Northern Ireland Assembly in crisis after McGuinness quits

Britain’s minister for Northern Ireland told lawmakers on Tuesday an early election in the United Kingdom territory “looks highly likely” after the sudden resignation of a key member of the local power-sharing government.

However, Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire rejected the suggestion that the Government would adjust its UK-wide welfare reforms in Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland politicians had earned plaudits across the globe for their ability to overcome difference and work together “for the good of the whole community”, Brokenshire said.

Mr McGuinness cited the Democratic Unionist Party’s (DUP) conduct over the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme scandal – which could cost the taxpayer £490m – as the main reason for his resignation.

It’s now assumed that Northern Ireland’s regional parliament will move to enable the dissolution of the DUP-Sinn Féin power-sharing executive.

Because Northern Ireland must always have a first minister and a deputy first minister in place under the terms of the power-sharing agreement, his resignation means Foster can not continue to govern alone.

The Belfast Feminist Network put out a scathing statement: ‘Misogyny is rife in Stormont but, more often than not, it comes from the ranks of Foster’s own party the DUP.’ When she became first minister, Foster’s colleague Edwin Poots said it was the ‘second most important job that she will ever take on. Sinn Fein’s leadership could be about to change. Now not only does Northern Ireland face a new election for the Stormont Assembly, and the power sharing administration it elects, but that election seems set to coincide with the triggering of Article 50 for Brexit talks.

However, with Sinn Féin insisting an election is inevitable there is little hope the crisis that has brought politics in Northern Ireland to standstill will be resolved anytime soon.

Mr McGuinness announced he was quitting over a botched energy deal on Monday signalling the collapse of the 10-year, power-sharing Government. Sinn Féin will not tolerate the arrogance of Arlene Foster and the DUP.

Sinn Fein has seven days to nominate a replacement deputy first minister, but McGuinness has said the party has no intention of doing so.

The First Minister and Deputy First Minister have ceased to hold office but may still exercise their functions for a week.

Now hoping to pick up the pieces, Mr Brokenshire may have taken some solace from DUP leader Arlene Foster who yesterday pressed ahead on the Renewable Heating Incentive scandal.

He said his Mrs Foster has a “clear conflict of interest” in the scandal, the BBC reported.

The equality, mutual respect and all-Ireland approaches enshrined in the Good Friday Agreement have never been fully embraced by the DUP.

Mr Murphy said on Wednesday: “The reality is we are opposed to the bedroom tax, we don’t want to see the bedroom tax introduced here”.