ido i do think it is a day of optimism. our public services are stretched, public sector workers have been forced onto the picket lines. i want to be in position because i want to make a difference and i want to stand up and fight back against this tory agenda that has hurt our public services so much over the last 13 plus years since they have been in power. so we have a lot of hard work ahead of us but collectively we can do better for the people that we serve. collectively, we can fight back against this tory austerity agenda and we can stand up and fight for our public services. that is what we are in the business of doing, improving peoples lives and that's what i want to do is first minister. and to work with the other parties. the next number of days are going to be crucial to get us to the actual real—life point of a big owing to that chamber and i am made deputy first minister, and let's get down to business.—

inaudible. there is no fundraising in st patrick's_ there is no fundraising in st patrick's day events for sinn fein or anyone — patrick's day events for sinn fein or anyone else. the labour party should _ or anyone else. the labour party should do— or anyone else. the labour party should do a — or anyone else. the labour party should do a bit more... in respect of what _ should do a bit more... in respect of what has — should do a bit more... in respect of what has been agreed, we have obviously—

of what has been agreed, we have obviously been in close contact with both government and indeed with brussels, — both government and indeed with brussels, so we are satisfied that no part— brussels, so we are satisfied that no part of— brussels, so we are satisfied that no part of the good friday agreement has been _ no part of the good friday agreement has been undermined or damaged, and we also _ has been undermined or damaged, and we also know that brussels, dublin, all parties _ we also know that brussels, dublin, all parties are satisfied that what has been — all parties are satisfied that what has been agreed stays between the hedges _ has been agreed stays between the hedges of the needs of brussels and the european market, and also the concerns— the european market, and also the concerns that the dup expressed. all of that— concerns that the dup expressed. all of that has— concerns that the dup expressed. all of that has been accommodated and worked _ of that has been accommodated and worked on. — of that has been accommodated and worked on, painstakingly. it was actually— worked on, painstakingly. it was actually concluded upon some time a-o, actually concluded upon some time ago. but _ actually concluded upon some time ago, but here we are today. inaudible. how do you feel about sharing power with a party that is all over the front pages this morning? look, we

are where we _ front pages this morning? look, we are where we are _ front pages this morning? look, we are where we are today. _ front pages this morning? look, we are where we are today. we - front pages this morning? look, we are where we are today. we have i front pages this morning? look, we are where we are today. we have a| are where we are today. we have a declaration — are where we are today. we have a declaration from _ are where we are today. we have a declaration from the _ are where we are today. we have a declaration from the dup - are where we are today. we have a declaration from the dup leader. are where we are today. we have a i declaration from the dup leader that says they— declaration from the dup leader that says they will — declaration from the dup leader that says they will return _ declaration from the dup leader that says they will return to _ declaration from the dup leader that says they will return to power - says they will return to power sharing — says they will return to power sharing and _ says they will return to power sharing and they _ says they will return to power sharing and they are - says they will return to power sharing and they are going. says they will return to power sharing and they are going to| says they will return to power - sharing and they are going to prove us wrong _ sharing and they are going to prove us wrong and — sharing and they are going to prove us wrong and come _ sharing and they are going to prove us wrong and come in _ sharing and they are going to prove us wrong and come in and - sharing and they are going to provel us wrong and come in and nominate alongside _ us wrong and come in and nominate alongside a — us wrong and come in and nominate alongside a sinn— us wrong and come in and nominate alongside a sinn fein _ us wrong and come in and nominate alongside a sinn fein first - us wrong and come in and nominate alongside a sinn fein first ministerl alongside a sinn fein first minister and i_ alongside a sinn fein first minister and i welcome _ alongside a sinn fein first minister and i welcome that. _ alongside a sinn fein first minister and i welcome that. that's- alongside a sinn fein first minister and i welcome that. that's exactlyl and i welcome that. that's exactly where _ and i welcome that. that's exactly where we — and i welcome that. that's exactly where we all— and i welcome that. that's exactly where we all should _ and i welcome that. that's exactly where we all should be. _ and i welcome that. that's exactly where we all should be. this- and i welcome that. that's exactly where we all should be. this war. where we all should be. this war goes _ where we all should be. this war goes to— where we all should be. this war goes to the — where we all should be. this war goes to the heart _ where we all should be. this war goes to the heart of— where we all should be. this war goes to the heart of the - where we all should be. this war goes to the heart of the good . where we all should be. this war. goes to the heart of the good friday agreement — goes to the heart of the good friday agreement. power—sharing - goes to the heart of the good friday agreement. power—sharing is- goes to the heart of the good friday agreement. power—sharing is the i goes to the heart of the good friday . agreement. power—sharing is the only show in _ agreement. power—sharing is the only show in town— agreement. power—sharing is the only show in town so — agreement. power—sharing is the only show in town so i'm _ agreement. power—sharing is the only show in town so i'm glad _ agreement. power—sharing is the only show in town so i'm glad we _ show in town so i'm glad we are at the junction where this might be possible once again. but beyond that, _ possible once again. but beyond that, what — possible once again. but beyond that, what to _ possible once again. but beyond that, what to do _ possible once again. but beyond that, what to do we _ possible once again. but beyond that, what to do we do - possible once again. but beyond that, what to do we do next - possible once again. but beyond - that, what to do we do next customer we have _ that, what to do we do next customer we have a _ that, what to do we do next customer we have a collective _ that, what to do we do next customer we have a collective challenge - that, what to do we do next customer we have a collective challenge on - we have a collective challenge on our hands — we have a collective challenge on our hands in _ we have a collective challenge on our hands. i'm glad _ we have a collective challenge on our hands. i'm glad actually- we have a collective challenge on i our hands. i'm glad actually before christmas, — our hands. i'm glad actually before christmas, for— our hands. i'm glad actually before christmas, for the _ our hands. i'm glad actually before christmas, for the first _ our hands. i'm glad actually before christmas, for the first time - our hands. i'm glad actually before christmas, for the first time ever, i christmas, for the first time ever, we had _ christmas, for the first time ever, we had the — christmas, for the first time ever, we had the british— christmas, for the first time ever, we had the british treasury- we had the british treasury recognise _ we had the british treasury recognise that _ we had the british treasury recognise that this - we had the british treasury recognise that this place i we had the british treasury recognise that this place is| recognise that this place is underfunded. _ recognise that this place is underfunded. that - recognise that this place is underfunded. that is - recognise that this place is underfunded. that is a - recognise that this place is . underfunded. that is a battle recognise that this place is - underfunded. that is a battle we should _ underfunded. that is a battle we should fight _ underfunded. that is a battle we should fight together. _ underfunded. that is a battle we should fight together. we - underfunded. that is a battle we should fight together. we would| underfunded. that is a battle we i should fight together. we would be far more _ should fight together. we would be far more successful _ should fight together. we would be far more successful doing - should fight together. we would be far more successful doing that - far more successful doing that together _ far more successful doing that together i_ far more successful doing that together. i believe _ far more successful doing that together. i believe in - far more successful doing that together. i believe in the - far more successful doing that| together. i believe in the good friday— together. i believe in the good friday agreement, _ together. i believe in the good friday agreement, i— together. i believe in the good friday agreement, i believe i together. i believe in the good friday agreement, i believe in| friday agreement, i believe in power-sharing, _ friday agreement, i believe in power—sharing, and _ friday agreement, i believe in power—sharing, and i- friday agreement, i believe in power—sharing, and i believe. friday agreement, i believe in. power—sharing, and i believe you friday agreement, i believe in- power—sharing, and i believe you can -et power—sharing, and i believe you can get more _ power—sharing, and i believe you can get more done — power—sharing, and i believe you can get more done when _ power—sharing, and i believe you can get more done when you _ power—sharing, and i believe you can get more done when you work- get more done when you work

