Statement by Ceann Comhairle and Cathaoirleach on the restoration of the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive

“Ms O’Neill has pledged to be a “First Minister for all” and I wish them every success in their mandate and with the job of work they have ahead. I would also like to pay tribute to Alex Maskey who served as Speaker of the Assembly from 2020-2024.” 

Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann Senator Jerry Buttimer said: “Today is an historic day for the people of Northern Ireland with the restoration of the Executive. We look forward to working with MLAs who can now take up their mandate in full and work towards creating a better future for the citizens of Northern Ireland. We look forward to working with the newly elected Speaker Edwin Poots and developing the North-South relationship.”

“I would also like to welcome the fact that this is the first time the Executive Office has been made up of all women with the election of First Minister Michelle O’Neill, Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, Junior Minister Aisling Reilly and Junior Minister Pam Cameron.”

“Andrew Muir’s appointment as the first openly gay minister in the Northern Ireland Executive is also an historic moment and we wish him every success in his role as Minister for Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.”