Stormont witnessed a historic moment as Michelle O'Neill of Sinn Féin became Northern Ireland's first nationalist first minister, breaking new ground in the region's political landscape.

This milestone comes after the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) ended its boycott over post-Brexit trade rules, leading to the restoration of power-sharing in the devolved government.

In a symbolic move, Emma Little-Pengelly from the DUP was appointed deputy first minister. The return to power-sharing occurred exactly two years after the collapse of the government. The DUP had boycotted devolved government due to disagreements over post-Brexit checks on goods between Northern Ireland and Great Britain. The breakthrough came with a fresh deal, prompting their return to power sharing.

The Northern Ireland Executive, akin to the Westminster cabinet, now features ministers representing various portfolios:

Justice Minister: Naomi Long, Alliance

Economy Minister: Conor Murphy, Sinn Féin

Education Minister: Paul Givan, DUP

Communities Minister: Gordon Lyons, DUP

Health Minister: Robin Swann, Ulster Unionist Party (UUP)

Infrastructure Minister: John O'Dowd, Sinn Féin

Finance Minister: Caoimhe Archibald, Sinn Féin

Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs Minister: Andrew Muir, Alliance

Additionally, Sinn Féin's Aisling Reilly and the DUP's Pam Cameron will serve as junior ministers. The Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) opted to go into opposition, emphasizing their commitment to effective governance for the people of Northern Ireland.

Michelle O'Neill, expressing the historic significance, acknowledged the unimaginable nature of a nationalist first minister in previous generations. Despite her support for a united Ireland, she pledged to serve everyone equally, promoting inclusivity and respect.

Emma Little-Pengelly pledged diligence as deputy first minister, emphasizing the opportunity to shape Northern Ireland positively by working together. The return of power-sharing was lauded as a "great day for Northern Ireland" by Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris, who confirmed a £3.3bn financial package for the incoming executive.

As the assembly reconvened, the first order of business included the election of a speaker, with former DUP leader Edwin Poots assuming the role. Alliance leader Naomi Long became justice minister through a cross-community vote. The ministerial roles were allocated using mechanisms like D'Hondt, leading to a diverse executive team. The historic moment of Michelle O'Neill's appointment comes with the expectation of fulfilling her pledge to be a first minister for all. Photo by Sinn Féin, Wikimedia commons.