together _ together. l absolutely together. - absolutely we together. — absolutely we support the re—establishment of the institutions. we want it up and running, and this is coming not a moment too soon. we are now at a juncture where, rather than looking back, we now need to start looking forward, and we need to seize on the opportunities that are very considerable here in this part of the world, and of course as michelle has said, we achieve when we work together to a far greater extent. so thatis together to a far greater extent. so that is the challenge for today. of course, it is not going to be all roses. there will be challenges. it is a very unique system of government, this power—sharing, but it is where it is at, as michelle has said, and we are very happy that a day like this, and the days that

will follow can demonstrate politics working, and political people working, and political people working together. i think that's a really important message for wider society and we need to get stuck in, and of course as michelle said, item number one on the agenda in many respects is taking on very directly tory austerity. toe to toe. inaudible. we are now at a point where we are putting things back together again, so no, i don't fear unravelling, and

i don't think we should speculate around unravelling when, in fact, we are all working constructively. so no, i don't share that concern at all. and we have decisions to take in terms _ and we have decisions to take in terms of— and we have decisions to take in terms of departmental— and we have decisions to take in terms of departmental choices. i and we have decisions to take in . terms of departmental choices. we have to _ terms of departmental choices. we have to talk— terms of departmental choices. we have to talk to _ terms of departmental choices. we have to talk to all— terms of departmental choices. we have to talk to all the _ terms of departmental choices. we have to talk to all the other - have to talk to all the other parties _ have to talk to all the other parties as— have to talk to all the other parties as well— have to talk to all the other parties as well around - have to talk to all the other parties as well around our. parties as well around our priorities _ parties as well around our priorities. forgive - parties as well around our priorities. forgive me, . parties as well around our| priorities. forgive me, but parties as well around our. priorities. forgive me, but i parties as well around our- priorities. forgive me, but i am going _ priorities. forgive me, but i am going to — priorities. forgive me, but i am going to hold _ priorities. forgive me, but i am going to hold our— priorities. forgive me, but i am going to hold our council- priorities. forgive me, but i am going to hold our council on- priorities. forgive me, but i ami going to hold our council on that one until— going to hold our council on that one until we _ going to hold our council on that one until we actually _ going to hold our council on that one until we actually get - going to hold our council on that one until we actually get to - going to hold our council on that one until we actually get to a - one until we actually get to a juncture _ one until we actually get to a juncture where _ one until we actually get to a juncture where we _ one until we actually get to a juncture where we can - one until we actually get to a . juncture where we can announce one until we actually get to a - juncture where we can announce them all collectively~ — without a government for two years. they have. and while it'll be wrong to suggest everyone is happy with what the dup have decided on, i think it's fair to say it has been widely welcomed. for nearly two years now we have been hearing the story michelle is not alone, she is also modest~ —

