What is power-sharing at Stormont?
Until three years ago, Northern Ireland was jointly governed by its largest unionist party, the DUP, and its largest nationalist party, Sinn Féin.
They shared power in political institutions set up under theGood Friday Agreement) **************, a deal which brought peace to Northern Ireland after years of violence known as the Troubles.
Under the principles of power-sharing, Stormont’s government cannot function unless it is comprised of a coalition of both unionists and nationalists.
What caused Stormont’s government to collapse?
Relations between the DUP and Sinn Féin had deteriorated in recent years as the two parties were diametrically opposed not only on Northern Ireland’s position within the UK, but also issues such as the Irish language; same-sex marriage and abortion, and how to deal with the legacy of the Troubles.
But unexpectedly it was a row over a green energy scheme which pushed their relationship past breaking point.
The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme ran significantly over budget and at one point threatened to cost taxpayers £ 728 m.
The flawed RHI scheme was initially set up by DUP leader Arlene Foster, when she was enterprise minister.
Sinn Féin demanded that Mrs Foster step aside as first minister during an inquiry into the RHI scheme and when she refused, they pulled out of government on 9 January 2017.
What has Sinn Fen said about the deal?
Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald told a Stormont press conference that her party will nominate ministers to an executive.
She said Sinn Féin was up for a return to “genuine power sharing”.
“I believe power sharing can work but that requires everyone to step up. “
” We need to have an inclusive executive. “
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