three people have been injured in a knife attack in paris at the railway station. police say a man has been arrested. welcome to stormont. we have live continuous coverage of historic symbolic events here. write as i speak, wejust saw historic symbolic events here. write as i speak, we just saw a historic symbolic events here. write as i speak, wejust saw a group of people walking down the stairs. i'm just going to bring in our political analysts. brian, talk us through what we are seeing. this analysts. brian, talk us through what we are seeing.— what we are seeing. this is the sdlp. what we are seeing. this is the sdlp- led _ what we are seeing. this is the sdlp- led by — what we are seeing. this is the sdlp. led by the _ what we are seeing. this is the sdlp. led by the storm - what we are seeing. this is the sdlp. led by the storm on - what we are seeing. this is the . sdlp. led by the storm on leader. when the government is re—established, they will be the opposition. re-established, they will be the opposition-— re-established, they will be the ouosition. �*, ., , opposition. let's take a listening. there is an _ opposition. let's take a listening. there is an awful— opposition. let's take a listening. there is an awful lot _ opposition. let's take a listening. there is an awful lot of _ opposition. let's take a listening. there is an awful lot of people . opposition. let's take a listening. l there is an awful lot of people here today _ there is an awful lot of people here today ls _ there is an awful lot of people here today. is something happening?

hello. _ today. is something happening? hello, everybody. great to see everyone _ hello, everybody. great to see everyone. the last two years northern _ everyone. the last two years northern ireland has been in groundhog day put it yesterday was groundhog day put it yesterday was groundhog day put it yesterday was groundhog day and today is the next day. today _ groundhog day and today is the next day. today something historic will happen _ day. today something historic will happen. michelle o'neill will be nominated and appointed as minister of northern ireland, the first nationalist republican to hold that post _ nationalist republican to hold that post a _ nationalist republican to hold that post. a moment of profound significance. we look forward to wishing — significance. we look forward to wishing her well. the new first minister. — wishing her well. the new first minister, the deputy first minister and all— minister, the deputy first minister and all other ministers in the norihern— and all other ministers in the northern ireland executive will have a 'ob northern ireland executive will have a job to _ northern ireland executive will have a job to do — northern ireland executive will have a job to do in terms of delivery. norihern— a job to do in terms of delivery. northern ireland has the worst waiting — northern ireland has the worst waiting list in western europe. childcare — waiting list in western europe. childcare is in crisis. our ecological natural resource is in catastrophe. public sector workers do not _ catastrophe. public sector workers do not have money to drive to work. that att— do not have money to drive to work. that all needs dealing with quickly. ourioh_ that all needs dealing with quickly. ourioh as — that all needs dealing with quickly. ourjob as opposition is to ensure 0urjob as opposition is to ensure delivery— ourjob as opposition is to ensure delivery and accountability for people — delivery and accountability for people in northern ireland who have been found for too long. we intend

to do— been found for too long. we intend to do that — been found for too long. we intend to do that with positivity, we intend — to do that with positivity, we intend to _ to do that with positivity, we intend to be a constructive opposition. we cannot wait to get on with that _ opposition. we cannot wait to get on with that work. thank you very much. there _ with that work. thank you very much. there we _ with that work. thank you very much. there we just — with that work. thank you very much. there we just heard from the sdlp opposition leader and they head off into the chamberjust behind me. let's return to our analysts. hello to you both. that was good timing coming down the steps just as we came on air. talk us through, sdlp, people might not be familiar with the party and the leader. who people might not be familiar with the party and the leader. who are the ? the the party and the leader. who are they? the sdlp _ the party and the leader. who are they? the sdlp is _ the party and the leader. who are they? the sdlp is a _ the party and the leader. who are they? the sdlp is a nationalist i they? the sdlp is a nationalist party within the northern ireland assembly. they are a party going in assembly. they are a party going in as official opposition. the reason is they did not achieve enough seats in order to have an executive

position. we know the person who was speaking there, matthew o'toole, will be the leader of the opposition. we do not know if the party will be the only party in opposition or they will be joined by the ulster unionist party. various rumours are circulating at the moment. as things stand, that is who that party is. previously, they had been one of the leading parties in northern ireland. they had very unfortunate electoral challenges in the last number of years which have resulted in them not having opposition within —— a position within the executive. it is a bit of an experiment to see how all of this will work out. an experiment to see how all of this will work out-— will work out. most parliamentary democracies _ will work out. most parliamentary democracies function _ will work out. most parliamentary democracies function with - will work out. most parliamentary democracies function with a - democracies function with a government and opposition, that is the system, the grammar and the language we are used to. because we are a politics —