michelle is not alone, she is also modest~ it— michelle is not alone, she is also modest~ it is— michelle is not alone, she is also modest. it is massively- michelle is not alone, she is also. modest. it is massively significant. bear in _ modest. it is massively significant. bear in mind — modest. it is massively significant. bear in mind partition _ modest. it is massively significant. bear in mind partition itself, - modest. it is massively significant. bear in mind partition itself, the i bear in mind partition itself, the establishment _ bear in mind partition itself, the establishment of— bear in mind partition itself, the establishment of this _ bear in mind partition itself, the establishment of this state - bear in mind partition itself, the establishment of this state wasl bear in mind partition itself, the l establishment of this state was on the basis — establishment of this state was on the basis of— establishment of this state was on the basis of creating _ establishment of this state was on the basis of creating an _ establishment of this state was on l the basis of creating an independent and permanent— the basis of creating an independent and permanent union _ the basis of creating an independent and permanent union agra _ the basis of creating an independent and permanent union agra unionist i and permanent union agra unionist majority, _ and permanent union agra unionist majority, and — and permanent union agra unionist majority, and that _ and permanent union agra unionist majority, and that day— and permanent union agra unionist majority, and that day has - and permanent union agra unionist majority, and that day has gone. . and permanent union agra unionist majority, and that day has gone. i i majority, and that day has gone. i mean, _ majority, and that day has gone. i mean. the — majority, and that day has gone. i mean, the electoral— majority, and that day has gone. i mean, the electoral majority- majority, and that day has gone. i mean, the electoral majority for. mean, the electoral majority for unionism — mean, the electoral majority for unionism as— mean, the electoral majority for unionism as we _ mean, the electoral majority for unionism as we know _ mean, the electoral majority for unionism as we know has - mean, the electoral majority for unionism as we know has beenl mean, the electoral majority for- unionism as we know has been gone for a number— unionism as we know has been gone fora number of— unionism as we know has been gone for a number of electoral— unionism as we know has been gone for a number of electoral cycles, - for a number of electoral cycles, but i _ for a number of electoral cycles, but i think— for a number of electoral cycles, but i think the _ for a number of electoral cycles, but i think the sinn— for a number of electoral cycles, but i think the sinn fein - for a number of electoral cycles, but i think the sinn fein first - but i think the sinn fein first minister— but i think the sinn fein first minister michelle _ but i think the sinn fein first minister michelle coming - but i think the sinn fein first minister michelle coming to| but i think the sinn fein first - minister michelle coming to office as first— minister michelle coming to office as first minister— minister michelle coming to office as first minister for— minister michelle coming to office as first minister for all— minister michelle coming to office as first minister for all is- minister michelle coming to office as first minister for all is really. as first minister for all is really the most — as first minister for all is really the most striking _ as first minister for all is really the most striking evidence - as first minister for all is really the most striking evidence that as first minister for all is really- the most striking evidence that the era has— the most striking evidence that the era has now— the most striking evidence that the era has now gone, _ the most striking evidence that the era has now gone, it— the most striking evidence that the era has now gone, it is— the most striking evidence that the era has now gone, it is now- era has now gone, it is now consigned _ era has now gone, it is now consigned to _ era has now gone, it is now consigned to the _ era has now gone, it is now consigned to the pages - era has now gone, it is now consigned to the pages of. era has now gone, it is now- consigned to the pages of history books _ consigned to the pages of history books and — consigned to the pages of history books. and more _ consigned to the pages of history books. and more importantly, i consigned to the pages of history books. and more importantly, it| books. and more importantly, it signals— books. and more importantly, it signals now— books. and more importantly, it signals now the _ books. and more importantly, it signals now the new— books. and more importantly, it signals now the new ireland - signals now the new ireland emerging, _ signals now the new ireland emerging, and _ signals now the new ireland emerging, and the - signals now the new ireland - emerging, and the conversation around — emerging, and the conversation around a — emerging, and the conversation around a new— emerging, and the conversation around a new constitutional- around a new constitutional dispensation _ around a new constitutional dispensation ending - around a new constitutional dispensation ending a - around a new constitutional- dispensation ending a partition, irish— dispensation ending a partition, irish unity, _ dispensation ending a partition, irish unity, all— dispensation ending a partition, irish unity, all of— dispensation ending a partition, irish unity, all of the _ dispensation ending a partition, i irish unity, all of the opportunity that presents— irish unity, all of the opportunity that presents is, _ irish unity, all of the opportunity that presents is, in— irish unity, all of the opportunity that presents is, in many- irish unity, all of the opportunity that presents is, in many ways, i irish unity, all of the opportunity. that presents is, in many ways, in this moment _ that presents is, in many ways, in this moment of— that presents is, in many ways, in this moment of michelle - that presents is, in many ways, in this moment of michelle o'neill.

