Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill from Sinn Féin and the Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly from DUP emphasised that the establishment of a new body aimed to fortify connections across the UK will not disrupt the current political foundations of the Belfast Agreement. Their remarks followed their participation in the premier meeting of the East-West Council in London, under the leadership of Michael Gove, the UK’s levelling up secretary.
The council is intended to boost business and educational ties between Northern Ireland and the remainder of the UK. It was formed alongside the agreement that reinstated powersharing in Stormont earlier in the year.
The council meeting made aligning UK government financing with the priorities of the Stormont Executive a primary focus, along with two funding introductions to boost adult numeracy and to stimulate business innovation in Northern Ireland.
O’Neill commented that the East-West Council doesn’t hold equivalent status or authority as any governments established under the Belfast Agreement. She dismissed any assertion that the council’s formation could be perceived as undermining the peace deal and stated her dedication to prevent any such occurrences.
According to O’Neill, the Executive has resumed operating and the North-South Ministerial Council will convene on April 8th, with a subsequent meeting of the British-Irish Council in June.
Little-Pengelly denied the claim that the council symbolised her party’s effort to circumnavigate the structures of the Belfast Agreement. She further stated that the council is intended to enhance and supplement the existing structure, not replace or threaten it.
Both Little-Pengelly and Northern Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris disputed the portrayal of the council as mere dialogue and stated that they addressed several key priorities to fortify the bonds between Northern Ireland and the rest of Great Britain.