Stormont: Michelle O'Neill makes history by becoming First Minister

History was made today (Saturday) as Michelle O'Neill became Stormont's first-ever Irish Republican First Minister.

Sinn Fein's deputy President, pledged to work with unionists to build a better future for everyone across Northern Ireland.

She said it would be an Assembly for all.

DUP MLA Emma Little-Pengelly was nominated as deputy First Minister.

She said she would "work tirelessly" for everyone in the community.

The two top jobs in the ministerial executive wield equal power and responsibility, but the elevation of a republican to the office of first minister, by virtue of Sinn Fein becoming the region's largest political party in the 2022 Assembly election, is undoubtedly a significant symbolic moment for Northern Ireland.

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".

"A new opportunity to work and grow together," she said.

"Confident that wherever we come from, whatever our aspirations, we can and must build our future together.

Ms O'Neill said the public were relying on each of us to act in their best interests and to serve our whole community in good faith.

"We must make powersharing work because collectively, we are charged with leading and delivering for all our people, for every community," she said.

"In common cause we must make life better for workers, families, communities. To create hope and opportunity."

And she added: "To all of you who are British and unionist; your national identity, culture and traditions are important to me," she said.

"I will be both inclusive and respectful to you.

"None of us are being asked or expected to surrender who we are. Our allegiances are equally legitimate.

"Let's walk this two-way street and meet one another halfway.

"I will be doing so with both an open hand and with heart."

First MInister O'Neill said devolved government will face great challenges, and she described the rising cost of living as being a "heavy burden" on households and businesses.

She said the public sector workers who have taken industrial action and been on strikes over pay is a situation that "demands urgent action".

"Tory austerity has badly damaged our public services. They have presided over more than a decade of shame. They have caused real suffering," she said.

"I wish to lead an Executive which has the freedom to make our own policy and spending choices.

"We cannot continue to be hamstrung by Tories in London.

"Together, we must unite and fight with one voice the corner of every citizen, to ensure that public services are funded properly."

Meanwhile, Deputy First Minister Little-Pengelly added: "I recognise that for many today it is a historic moment with the nomination of Michelle O'Neill and myself as first ministers," she said.

"It is a day that confirms the democratic outcome of the election.

"Serving people in this House in any role is an honour and a privilege. It is an opportunity to shape Northern Ireland for the better and to make a meaningful difference.

"I love Northern Ireland. I am deeply proud to be from this place we call home despite our often troubled history and divisions of the past, I know that we have incredible potential."

And she added: "Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said there must be no dominating from any side to another, calling for a "new approach of recognising the concerns of each other and finding solutions together".

"We are all born equal and the people who look on this sitting today demand us to work together," she said.

"Michelle is an Irish Republican, and I am a very proud unionist. We will never agree on those issues but what we can agree on is that cancer doesn't discriminate on our hospitals need fixed.

"Let us be a source of hope to those young people watching today, not one of despair.

"Let us prove that difference is something that can be a strength through recognition and respect. That difference need not to be a barrier to progress and delivering.

"This is my pledge. I love this place we call home. I will work tirelessly for delivery for all the people of Northern Ireland from every background. I will do so with the best of my abilities honoured by the privilege and opportunity to do so.

"Let's do it side by side and let's keep Northern Ireland moving forward."