this moment of michelle o'neill becoming — this moment of michelle o'neill becoming the _ this moment of michelle o'neill becoming the first _ this moment of michelle o'neill becoming the first sinn - this moment of michelle o'neill becoming the first sinn fein - this moment of michelle o'neilll becoming the first sinn fein first minister— becoming the first sinn fein first minister here. _ becoming the first sinn fein first minister here. so _ becoming the first sinn fein first minister here. so it— becoming the first sinn fein first minister here. so it is— becoming the first sinn fein first| minister here. so it is significant. can i_ minister here. so it is significant. can i also— minister here. so it is significant. can i also say— minister here. so it is significant. can i also say this, _ minister here. so it is significant. can i also say this, for— minister here. so it is significant. can i also say this, for us - minister here. so it is significant. can i also say this, for us as- can i also say this, for us as republicans, _ can i also say this, for us as republicans, and _ can i also say this, for us as republicans, and for- can i also say this, for us as republicans, and for those i can i also say this, for us as. republicans, and for those of can i also say this, for us as- republicans, and for those of us who are nationalists _ republicans, and for those of us who are nationalists and _ republicans, and for those of us who are nationalists and who _ republicans, and for those of us who are nationalists and who are - republicans, and for those of us who are nationalists and who are united l are nationalists and who are united ireland _ are nationalists and who are united ireland is, — are nationalists and who are united ireland is, that _ are nationalists and who are united ireland is, that is _ are nationalists and who are united ireland is, that is a _ are nationalists and who are united ireland is, that is a exciting - ireland is, that is a exciting prospect— ireland is, that is a exciting prospect in— ireland is, that is a exciting prospect in ways _ ireland is, that is a exciting prospect in ways that - ireland is, that is a exciting prospect in ways that are l ireland is, that is a exciting. prospect in ways that are very obvious _ prospect in ways that are very obvious i_ prospect in ways that are very obvious. i can— prospect in ways that are very obvious. i can only— prospect in ways that are very obvious. i can only hope - prospect in ways that are very obvious. i can only hope that| prospect in ways that are very. obvious. i can only hope that as prospect in ways that are very- obvious. i can only hope that as the government— obvious. i can only hope that as the government takes— obvious. i can only hope that as the government takes office, _ obvious. i can only hope that as the government takes office, and - obvious. i can only hope that as the government takes office, and as - government takes office, and as michelle — government takes office, and as michelle and _ government takes office, and as michelle and colleagues - government takes office, and as michelle and colleagues embarkj government takes office, and as i michelle and colleagues embark on their work. — michelle and colleagues embark on their work, that _ michelle and colleagues embark on their work, that increasingly- michelle and colleagues embark on their work, that increasingly for. their work, that increasingly for those _ their work, that increasingly for those who— their work, that increasingly for those who would _ their work, that increasingly for those who would not _ their work, that increasingly for those who would not describe l those who would not describe themselves _ those who would not describe themselves as _ those who would not describe themselves as republican - themselves as republican nationalists— themselves as republican nationalists or— themselves as republican nationalists or anything i themselves as republican i nationalists or anything close themselves as republican - nationalists or anything close to it, nationalists or anything close to it. that — nationalists or anything close to it, that they, _ nationalists or anything close to it, that they, too, _ nationalists or anything close to it, that they, too, will— nationalists or anything close to it, that they, too, will share - nationalists or anything close to it, that they, too, will share in. nationalists or anything close to| it, that they, too, will share in a sense _ it, that they, too, will share in a sense of— it, that they, too, will share in a sense of excitement _ it, that they, too, will share in a sense of excitement of - it, that they, too, will share in a sense of excitement of all - it, that they, too, will share in a sense of excitement of all of - it, that they, too, will share in aj sense of excitement of all of the things— sense of excitement of all of the things that — sense of excitement of all of the things that are _ sense of excitement of all of the things that are possible - sense of excitement of all of the things that are possible for - sense of excitement of all of the things that are possible for us i sense of excitement of all of the things that are possible for us to do and _ things that are possible for us to do and achieve _ things that are possible for us to do and achieve when _ things that are possible for us to do and achieve when we - things that are possible for us to do and achieve when we work. things that are possible for us to - do and achieve when we work together in the _ do and achieve when we work together in the spirit _ do and achieve when we work together in the spirit of— do and achieve when we work together in the spirit of equality, _ do and achieve when we work together in the spirit of equality, respect, - in the spirit of equality, respect, human— in the spirit of equality, respect, human rights— in the spirit of equality, respect, human rights and _ in the spirit of equality, respect, human rights and sharing - in the spirit of equality, respect, human rights and sharing not. in the spirit of equality, respect, l human rights and sharing notjust power. _ human rights and sharing notjust power. but — human rights and sharing notjust power, but sharing _ human rights and sharing notjust power, but sharing everything - human rights and sharing notjustl power, but sharing everything that we have _ power, but sharing everything that we have in— power, but sharing everything that we have in common _ power, but sharing everything that we have in common is _ power, but sharing everything that we have in common is we - power, but sharing everything that we have in common is we are - we have in common is we are privileged _ we have in common is we are privileged to _ we have in common is we are privileged to live _ we have in common is we are privileged to live on - we have in common is we are privileged to live on this - privileged to live on this incredible _ privileged to live on this incredible island, - privileged to live on this incredible island, and i privileged to live on this. incredible island, and call ourselves— incredible island, and call ourselves irish. _ incredible island, and call ourselves irish. whetherl incredible island, and calll ourselves irish. whether it incredible island, and call. ourselves irish. whether it is incredible island, and call- ourselves irish. whether it is irish and british, — ourselves irish. whether it is irish and british, northern— ourselves irish. whether it is irish and british, northern irish, - ourselves irish. whether it is irish and british, northern irish, or- and british, northern irish, or whatever _ and british, northern irish, or whatever. that— and british, northern irish, or whatever. that is—