language we are used to. because we are a politics coming _ language we are used to. because we are a politics coming out _ language we are used to. because we are a politics coming out of _ are a politics coming out of conflict _ are a politics coming out of conflict. it had to be a different politics. — conflict. it had to be a different politics. a — conflict. it had to be a different politics, a new politics. coming up with what— politics, a new politics. coming up with what blair was saying, the sdlp is in opposition now. 25 years ago, 30 years— is in opposition now. 25 years ago, 30 years ago, it was their leader at that time _ 30 years ago, it was their leader at that time john hume who made all of this possible. made the ceasefire is possible _ this possible. made the ceasefire is possible. we are in the 30th anniversary year of the ira and loyalist — anniversary year of the ira and loyalist ceasefires that culminated this year~ — loyalist ceasefires that culminated this year. one change in politics in the 25, _ this year. one change in politics in the 25, 30 — this year. one change in politics in the 25, 30 years since that this year. one change in politics in the 25,30 years since that moment has been _ the 25,30 years since that moment has been the rise of sinn fein, both north— has been the rise of sinn fein, both north and _ has been the rise of sinn fein, both north and south of the border to the point _ north and south of the border to the point now— north and south of the border to the point now where they had taken over the lead _ point now where they had taken over the lead nationalist role in the north— the lead nationalist role in the north and so you have got matt o'toole — north and so you have got matt o'toole likely to be, not absolutely certain _ o'toole likely to be, not absolutely certain you — o'toole likely to be, not absolutely certain you going to be the leader of the _ certain you going to be the leader of the opposition on the national

side of— of the opposition on the national side of the community here and then michelle _ side of the community here and then michelle o'neill as first minister. we watched as she arrived into the building _ we watched as she arrived into the building about an hour ago. we saw the party's — building about an hour ago. we saw the party's leader, mary lou mcdonald, speaking outside about the importance of this day, the significance of this day. also making _ significance of this day. also making the point there is nothing for people to fear. the big message from michelle o'neill as she has been _ from michelle o'neill as she has been waiting for two years as first minister— been waiting for two years as first minister designate if she will be a first minister for all. if that is what — first minister for all. if that is what she _ first minister for all. if that is what she can be, that is a big step forward _ what she can be, that is a big step forward in — what she can be, that is a big step forward in the politics of this place — forward in the politics of this lace. . ~ forward in the politics of this lace. ., ~' ,, , forward in the politics of this lace. ., ~' , . , forward in the politics of this lace. . ~ , . , ., place. thank you very much. they are our political — place. thank you very much. they are our political analyst _ place. thank you very much. they are our political analyst team _ place. thank you very much. they are our political analyst team and - place. thank you very much. they are our political analyst team and they . our political analyst team and they will be with me in the hours ahead as we dissect this hugely significant moment. i'm going to show a bit of the geography and layout so you know where things stand. we are inside the great hall at stormont right now. i will spin around. this is where the media are

members of the public are allowed in as well. the spinning revolving doors, that is the front door of the enormous facade he has seen over the years. broadcasters looking back up to the hill up to this big building. that is the front door. everyone comes in this way. i will skip back round. as you saw with sdlp politicians coming down, they come down these great steps and often speak to the media. there are microphone the other side of those tripods. we have a camera position amongst that they get a clear shot of the politicians when they speak, as we just saw with the sdlp. they will head off in one direction, that way through those brand double doors you can see through the crowds of people. three there is a chamber. that is what basically, largely, sat empty for the last two years. power—sharing collapsed. there was no government. politicians not working are not delivering certainly

for the people of northern ireland. that all changes today. two years to the day politicians will be back in the day politicians will be back in the chamber. as for the order of business, the order of play, that there is the first thing they do is elect a speaker. nothing can happen is till that happens. we are expecting at one o'clock local time. that is not too far, about 20 minutes or so. we will be live on air to catch that where the real symbolism, the real history is made. we were the election of the first minister from we were the election of the first ministerfrom sinn fein, a nationalist party, the first time thatis nationalist party, the first time that is happening. the deputy will follow that. we have that symbolic historic moment. as a caveat, a big caveat, both those posts, they cannot function without each other. you cannot make decisions without agreement of both. in essence they

are equal, despitejob agreement of both. in essence they are equal, despite job titles. agreement of both. in essence they are equal, despitejob titles. but that in mind despite symbolism and the importance of what is going on. that is a bit of delay of the land. that is a bit of delay of the land. that is a bit of delay of the land. that is what we are expecting in the next 20 minutes or so. before that we expect more politicians to come down those steps and potentially speak, just like the leader of the sdlp did. all the political decisions in here are really about people outside and how plays can serve the people of northern ireland. that is what our correspondent chris page has been looking at now. bit correspondent chris page has been looking at now.— looking at now. an agreement to brin: back looking at now. an agreement to bring back the — looking at now. an agreement to bring back the devolved - looking at now. an agreement to . bring back the devolved government has finally been cooked up. what will be on ministers menus as a tune—up to perform? —— they tune up. at saint george's market in belfast, stall owners have a few ideas about

