested once again. And the delicate balance created by the Belfast and St Andrew’s agreements has been impacted by the agreement made by the United Kingdom Government and the European Union which created the Northern Ireland Protocol.
“The consent principle is a cornerstone of the Belfast Agreement and it is my earnest desire that all sections of the community will soon be able to give consent to the restoration of a fully functioning executive, through a resolution to the issues that have regrettably brought us to this point.”
It marked the culmination of months of protest towards the Northern Ireland Protocol, which has sparked anger among unionists after creating a border in the Irish Sea.
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, an MP in the DUP, claimed the protocol represents an “existential threat to the Union”.
“Now is the moment we have had enough,” he said. “We’ve had enough of other parties seeking the rigorous implementation of a protocol which we know is a bad deal for Northern Ireland.
He added: “I am convinced that it is only through our determination that the UK Government and the EU are back at the negotiating table.”
Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis said: “The decision by the DUP to withdraw the First Minister from the Northern Ireland Executive is extremely disappointing.
“I urge them to reinstate the First Minister immediately to ensure the necessary delivery of public services for the citizens of Northern Ireland.”
Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald said it is a “disgrace” that the DUP is threatening to pull down powersharing when crucial legislation needs to be passed.
“The DUP actions have consequences, real consequences, for people struggling with the cost of living, consequences for businesses trying to rebuild after Covid, consequences for our health service, for waiting lists,” she said.
“And it is a matter of disgrace that the budget now won’t be passed and that investment in services such as cancer care and mental health are now in serious jeopardy.”