and british, northern irish, or whatever. that is a _ and british, northern irish, or whatever. that is a very - and british, northern irish, or. whatever. that is a very special thing _ whatever. that is a very special thing i— whatever. that is a very special thing i hope— whatever. that is a very special thing i hope it— whatever. that is a very special thing. i hope it will— whatever. that is a very special thing. i hope it will become - whatever. that is a very special thing. i hope it will become a l whatever. that is a very special. thing. i hope it will become a time for this— thing. i hope it will become a time for this new— thing. i hope it will become a time for this new power—sharing - for this new power—sharing government~ _ for this new power-sharing government.— for this new power-sharing covernment. ., , , ., , government. the unionists have maybe swallowed a bitter— government. the unionists have maybe swallowed a bitter pill— government. the unionists have maybe swallowed a bitter pill to _ government. the unionists have maybe swallowed a bitter pill to get _ government. the unionists have maybe swallowed a bitter pill to get to - swallowed a bitter pill to get to this moment, given the history and the background. i this moment, given the history and the background.— the background. i give tribute to everybody. _ the background. i give tribute to everybody. every _ the background. i give tribute to everybody, every human - the background. i give tribute to everybody, every human being l the background. i give tribute to i everybody, every human being who walks their journey and everybody, every human being who walks theirjourney and who learns the lessons, and to make their mistakes and tries not to make them again. we are all in this together. it has to be done in the spirit of partnership and absolute respect for our inequality as citizens, and our ability to workjointly. so i give credit all round. this is a day, as david has said, magnanimity and being constructive. so we're really pleased we are here. michelle, you are first minister in waiting, what does that mean for your plans for the future of this

island? can you tell me what you will be discussing customer constitutional questions and so on? just to say, you are not there until you are there and you assume any office with the support of the people, so i am not a bit of presumptions about this, but let me put the context like this. striving for the new ireland is not some kind of dusty legal constitutional matter, although it is that. it really is about us collectively having a conversation about what ireland can look like and will look like in the next five years, ten years, 20 years, for the next generations. and for us, one of the

challenges is for us to bring as many people as we possibly can into that conversation. and that has to include people of all religious perspectives and none, people of every class, colour, creed, and of course it has two include those that define as unionist, loyalist, as british because we are very clear that the new ireland will have within it british citizens or subjects, which ever sits uncomfortably with them and that has to be part of a big societal dynamic and change. so i feel very excited by that. i feel very optimistic for our future together. by that. i feel very optimistic for ourfuture together. i by that. i feel very optimistic for our future together. i am not naive, we are not naive. we know that they will be challenges and there will be forces that will push back against change, but we are all about a changed island and a new ireland for everybody. what's more, i think that

the turn of events, the historical turning of the wheel and the electoral place that we are at i think signifies that what we talk about now is as matter—of—fact in historic terms as within touching distance. and i think that's an exciting thing. i hope people will find it a welcoming conversation full of opportunity and not defined by fear at all. full of opportunity and not defined by fear at all-— by fear at all. thank you. thank ou. by fear at all. thank you. thank you- you _ by fear at all. thank you. thank you- you have _ by fear at all. thank you. thank you. you have been _ by fear at all. thank you. thank you. you have been watching i by fear at all. thank you. thank you. you have been watching a| by fear at all. thank you. thank - you. you have been watching a news conference therewith fein reacting to the news that the that the dup, the democratic unionist party, has said it will return to power sharing at the northern ireland assembly, subject to an agreement with the uk government. we heard from sinn fein, he will now be able to appoint for the first time a first minister because they won the most seats in the assembly election last year, and that will be michelle o'neill, and she talked about wanting to stand up

and fight against the tory austerity era as part of herjob. she realises that there are a few steps to go before that actually happens, and indeed that means that the uk government is expected to publish the deal in full on wednesday and passed legislation in the uk parliament on thursday. that could then lead to a recall of the northern ireland assembly by friday or saturday. we have been getting reaction from various parties, including sinn fein. sinn fein they say they are excited and optimistic about the future, and they call it a moment of great significance, a mark of extensive change in the north and right across ireland. so this was after the dup decided that it would stop boycotting the power—sharing agreements because it says it has come up with a deal which addresses its concerns over the post—brexit trade arrangements. we also heard earlierfrom the leader trade arrangements. we also heard earlier from the leader of the ulster unionists party who said that

the whole boycott had been wrong, they have been vindicated. so we have been getting reaction from all of the parties in northern ireland. we also heard from the uk government earlier. the northern ireland secretary chris heaton—harris said he welcomed the steps and that the uk government would stick to its binding commitment. sarah girvan reports now on the unfolding development. after the protests ca me development. after the protests came a political pivot, and after that, a breakthrough in the early hours of this morning, nearly two years in the making. i this morning, nearly two years in the making-— this morning, nearly two years in the makinu. , ., the making. i believe that with the faithful delivery _ the making. i believe that with the faithful delivery of _ the making. i believe that with the faithful delivery of this _ the making. i believe that with the faithful delivery of this package - the making. i believe that with the faithful delivery of this package of| faithful delivery of this package of measures, hard work and dedication, we will be able to look back on this moment as the defining time when northern ireland �*s place within the union was safeguarded and our place within the united kingdom internal market was restored. 0ver