what the newly empowered politicians should prioritise.— should prioritise. hopefully, look at the debt- _ should prioritise. hopefully, look at the debt. the _ should prioritise. hopefully, look at the debt. the more _ should prioritise. hopefully, look at the debt. the more many - should prioritise. hopefully, look. at the debt. the more many people should prioritise. hopefully, look- at the debt. the more many people up aid, it is at the debt. the more many people up paid. it is more _ at the debt. the more many people up paid, it is more money _ at the debt. the more many people up paid, it is more money for _ at the debt. the more many people up paid, it is more money for people - at the debt. the more many people up paid, it is more money for people to l paid, it is more money for people to spend, isn't it? paid, it is more money for people to spend. isn't it?— spend, isn't it? they need the extra mone . spend, isn't it? they need the extra money. encourage _ spend, isn't it? they need the extra money. encourage tourism - spend, isn't it? they need the extra money. encourage tourism as - spend, isn't it? they need the extra money. encourage tourism as much j spend, isn't it? they need the extra i money. encourage tourism as much as ou can. money. encourage tourism as much as you can- at — money. encourage tourism as much as you can- at the — money. encourage tourism as much as you can. at the end _ money. encourage tourism as much as you can. at the end of— money. encourage tourism as much as you can. at the end of the _ money. encourage tourism as much as you can. at the end of the day, - money. encourage tourism as much as you can. at the end of the day, you . you can. at the end of the day, you are a _ you can. at the end of the day, you are a small— you can. at the end of the day, you are a small neck— you can. at the end of the day, you are a small neck of _ you can. at the end of the day, you are a small neck of the _ you can. at the end of the day, you are a small neck of the words. - you can. at the end of the day, you are a small neck of the words. you| are a small neck of the words. you realise _ are a small neck of the words. you realise the — are a small neck of the words. you realise the number— are a small neck of the words. you realise the number of _ are a small neck of the words. you realise the number of foreigners . are a small neck of the words. you . realise the number of foreigners who come _ realise the number of foreigners who come in _ realise the number of foreigners who come in and — realise the number of foreigners who come in and appreciate _ realise the number of foreigners who come in and appreciate it _ realise the number of foreigners who come in and appreciate it and - realise the number of foreigners who come in and appreciate it and enjoy. come in and appreciate it and enjoy belfast _ come in and appreciate it and en'oy belfast. ~ ., , ., , belfast. where do i start? there is a list as long _ belfast. where do i start? there is a list as long as _ belfast. where do i start? there is a list as long as your _ belfast. where do i start? there is a list as long as your arm. - belfast. where do i start? there is a list as long as your arm. all - belfast. where do i start? there is a list as long as your arm. all the l a list as long as your arm. all the issues _ a list as long as your arm. all the issues we — a list as long as your arm. all the issues we have here in northern iretand — issues we have here in northern iretand |t— issues we have here in northern ireland. , ., , ., , issues we have here in northern ireland. , ., , ., ireland. it is two years to the day since devolution _ ireland. it is two years to the day since devolution in _ ireland. it is two years to the day since devolution in effect - since devolution in effect collapsed, leaving people in northern ireland without a

government. ministers have been out of office for a total of five out of the last seven years and that means there is a huge list of issues to be dealt with when they return. possibly the first item on the agenda... possibly the first item on the agenda- - -_ possibly the first item on the agenda- - -— possibly the first item on the arenda... ~ ., , ., ., possibly the first item on the arenda...~ ., , ., ., agenda... we are 'ust going to come awa from agenda... we are 'ust going to come away from that — agenda... we are just going to come away from that report. _ agenda... we are just going to come away from that report. as _ agenda... we are just going to come away from that report. as you - agenda... we are just going to come away from that report. as you can i away from that report. as you can see, the next group of politicians is coming down the stairs from the alliance party. as they make their way down, we are going to assume they may head to the microphone just in front of the cameras, as they are pausing now for the photographers to take their snaps. i can tell you all the cameras from the world's media behind are waiting to get their photos as well. our panel of political analysts are still here. still standing by. claire rice and brian rollins. we will get their thoughts in a moment. let's take a

listen. ., , ., , ., listen. today is a hugely important da for listen. today is a hugely important day for the — listen. today is a hugely important day for the people _ listen. today is a hugely important day for the people of _ listen. today is a hugely important day for the people of northern - day for the people of northern ireland. hopefully in the next few hours we will move from the focus being on drama on this hill to delivery for the people outside the building. that is what we were elected to do in 2022 and we intend today to nominate ministers to the executive in order that we can be part of that delivery. we want to see northern ireland built into a more successful, a fairer, more prosperous and shared society. we are willing in whatever role comes today to play our full part in making that happen. i wish all of those who nominate today to the executive every success in the various ministries. the people of northern ireland deserve a government that works for them and todayis government that works for them and today is the starting point for that. thank you.—

