Michelle O'Neill, Northern Ireland's new first minister, and Chris Steele, former MI6 officer, discuss the potential for a united Ireland within the decade and the vulnerabilities of the new power-sharing deal. They also explore the dismissed case of Trump against Steele regarding the Steele dossier and concerns about US security services covering up information.
The appointment of Michelle O'Neill as the first nationalist first minister of Northern Ireland marks a significant shift in the political landscape, breaking away from the dominance of unionist parties and sparking global attention.
The power-sharing executive in Northern Ireland faces challenges as the debate over Irish unification is reignited, causing concerns among the unionist community and highlighting the need to address critical domestic issues amidst the shifting dynamics.
Deep dives
First nationalist first minister in Northern Ireland
Michelle O'Neill, a member of Sinn Fein, became the first nationalist first minister of Northern Ireland, a historically significant development. This marks a pivotal moment in Northern Ireland's political landscape as it breaks away from the dominance of the unionist parties that were shaped by the partition in the 1920s. While power sharing and co-equal positions remain, the symbolism of a nationalist leader at the highest level has made waves globally.
The challenges of power sharing
The delicate power-sharing arrangements in Northern Ireland face challenges as the debate over Irish unification is reignited with a Sinn Fein first minister. The unionist community expresses concerns over the implications this shift may have on the future of the union and whether it paves the way for a border poll on Irish unification. The power-sharing executive must navigate these tensions while addressing critical domestic issues, including public services and the economy.
Personal stories and political backgrounds
Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little Pengally, the new leaders of Northern Ireland's government, both grew up during the era of the Good Friday Agreement. They hail from deeply political families, with O'Neill having ties to the IRA and Little Pengally having familial connections to loyalist paramilitaries. Their personal stories and political upbringings underline the significance of their roles and their ability to connect with working-class communities in Northern Ireland.
Uncertainties and challenges ahead
While the restoration of Stormont and the historic appointment of a nationalist first minister signify progress, challenges lie ahead. Stormont has faced periods of dysfunction in the past, with unpredictable interruptions. The sustainability of the power-sharing arrangement remains uncertain. Additionally, the possibility of a border poll on Irish unification and the changing dynamics between London, Dublin, and Belfast add further complexity to the political landscape of Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland's new first minister Michelle O'Neill has had her knuckles metaphorically rapped by the PM - who's warned politicians to "focus on the day to day" of the brand new power sharing deal - and not start conversations about a united Ireland.
Could Ireland really unite within he decade? How many voters want to see that happen? And are we missing the bigger picture of what this deal actually means and where the vulnerabilities still lie?
Later, Chris Steele is the former MI6 officer sued by Trump over the 'pee pee gate dossier'. That case has now been thrown out by a judge. He talks us through what it was like being sued by the former president and his fears that the US security services will be cowed into covering up what they know - if Trump returns.
Editor: Tom Hughes
Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus
Producer: Laura FitzPatrick
Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell
Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal
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