within the united kingdom internal market was restored. over the coming period, we will work alongside others to build a thriving northern ireland, firmly within the union for this and succeeding generations. unionists have been strongly opposed to trading arrangements which were brought in after brexit. northern ireland follows different rules to great britain, meaning there are checks on goods arriving here from england, scotland and wales. the dup says that these northern ireland treated differently from the rest of the uk. it has been negotiating with westminster for measures to remove what it says are economic barriers. today, the secretary of state for northern ireland, chris heaton—harris, welcomed the decision by the dup. i heaton-harris, welcomed the decision b the dup. ., , ., by the dup. i am pleased that the dup have agreed _ by the dup. i am pleased that the dup have agreed to _ by the dup. i am pleased that the dup have agreed to accept - by the dup. i am pleased that the dup have agreed to accept the - dup have agreed to accept the package — dup have agreed to accept the package of measures at the uk covenant— package of measures at the uk covenant have put forward and as a result _ covenant have put forward and as a result they — covenant have put forward and as a result they are ready to return to the northern ireland assembly and nominate — the northern ireland assembly and nominate representatives to the northern— nominate representatives to the northern ireland executive. i believe — northern ireland executive. i believe that all the conditions are now in— believe that all the conditions are now in place for the assembly to

return, — now in place for the assembly to return, and _ now in place for the assembly to return, and i look forward very much to the _ return, and i look forward very much to the restoration of the institutions at stormont as soon as possible _ institutions at stormont as soon as ossible. ~ ., ,., , ., possible. when a power-sharing coalition is _ possible. when a power-sharing coalition is formed _ possible. when a power-sharing coalition is formed and - possible. when a power-sharing coalition is formed and an - possible. when a power-sharing coalition is formed and an irish | coalition is formed and an irish nationalist will become first minister for the first time. the sinn fein vice president michelle o'neill is in line to take up the position and this morning her party gave its reaction to the events of the past 12 hours.— gave its reaction to the events of the past 12 hours. there is enormous challenaes the past 12 hours. there is enormous challenges facing _ the past 12 hours. there is enormous challenges facing an _ the past 12 hours. there is enormous challenges facing an incoming - challenges facing an incoming executive but we have long wanted to get the assembly back functioning again, the arrangements, and we want to work quickly now with all of the parties and with both governments to make sure that we have a quick and smooth transition back into a functioning institution.- functioning institution. after nearly two — functioning institution. after nearly two years _ functioning institution. after nearly two years of - functioning institution. after. nearly two years of uncertainty, frustration and division, it looks like the stalemate at stormont will soon be at an end. as we have heard, stormont uses a system of government known as power—sharing which has allowed nationalist and unionist political parties to share power together for the first time in a government.

megan 0wen explains. there is to better understand this latest of elements, i want to go back to 1998. after decades of violence and conflict in northern ireland, a political deal was made. that deal was called the good friday agreement. it was to strengthen relationships between communities, and also to form a new government in northern ireland. this government represents the unionists and the nationalists. westminster gave it the power to control things such as health and education. this is known as devolution. i want to take a closer look at the northern ireland assembly. we know it as stormont because this is where it is based in east belfast. you have got a first minister, a deputy first minister, one is unionist and one is nationalist. then you have got 90 multiparty cabinet members. these are made of unionists and nationalists and other members who

are not aligned. 0nce nationalists and other members who are not aligned. once this was created, power—sharing began. but this has not been plain sailing. there has been a number of suspensions of the northern ireland assembly over the years, including in 2002-2007 assembly over the years, including in 2002—2007 when northern ireland was run by london, known as a direct rule. in 2017—2020, there were fractures relationships between the democratic unionist party and sinn fein and in 2022 stormont collapsed when the dup protested at post—brexit trading agreements saying it undermined the position of northern ireland in the uk. now it looks like power—sharing should be back. that is because the dup party leader, sirjeffrey donaldson, has announced that the dup has backed a deal with westminster aimed at addressing its concerns over a post—brexit trade. so, legislation will now need to be passed. the assembly will need to be recalled,

and a new speaker will need to be elected. it has been two years since stormont has been stalled, but it could now be back within a matter of days. the leader of the cross committee alliance party welcomed the return to devolved government but expressed frustration that it was ever suspended in the first place. what suspended in the first place. what is fairly clear _ suspended in the first place. what is fairly clear to _ suspended in the first place. what is fairly clear to me _ suspended in the first place. what is fairly clear to me is _ suspended in the first place. what is fairly clear to me is that - suspended in the first place. what is fairly clear to me is that given the fragility of relationships, not 'ust the fragility of relationships, not just between parties but inside some parties. _ just between parties but inside some parties. it— just between parties but inside some parties, if we are going to have stable — parties, if we are going to have stable institutions of the government now needs to engage seriously— government now needs to engage seriously on the issue of reform of these _ seriously on the issue of reform of these institutions. they simply cannot— these institutions. they simply cannot withstand another collapse, and i_ cannot withstand another collapse, and i think— cannot withstand another collapse, and i think governments need to reflect— and i think governments need to reflect on— and i think governments need to reflect on that in the days ahead, and what — reflect on that in the days ahead, and what they can do to try to stabilise — and what they can do to try to stabilise the institutions we have, and make — stabilise the institutions we have, and make sure they actually are able to function— and make sure they actually are able to function in a consistent way. if we are _ to function in a consistent way. if we are going to talk about reform of our public— we are going to talk about reform of our public services we need consistency of government to