today is the starting point for that. thank you. there we are. as the second _ that. thank you. there we are. as the second group _ that. thank you. there we are. as the second group head _ that. thank you. there we are. as the second group head into - that. thank you. there we are. as the second group head into the i the second group head into the chamber, let's get a bit of context for that. talk us through the alliance party and tell us a bit about them.— alliance party and tell us a bit about them. ., ., . , .,, about them. the alliance party as art of about them. the alliance party as part of what _ about them. the alliance party as part of what is — about them. the alliance party as part of what is called _ about them. the alliance party as part of what is called the - about them. the alliance party as part of what is called the other i part of what is called the other designate group in the northern ireland assembly. they do not identify as unionists or nationalists. they have more than doubled the number of seats they had and that has entitled them to a seat at the executive table. they had previously been in the executive, held the justice previously been in the executive, held thejustice ministry on a few occasions now. it is not something entirely new for them. they are in the running for thejustice the running for the justice department, the running for thejustice department, the justice the running for thejustice department, thejustice ministry. that appointment happens slightly differently from the rest of their departments. it is a party that is seen as the leading voice at the centre ground in northern ireland.

it is a party that does not speak necessarily on unionism or nationalism lines. different to what we are used to here in northern ireland, although they have been around for quite some time that a very interesting to see today how everything comes about in terms of the executive. brute everything comes about in terms of the executive.— the executive. we will come back later to how _ the executive. we will come back later to how the _ the executive. we will come back later to how the ministries - the executive. we will come back later to how the ministries are i later to how the ministries are divvied up. brian, your thoughts on one of the things that was said. they want to get away from the focus on the drama on the hill and focus on the drama on the hill and focus on outside. on the drama on the hill and focus on outside-— on the drama on the hill and focus on outside. too often it is a drama and that is — on outside. too often it is a drama and that is the _ on outside. too often it is a drama and that is the problem. _ on outside. too often it is a drama and that is the problem. in - on outside. too often it is a drama and that is the problem. in fact i and that is the problem. in fact this week, _ and that is the problem. in fact this week, we saw a decision being turned _ this week, we saw a decision being turned into— this week, we saw a decision being turned into a drama and all of that play around — turned into a drama and all of that play around what the dup was or was not going _ play around what the dup was or was not going to — play around what the dup was or was not going to do. naomi long said they were — not going to do. naomi long said they were going to play a positive part they — they were going to play a positive part they were going to nominate andrew— part they were going to nominate andrew neil, the party chairman, i think— andrew neil, the party chairman, i think he _ andrew neil, the party chairman, i think he is— andrew neil, the party chairman, i think he is at this stage. an mla here _ think he is at this stage. an mla here talk— think he is at this stage. an mla here. talk is that naomi long will

have _ here. talk is that naomi long will have one — here. talk is that naomi long will have one of— here. talk is that naomi long will have one of those ministries, probably— have one of those ministries, probablyjustice. perhaps andrew probably justice. perhaps andrew muir not— probablyjustice. perhaps andrew muir not concerned but certainly big talk. muir not concerned but certainly big talk he _ muir not concerned but certainly big talk he is _ muir not concerned but certainly big talk. he is possibly the 2nd minister— talk. he is possibly the 2nd minister within the executive and we wait to— minister within the executive and we wait to see _ minister within the executive and we wait to see how it develops. the other— wait to see how it develops. the other important thing to say about the alliance, we often describe the politics _ the alliance, we often describe the potitics of— the alliance, we often describe the politics of this place as orange and green _ politics of this place as orange and green. alliance are part of the third _ green. alliance are part of the third pillar in politics, designated as even — third pillar in politics, designated as even i— third pillar in politics, designated as ever. i don't know anyone who calls— as ever. i don't know anyone who calls themselves other. they are about _ calls themselves other. they are about 20%. the importance of their role in _ about 20%. the importance of their role in our— about 20%. the importance of their role in our politics is when we come to big _ role in our politics is when we come to big decisions further down the road and — to big decisions further down the road and much further down the road, lots of— road and much further down the road, lots of talk— road and much further down the road, lots of talk about borders and what happened, the third pillar will decide — happened, the third pillar will decide between union and unity. neither— decide between union and unity. neither green nor orange have the numbers— neither green nor orange have the numbers to win a border poll on their— numbers to win a border poll on their own — numbers to win a border poll on their own-— numbers to win a border poll on their own. ., ., , ., their own. today, barring any real dramas, their own. today, barring any real dramas. we _ their own. today, barring any real dramas, we should _ their own. today, barring any real dramas, we should get _ their own. today, barring any real dramas, we should get the -

