‘D Day’ at Stormont sees Sinn Féin decline to replace Martin McGuinness – new election inevitable

A NEW Assembly election in the North is now inevitable after Sinn Féin did not renominate for the position of deputy First Minister following the resignation of Martin McGuinness last week.

Sinn Féin MLA Michelle O’Neill told the Assembly in session at 12 noon on Monday that Sinn Féin was not not making a nomination for the post. 

She again called on British Secretary of State James Brokenshire to call an election to allow the people to have their say.

Speaking in the chamber, Michelle O’Neill said:

“For over ten years, as deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness has worked tirelessly to make these institutions deliver for all our people – unionist, nationalist and everyone else in our society.

“He took a leadership role to promote equality, respect, and reconciliation. His record, his commitment and the limitless energy he has brought to this process is beyond question.

“During that time he has faced threats, a lack of respect and a failure by the DUP to reciprocate his Trojan efforts.

“We will not tolerate the arrogance and disrespect of the DUP.”

The Mid Ulster MLA said that the institutions can only function with the support of the people and can only operate on the basis of equality and respect.

She made it clear that a new election is needed.

“Sinn Féin will only be part of institutions which work and deliver for all in the community. There can be no return to the status quo.

“If something is broken, you stop and you fix it. That is the Sinn Féin approach.”

She reiterated that the British Secretary of State must now call an election.

“It is now over to the people to have their say,” she told the Assembly.