deliver — consistency of government to deliver. stop—go government will not work, _ deliver. stop—go government will not work. and _ deliver. stop—go government will not work. and so — deliver. stop—go government will not work, and so we have to address that issue _ issue. the tuv leaderjim alistair claimed the decision by the dup to accept proposals aimed at addressing its concerns over the so—called irish sea border could be game overfor the union. sea border could be game over for the union. , , ., ., sea border could be game over for the union. , , . ., ., sea border could be game over for the union-— the union. this is a matter of the dup keeping _ the union. this is a matter of the dup keeping their _ the union. this is a matter of the dup keeping their word. - the union. this is a matter of the dup keeping their word. they - the union. this is a matter of the l dup keeping their word. they told us, sirjeffrey donaldson signed with me a solemn pledge of an unalterable position of rejection of the protocol. now he is accepting the protocol. now he is accepting the protocol. now he is accepting the protocol. he is accepting that gb under the protocol is to be treated in trade terms as a foreign country and that all these eu laws are continuing to apply. that is a climb—down by any means, and a climb—down by any means, and a climb—down of significant and adverse constitutional consequences. and that is why sirjeffrey donaldson, instead of crowing about a fictional attainment, should be hanging his head in shame for the cell of his own seven pledged

principles. well, let's listen to doug beattie, the leader of the ulster unionists party who spoke earlier as well. i party who spoke earlier as well. i suppose this deal that we have now is a deal— suppose this deal that we have now is a deal that could have been laid before _ is a deal that could have been laid before everybody last year in december, six weeks ago. we did say it was— december, six weeks ago. we did say it was there _ december, six weeks ago. we did say it was there but we did not get the movement— it was there but we did not get the movement that we needed. but now we have the _ movement that we needed. but now we have the movement, they dup have decided _ have the movement, they dup have decided that they will move in regards — decided that they will move in regards to this, and what we now need _ regards to this, and what we now need is _ regards to this, and what we now need is a — regards to this, and what we now need is a quick process to allow us to get— need is a quick process to allow us to get the — need is a quick process to allow us to get the first minister and deputy first minister nominated quickly. ministers— first minister nominated quickly. ministers nominated quickly. the exec— ministers nominated quickly. the exec formed quickly, and an assembly to meet— exec formed quickly, and an assembly to meet as _ exec formed quickly, and an assembly to meet as quickly as possible. if we leave — to meet as quickly as possible. if we leave it — to meet as quickly as possible. if we leave it too long, people will start _ we leave it too long, people will start to — we leave it too long, people will start to try to pick at the deal and there _ start to try to pick at the deal and there is— start to try to pick at the deal and there is lots to pick at. people get to scrutinise what the legislation is over— to scrutinise what the legislation is over the next number of days and

weeks. _ is over the next number of days and weeks. and — is over the next number of days and weeks, and they will come up with what _ weeks, and they will come up with what they— weeks, and they will come up with what they believe has been achieved. 0ur ireland _ what they believe has been achieved. 0ur ireland correspondent joins what they believe has been achieved. 0ur ireland correspondentjoins us now. do we have any clues yet as to what is actually in this deal? we have not what is actually in this deal? - have not actually seen the text so all we have to go on is what sir jeffrey donaldson is telling us, and of course he will be spinning it to his best advantage. he says there is going to be two new pieces of legislation aimed at trying to underpin northern ireland 's place within the uk. 0ne underpin northern ireland 's place within the uk. one of those is going to be about guaranteeing the unfettered access for northern ireland produced goods as they move into the rest of the united kingdom. he also says there are going to be some changes to the processes for moving goods from great britain into northern ireland across the so—called irish sea border. the windsor framework, which is agreed last year, which amended the original brexit dealfor last year, which amended the original brexit deal for northern ireland, also aimed to ease the passage of those goods. there is the

introduction here of what is called the green lane for goods which are coming from great britain into northern ireland. but there's still some checks and controls for goods which move in that way, sojeffrey donaldson suggested that green lane is going to become a bit greener but there will be fewer controls. we don't know exactly what that is going to amount to until we see the details of the deal when they are published tomorrow. but we are not going to get back to a pre—brexit situation, where there are no new controls for goods crossing the irish sea. that's not going to happen. so the question is going to be, to what extent that irish sea border is minimised by this new deal. and how much paralysis has there been? i mean, we heard from sinn fein who said there is going to be restoration of the power—sharing and it will be good for business. explain to us what the impact has been of not having a government there. it been of not having a government there. . , , p, been of not having a government there. . , , ., ., there. it has been a nightmare across the _ there. it has been a nightmare across the board. _ there. it has been a nightmare across the board. effectively . there. it has been a nightmare l across the board. effectively you have had senior civil servants trying to run things here with

limited powers at a time when there has been severe budget crisis and public services have been visibly suffering. 0ne public services have been visibly suffering. one of the most obvious impact of that is that those officials in charge have basically had to say to the public sector unions, we can't even negotiate with you about pay deals. we don't have a budget that we can fund pay rises. the result has been widespread industrial action, including a major strike within the past couple of weeks and is due to be another transport strike here on thursday. clearly, that has rippled through the economy and rippled through public services. so the hope now is that when stormont returns and returns pretty quickly, that there will be an attached package from the uk government which has around £600 million for public sector pay, and that will allow those talks to begin on public sector pay and hopefully de—escalate the strikes. there been all sorts of other areas, for example northern ireland has ambitious net zero plants, but who