their own. today, barring any real. dramas, we should get the assembly back up and running after two years of being down. two years, which i had to say the people of northern ireland have suffered and they have suffered greatly. we must put down to a now, starting from today. we have many challenges going ahead, we'll accept that. getting still mount up and running will not be a panacea but it gives us the platform to start to fix it. it is all about making northern ireland work, as part of the united kingdom for all its people, regardless of religion, sexual orientation, community background, by focusing on economy, infrastructure, by making people more connected, by focusing on education, health service, making sure we have housing and job so our young people can wake up in the morning with a sense of purpose and go to bed at night with a sense of fulfilment. this is what politicians are charged with doing. this is what we need to do now. we can look back

to the last two years. i don't think the last two years of nonsense should have happened. we could not have got where we are today with a sitting assembly. today is about looking forward, looking forward to an executive that would start to deliver and make northern ireland work for all of its people. thank you. that is for business inside. in about two hours, you will know. thank you. this about two hours, you will know. thank yon-— about two hours, you will know. thank ou. �* , , thank you. as we see then, the third u-rou thank you. as we see then, the third grouo heading _ thank you. as we see then, the third grouo heading off- — thank you. as we see then, the third group heading off. we _ thank you. as we see then, the third group heading off. we will _ thank you. as we see then, the third group heading off. we will bring i thank you. as we see then, the third group heading off. we will bring in i group heading off. we will bring in clare. give us some background catalysis here they were and what role they play. the catalysis here they were and what role they play-— catalysis here they were and what role they play. the ulster unionist pa is a role they play. the ulster unionist party is a smaller— role they play. the ulster unionist party is a smaller party _ role they play. the ulster unionist party is a smaller party in - role they play. the ulster unionist| party is a smaller party in northern iretand _ party is a smaller party in northern ireland. effectively we are not really — ireland. effectively we are not really sure what way they will go today _ really sure what way they will go today we — really sure what way they will go today. we had just about over the bubble _ today. we had just about over the bubble that he was asked, the leader of the _ bubble that he was asked, the leader of the party was asked what they

will be _ of the party was asked what they will be doing. he was holding his cards _ will be doing. he was holding his cards very— will be doing. he was holding his cards very close to his chest on that— cards very close to his chest on that one — cards very close to his chest on that one. there is the possibility tojoin_ that one. there is the possibility tojoin the — that one. there is the possibility tojoin the sdlp. we do not know what _ tojoin the sdlp. we do not know what they— tojoin the sdlp. we do not know what they will do. they may take a seat in _ what they will do. they may take a seat in the — what they will do. they may take a seat in the executive. there is talk the previous— seat in the executive. there is talk the previous health minister might be in contention for taking the health— be in contention for taking the health department again. there are rumours _ health department again. there are rumours aplenty around what might happen— rumours aplenty around what might happen here. a bit of a query about which _ happen here. a bit of a query about which way— happen here. a bit of a query about which way the party will go this afternoon. which way the party will go this afternoon-— which way the party will go this afternoon. . ., .,~ ., ., afternoon. what you make of that dilemma, that _ afternoon. what you make of that dilemma, that decision? - afternoon. what you make of that dilemma, that decision? the i afternoon. what you make of that | dilemma, that decision? the sdlp indicated they _ dilemma, that decision? the sdlp indicated they would _ dilemma, that decision? the sdlp indicated they would go _ dilemma, that decision? the sdlp indicated they would go to - dilemma, that decision? the sdlp indicated they would go to the i indicated they would go to the executive _ indicated they would go to the executive. they _ indicated they would go to the executive. they are _ indicated they would go to the executive. they are within i indicated they would go to the executive. they are within the j indicated they would go to the i executive. they are within the nine members. — executive. they are within the nine members. the _ executive. they are within the nine members, the ninth— executive. they are within the nine members, the ninth ulster- executive. they are within the nine | members, the ninth ulster unionist party— members, the ninth ulster unionist party members— members, the ninth ulster unionist party members of— members, the ninth ulster unionist party members of the _ members, the ninth ulster unionist party members of the assembly. i members, the ninth ulster unionist party members of the assembly. ai party members of the assembly. a split opinion — party members of the assembly. a split opinion on _ party members of the assembly. a split opinion on that. _ party members of the assembly. a split opinion on that. i _ party members of the assembly. a split opinion on that. i was - split opinion on that. i was chatting _ split opinion on that. i was chatting to— split opinion on that. i was chatting to someone - split opinion on that. i was| chatting to someone within split opinion on that. i was i chatting to someone within that group, — chatting to someone within that group, he — chatting to someone within that group, he said— chatting to someone within that group, he said on— chatting to someone within that group, he said on balance - chatting to someone within that group, he said on balance he i chatting to someone within that i group, he said on balance he thought they would _ group, he said on balance he thought they would go— group, he said on balance he thought they would go into _ group, he said on balance he thought they would go into the _ group, he said on balance he thought they would go into the executive. i they would go into the executive. what _ they would go into the executive. what dad — they would go into the executive. what dad has _ they would go into the executive. what dad has been _ they would go into the executive. what dad has been arguing - they would go into the executive. what dad has been arguing about they would go into the executive. i what dad has been arguing about in the last— what dad has been arguing about in the last few— what dad has been arguing about in the last few weeks _ what dad has been arguing about in the last few weeks as _ what dad has been arguing about in the last few weeks as he _ what dad has been arguing about in the last few weeks as he is - what dad has been arguing about in the last few weeks as he is not i the last few weeks as he is not interested _ the last few weeks as he is not interested in— the last few weeks as he is not interested in another- the last few weeks as he is not| interested in another executive the last few weeks as he is not i interested in another executive if

