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15 January 2017

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Sinn Féin will NOT nominate new deputy First Minister by Monday 5pm deadline – next step elections

● Martin McGuinness – no Sinn Féin replacement after his shock resignation last Monday

‘At this time, there is no basis for credible negotiations to reinstate the institutions and we now must move to an election’


SINN FÉIN MLA Michelle O'Neill has said Sinn Féin will not be renominating for the position of deputy First Minister by the deadline of 5pm Monday – after Martin McGuinness’s resignation last Monday – and she called for an election to allow the people to have their say.

James Brokenshire

The Sinn Féin statement at 9pm on Sunday night makes it almost certain that British Secretary of State James Brokenshire (pictured) will call fresh elections on Monday. He told the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show on Sunday morning that he is not contemplating any alternatives to devolved government such as direct rule from Westminster.

Michelle O’Neill said:

“For over ten years, Martin McGuinness has worked to ensure that the institutions in the North delivered for all the people. During that time he has faced threats and disrespect. But he persevered, working with three successive DUP leaders, because it was the right thing to do.

“The actions of the British Government over this period in failing to honour their agreements and imposing Tory policy, austerity and Brexit against the will of the people undermined the political process.

“The Irish Government have consigned themselves to the role of onlooker and presented themselves as some sort of impartial referee.

“That is a fundamental mistake. 

“They are the custodians of the agreements that are being hollowed out on their watch and that has compounded the current crisis.

“Against this background, the DUP have failed to live up to their responsibilities to represent all in the community and to promote equality and respect.

“The Renewable Heat Incentive scandal, and other financial scandals, further eroded confidence in the institutions.

“The RHI scandal has the potential to cost the public purse £500million over the next 20 years – money which must come from our public services.

“This is not an Orange and Green issue. The cost of the RHI scandal will be paid for by all the community, unionist and nationalist alike.

“Sinn Féin is very clear: we will not tolerate incompetence, malpractice or allegations of a corrupt process in government. We have honoured all our agreements, acted with patience and generosity and demonstrated respect and equality to all in the community.

Jan 2017 Front Page

“Martin McGuinness moved to resign last Monday because it was the right thing to do.

“Sinn Féin will not be nominating for the position of deputy First Minister and the agreements mean that the people must now have their say.

“We all – including the other parties and the two governments – have a role to play to rebuild confidence in the political process and institutions that deliver for all our people and operate on the basis of equality and respect.

“Sinn Féin remains committed to dialogue. This will require a step-change from the governments and other parties.

“There can be no return to the status quo at Stormont.

“At this time, there is no basis for credible negotiations to reinstate the institutions and we now must move to an election.”

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Contributions from key figures in the churches, academia and wider civic society as well as senior republican figures

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