has really been in charge of driving those plans for the last couple of years? who has really been bringing for the legislation which is needed to underpin those changes? the answer is nobody really. so there is answer is nobody really. so there is a huge intro for the new ministers when they arrive here possibly by the end of this week —— back in trade. the end of this week -- back in trade. �* , ., . , . trade. and the historic significance of havin: a trade. and the historic significance of having a sinn _ trade. and the historic significance of having a sinn fein _ trade. and the historic significance of having a sinn fein as _ trade. and the historic significance of having a sinn fein as a - trade. and the historic significance of having a sinn fein as a first - of having a sinn fein as a first minister if this all goes to plan? yes, this will be a big moment for northern ireland. in some ways you could think that northern ireland when it was constructed as a state, the whole idea was that you would never have a position where you would say a nationalist or a republican would have the top job, that they would be a built in unionist majority in perpetuity. that has now very clearly come to an end, where sinn fein are the largest party and they will take the top job. i suppose in some ways, in practical terms, job. i suppose in some ways, in practicalterms, it job. i suppose in some ways, in practical terms, it doesn't matter

as much as you might imagine because the first and deputy first minister rules here are one held by a unionist, one nationalist, and they can't act without the other. so sinn fein have held the deputy first minister rule for a significant period of time. but clearly the symbolism cannot be looked past. this will be a very big moment, to have a nationalist republican. sinn fein 's ambition is that the irish republic and you could have a position where you could have an irish taoiseach and a sinn fein first minister on the other side of the board as well. that is what that party is hoping for over the next year or so. party is hoping for over the next year or so-_ party is hoping for over the next year or so. party is hoping for over the next ear or so. ., . _, . , year or so. how much confidence is there that this _ year or so. how much confidence is there that this will _ year or so. how much confidence is there that this will stick _ year or so. how much confidence is there that this will stick and - year or so. how much confidence is there that this will stick and that i there that this will stick and that they won't be some kind of last—minute unravelling? in they won't be some kind of last-minute unravelling? in terms of the executive — last-minute unravelling? in terms of the executive being _ last-minute unravelling? in terms of the executive being set _ last-minute unravelling? in terms of the executive being set up _ last-minute unravelling? in terms of the executive being set up here - last-minute unravelling? in terms of the executive being set up here this| the executive being set up here this week, it is going to happen. the bigger concern is what happens over

the medium term because we have been here 70 times before. there's been deals in place, financial packages, new dawns, there's been a sense of optimism that people will work together and make the thing stick and it has not happened. it has fallen down on numerous occasions. i suppose in the recent past the big issue has been the impact of brexit and how incredibly destabilising that was to the fragile political relationships in northern ireland. but perhaps with that in the rear—view mirror there is a better chance now of putting together some sort of sustainable governance for northern ireland. tell sort of sustainable governance for northern ireland.— northern ireland. tell us briefly about what _ northern ireland. tell us briefly about what it _ northern ireland. tell us briefly about what it will _ northern ireland. tell us briefly about what it will entail - northern ireland. tell us briefly about what it will entail in - northern ireland. tell us briefly| about what it will entail in terms of money for northern ireland. weill. of money for northern ireland. well, this deal will — of money for northern ireland. well, this deal will come _ of money for northern ireland. well, this deal will come along _ of money for northern ireland. in this deal will come along with a £3.73 this deal will come along with a £3.3 billion package available to the new executive over the next two years. 600 onion pounds of that is for public sector pay. there's about £1 billion for stabilisation fund to

deal with things like northern ireland 's shockingly bad waiting lists. there's also some specific money for policing. and then there is also a broader change to how northern ireland will be funded in the longer term, which is potentially worth billions extra over the coming decades. we hope really is that from the perspective of the government, that money will be enough to at least get stormont over a difficult initial period where they are having to deal with all the damage which has been sustained as a result of there being no government for the past couple of years in the middle of this budget crisis. ., ~' , ., years in the middle of this budget crisis. . ,, , ., ., years in the middle of this budget crisis. ., ~' , ., ., , ., years in the middle of this budget crisis. . ,, ., ., ., crisis. thank you for your analysis. a reminder — crisis. thank you for your analysis. a reminder that _ crisis. thank you for your analysis. a reminder that our _ crisis. thank you for your analysis. a reminder that our coverage - a reminder that our coverage continues on the bbc news website. this was bbc news. and there is our output, continuing analysis on the website and also streamed live. do stay with us here on bbc news. time now for the sport.

hello and welcome to sportsday. theink the ink life of participation in the six nations it is in doubt. back in training — six nations it is in doubt. back in training but— six nations it is in doubt. back in training but not out of the fire. marcus— training but not out of the fire. marcus rashford faces further criticism — marcus rashford faces further criticism after reports of night out _ criticism after reports of night out and _ criticism after reports of night out. and the band means medals for the winter— out. and the band means medals for the winter olympic team figure skating — the winter olympic team figure skating can now be given. two years after the event. _ the six nations gets under way this weekend,

but england could be without marcus smith for their opener in rome after picking up an injury in training. he left the training base on crutches yesterday that has been for a scan marcus smith was expected to start, so if it does not start, it will scupper the plans. he start, so if it does not start, it will scupper the plans.- will scupper the plans. he is already without _ will scupper the plans. he is already without owen - will scupper the plans. he is| already without owen farrell will scupper the plans. he is - already without owen farrell for already without 0wen farrell for personal reasons and elsewhere in the midfield, manu tuilagi and ollie lawrence are injured. lots more steve borthwick to ponder and an update on myth, industry is —— injuries expected in the next few hours and we will get more clarity on whether it available road. england have strong options at fly—half, the hugely experienced george ford, but also 21—year—old

finn smith who has been in brilliant