it is a _ interested in another executive if it is a harbour— interested in another executive if it is a harbour between _ interested in another executive if it is a harbour between sinn- interested in another executive if it is a harbour between sinn fein| it is a harbour between sinn fein and the — it is a harbour between sinn fein and the g — it is a harbour between sinn fein and the g d_ it is a harbour between sinn fein and the g d in— it is a harbour between sinn fein and the g d in ——_ it is a harbour between sinn fein and the g d in —— dup. - it is a harbour between sinn fein and the g d in —— dup. is- it is a harbour between sinn fein and the g d in —— dup. is it- it is a harbour between sinn feini and the g d in —— dup. is it about power-sharing _ and the g d in —— dup. is it about power-sharing or— and the g d in —— dup. is it about power—sharing ora— and the g d in —— dup. is it about power—sharing or a carver? - and the g d in —— dup. is it about power—sharing or a carver? if- and the g d in —— dup. is it about power—sharing or a carver? if it. and the g d in —— dup. is it about power—sharing or a carver? if it is about— power—sharing or a carver? if it is about power— power—sharing or a carver? if it is about power showing _ power—sharing or a carver? if it is about power showing he - power—sharing or a carver? if it is about power showing he would i power—sharing or a carver? if it is. about power showing he would won power—sharing or a carver? if it is- about power showing he would won his party to _ about power showing he would won his party to have _ about power showing he would won his party to have a — about power showing he would won his party to have a significant _ about power showing he would won his party to have a significant ministry- party to have a significant ministry in that— party to have a significant ministry in that executive. _ party to have a significant ministry in that executive. there _ party to have a significant ministry in that executive. there was - party to have a significant ministry in that executive. there was talk. in that executive. there was talk earlier— in that executive. there was talk earlier this — in that executive. there was talk earlier this week— in that executive. there was talk earlier this week that _ in that executive. there was talk earlier this week that doug i in that executive. there was talk. earlier this week that doug beattie made _ earlier this week that doug beattie made a _ earlier this week that doug beattie made a pitch— earlier this week that doug beattie made a pitch for— earlier this week that doug beattie made a pitch forjustice. _ earlier this week that doug beattie made a pitch forjustice. that i earlier this week that doug beattie made a pitch forjustice. that wasl made a pitch forjustice. that was not with— made a pitch forjustice. that was not with any— made a pitch forjustice. that was not with any great _ made a pitch forjustice. that was not with any great expectation i made a pitch forjustice. that was not with any great expectation he| not with any great expectation he would _ not with any great expectation he would get — not with any great expectation he would get it — not with any great expectation he would get it but— not with any great expectation he would get it but he _ not with any great expectation he would get it but he was— not with any great expectation he would get it but he was making i not with any great expectation he i would get it but he was making the pitch to _ would get it but he was making the pitch to test — would get it but he was making the pitch to test the _ would get it but he was making the pitch to test the ground. _ would get it but he was making the pitch to test the ground. since i would get it but he was making the| pitch to test the ground. since then there _ pitch to test the ground. since then there has— pitch to test the ground. since then there has been— pitch to test the ground. since then there has been talk— pitch to test the ground. since then there has been talk about - pitch to test the ground. since then. there has been talk about education. they do— there has been talk about education. they do not— there has been talk about education. they do not want— there has been talk about education. they do not want to _ there has been talk about education. they do not want to be _ there has been talk about education. they do not want to be a _ there has been talk about education. they do not want to be a bolt - there has been talk about education. they do not want to be a bolt on i they do not want to be a bolt on within— they do not want to be a bolt on within the — they do not want to be a bolt on within the executive _ they do not want to be a bolt on within the executive and - they do not want to be a bolt on within the executive and a - they do not want to be a bolt on within the executive and a bit i they do not want to be a bolt on i within the executive and a bit part. this is— within the executive and a bit part. this is probably— within the executive and a bit part. this is probably a _ within the executive and a bit part. this is probably a good _ within the executive and a bit part. this is probably a good point - within the executive and a bit part. this is probably a good point to- within the executive and a bit part. this is probably a good point to tryj this is probably a good point to try to explore how the ministries work. around the world, the largest party wins and they control all the ministries.— wins and they control all the ministries. ., ., , ., ~' ministries. how does it work here? very differently- — ministries. how does it work here? very differently. we _ ministries. how does it work here? very differently. we have - ministries. how does it work here? very differently. we have a - ministries. how does it work here? very differently. we have a model| ministries. how does it work here? i very differently. we have a model of power—sharing which necessitates there needs to be multiparty representation within the executive.

