04/03/2024
Ireland's RTE Radio 1 reports that Michelle O'Neill representing the nationalist and centre left party Sinn Fein has become the first nationalist, Catholic and left of centre First Minister in Northern Ireland. Devolved power sharing resumed at the Stormont Assembly after a deadlock that had lasted several years. The conservative unionist organisation the DUP, which is anti-gay, has the deputy first minister position. Addressing the chamber after her appointment was confirmed and she affirmed the pledge of office, Ms O'Neill said the restoration of the institutions marked a "moment of equality and progress". Ms O'Neill is an LGBTQIA+ ally, and her party has made great strides in supporting the Irish LGBT+ population in spite of its roots as a largely Catholic party.
https://www.sinnfein.ie/contents/16522
https://www.thepinknews.com/2022/05/06/sinn-fein-dup-northern-ireland-lg...
