New SF leader at Stormont takes up role
The Health Minister Michelle O’Neill has replaced Martin McGuinness as the leader of Sinn Féin at Stormont.
Last updated 24th Jan 2017
Ms O’Neill has taken on the role in the wake of Mr McGuinness’s resignation over a botched renewable energy scheme, which triggered the collapse of the Northern Ireland Assembly.The 40-year-old Mid-Ulster MLA will now lead the party north of the Irish border into the upcoming elections in March.
Her appointment has been welcomed by party President Gerry Adams.
“As a united all-Ireland team, we will give her the space and support to find her own voice and continue the good work Martin pioneered,” he said.
Ms O’Neill said she was determined to continue the work that Mr McGuinness had carried out during his time in office.
“I won't let you down,” she said.
“This is the biggest honour and privilege of my life.
“I have never been afraid of a challenge and I have never been afraid to act,'” she said.
Mr McGuinness used the occasion for a bit of brevity using a phrase, which Mr Adams once used in reference to the IRA, to insist he would still be involved in political activism.
“I haven't gone away, you know,” he said.