that is by using a mathematical formula which works out based on the number of seats each party won at the previous election how many seats they are entitled to. it is a regimented process. as each party get their turn, they are able to select a ministry. the way it is presented within the assembly, it looks like it is done of the hip. effectively, the parties have had this conversations already and they have a good idea for each party will take in terms of ministries. it is more or less sorted by the time they get in there. there were surprises in 2020. we expected the agriculture department would have been selected by robin ci from the ulster unionist party. they selected health, meaning the final seat of agriculture went to representatives from the democratic unionist party. that was

a surprise move. we do not know for sure until everything is done. hate sure until everything is done. we had ten minutes to go. in ten minutes' time, proceedings inside the chamber start with the election of the speaker and the first minister and deputy first minister. after that, minister and deputy first minister. afterthat, is minister and deputy first minister. after that, is that when we learn he has got what? hate after that, is that when we learn he has got what?— has got what? we learn in the chamber. _ has got what? we learn in the chamber. i — has got what? we learn in the chamber, ithink. _ has got what? we learn in the chamber, ithink. if— has got what? we learn in the chamber, i think. if it'll i has got what? we learn in the chamber, ithink. if it'll playsl has got what? we learn in the i chamber, ithink. if it'll plays out chamber, i think. if it'll plays out as we expect, michelle o'neill as first minister. the dup and deputy first minister. the dup and deputy first minister's position has not been publicly declared in terms of who that be. there has been talk about a former mp for the dup in this building knows a lot about the workings of the executive office, and then the other ministers will be nominated and into position in the way that claire explained. depending on your strength from the last election, your numbers, that

determines how many you get within the executive. that is more of the ulster unionist party into the chamber. i think i saw robbie butler and steve aitken. we are building up to that moment, i suppose but when officially after two years of waiting, michelle o'neill becomes first minister here at stormont and four republicans and the sinn fein, thatis four republicans and the sinn fein, that is a big, big moment in their politicaljourney.— political “ourney. let's 'ust dwell on that. politicaljourney. let's 'ust dwell on that. theyh politicaljourney. let's 'ust dwell on that. they are i politicaljourney. let's 'ust dwell on that. they are only i politicaljourney. let'sjust dwell on that. they are only eight i politicaljourney. let's just dwell i on that. they are only eight minutes orso on that. they are only eight minutes or so away. you'll keep an eye on the stairs behind us to see who is down next and what if anything is said at the microphone. that is the moment that will be broadcast right around the world today. absolutely. it has been the _ around the world today. absolutely. it has been the dup _ around the world today. absolutely. it has been the dup plasma - around the world today. absolutely. it has been the dup plasma week i around the world today. absolutely. | it has been the dup plasma week but it is sinn fein's day. essentially all eyes will be on symbolic nomination and uptake of the role of

first minister by michelle o'neill from sinn fein. that will be the story coming out today. second to the fact we are here until. a hugely symbolic day. in terms of governance at the top level of the executive working in northern ireland, it is the same dynamics we have already known. it is how those parties tend to lean on those terms which will determine the relationship that will form between michelle o'neill and whoever ends up as deputy first minister. it is a hugely significant day but important to highlight the fact we are even here is hugely significant in and of its own right. it has been a long read till now to get to this point, and necessarily so. we are finally here looking into hopefully a positive future from this point. so much uncertainty around the way institutions operate which mean it is entirely possible we could look back on this situation

