LONDON: An Irish nationalist made history Saturday by becoming Northern Ireland’s first minister as the government returned to work after a two-year boycott by unionists.Sinn Fein Vice.
BBC News
Published and as NI first minister, politicians on all sides have been reacting.
Mrs Foster, who was the first female first minister of Northern Ireland, said it had been the privilege of her life and she was now preparing to depart the political stage .
Here are some of the reactions.
Sinn Féin
Deputy First Minster Michelle O Neill said she had spoken to her ministerial partner earlier on Wednesday and wished her and and her family well. I have worked alongside Arlene Foster this past year in what has been a difficult and challenging time for everyone with the unexpected onset of the Covid pandemic, she said.
Northern Ireland’s health minister has said the “scales are tipping” in favour of accelerating the process of relaxing lockdown restrictions.
Robin Swann was speaking ahead of a meeting of the Stormont Executive on Thursday, when ministers will formally review the coronavirus regulations.
Earlier, deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill indicated that ministers will agree a timetable of reopenings that will cover several months.
Deputy First Minster Michelle O’Neill (Liam McBurney/PA)
The powersharing executive in Belfast has faced criticism for not incorporating indicative dates into its blueprint for exiting Covid-19 lockdown.
Speaking at an Executive press conference, Mr Swann said he believes that the “time is now right” to proceed with further easing of restrictions, including some indicative dates.