again in the blink of an eye. hate again in the blink of an eye. we will dwell on that possibility a little later. thank you very much. stay right there. we had been on air for 25 minutes. i want to give you a refresh on how the choreography is working if you are justjoining refresh on how the choreography is working if you arejustjoining us. this is the great hall we are standing in at stormont at the moment. as we swing around when it is members of the public were members of the press allowed in this area. that is the frontal, the big facade you see from the outside. people coming in here. significantly is what happens here. this is the world's media. our cameras are down the front. there is now facing away is because the politicians in their party groups generally come down the stairs, say a few words at the front to a microphone and our cameras and then head off to the left, these

brown, double doors is where the chamber is and that is where the politicians have been heading into and that is where the business happens. at one o'clock, just five minutes or so now, that is when official proceedings will get under way. it is the first time in two years to the day power—sharing collapsed and it is finally back. for two years, basically civil servants have run the show here. they had basically kept the lights on and kept things going. no big decisions, no big financial commitments, no big policy decisions. the big problems facing people in northern ireland like pay and public services. they had not been dealt with because there had been dealt with because there had been no politician is a ministers to make the decisions and enact it. for this reason alone, let alone who is first minister and deputy first minister, this is a hugely

significant moment for northern ireland. let's have another look at a group of politicians coming our way, coming to the top of the stairs. brian, let's bring you in to talk us through this. this stairs. brian, let's bring you in to talk us through this.— talk us through this. this is the dup now emerging _ talk us through this. this is the dup now emerging into - talk us through this. this is the dup now emerging into shot. l talk us through this. this is the i dup now emerging into shot. party leaderjeffrey donaldson at the front. emma little pengelly, who is being talked about as possibly their next deputy first minister. gavin robinson, the dup leader and mp. they have been doing a big sale for the dup this week.— the dup this week. thank you for that. the dup this week. thank you for that- let's _ the dup this week. thank you for that. let's take _ the dup this week. thank you for that. let's take a _ the dup this week. thank you for that. let's take a listen _ the dup this week. thank you for that. let's take a listen in. i the dup this week. thank you for that. let's take a listen in. -- i the dup this week. thank you for| that. let's take a listen in. -- the that. let's take a listen in. —— the big sell.

we are pleased to be here this morning in our parliament buildings here at stormont for the restoration of our northern ireland assembly and executive. it has been a challenging journey these past two years. i believe that my party has delivered what many said we could not. we have brought about change many said was not possible. i believe that today is a good day for northern ireland, a day when once again our place in the united kingdom and its internal market is respected and protected in our law and restored for all our people to enjoy the benefits of our membership of the union. it is a day when we come together and we take on the responsibility of providing good government for the people of

northern ireland, for addressing the many issues that confront us at this time will stop my party is determined to play its part, working with others, to make northern ireland work, to make this play is the best it can be, to realise our potential, to invest in our people, to ensure our public services have the resources they need to provide the resources they need to provide the best health care, a great education system, prosperity and our economy, housing and jobs for all. we do not take that task lightly. on the day that it is, once we have removed the long shadow of the protocol from over northern ireland, we recognise also that for many in our society, remembering the legacy of our troubled past, that it still casts its shadow over their lives

and our thoughts and prayers are with them today or so. whilst we do not forget our past, we look also to our future. not forget our past, we look also to ourfuture. a not forget our past, we look also to our future. a future that i believe can be one where northern ireland prospers, where northern ireland is stable and at peace with itself. where people from right across our communities can enjoy the benefits of being part of our united kingdom whilst we live at peace with and cooperate with our neighbours. today is a good day, a day that many have worked hard for, a day that many have sacrificed for. we remember that sacrifice and we, as a party, commit ourselves to building a northern ireland we can all be proud of. thank you. as we see them just head off there into the chamber, let's get the thought of bryant. talk us through

some of the background and significance of what we heard there. jeffrey donaldson said they were here today delivering change many believed was not possible. he had seven tests in terms of returning his party to the executive, seven tests in this place can vary quickly become seven books, and we know there has been a language around the selling of this deal this week which some people believe has been oversold. oversold in the sense of having resolved the problem is, you then have to oversell the solution. there is absolutely no doubt that jeffrey donaldson has made a very significant progress in that negotiation and has been able to bring his party back. so that is sinn fein politicians heading in there. as we have seen

over the last 20 minutes also, the various different parties here coming down those stairs, we didn't hear specifically there from sinn fein, just looking over my shoulder, they have now headed in. and here is michelle o'neill coming down the stairs. brian, let's pick up there. we didn't hear anything. bhd brian, let's pick up there. we didn't hear anything.- brian, let's pick up there. we didn't hear anything. and i think in the moment— didn't hear anything. and i think in the moment we _ didn't hear anything. and i think in the moment we had _ didn't hear anything. and i think in the moment we had today, - didn't hear anything. and i think in the moment we had today, they i the moment we had today, they probably want to say what they have to say inside the chamber, get that business formalised, michelle o'neill, formalised and in that position of first minister, and then

i imagine they will