The message Michelle O’Neill has brought to Washington this week does not make sense, writes Newton Emerson
There have been three prime ministers since the DUP withdrew its first minister 17 months ago. Whatever else might be said of their responses, none have been complacent and all have demonstrated urgency. Boris Johnson and Liz Truss rushed a Bill to disapply the protocol, setting the DUP short timelines to return to the assembly and executive.
The second part of O’Neill’s message is that the US administration should “press” London to restore Stormont. Washington already thinks it did this by pressing Sunak to agree the Windsor Framework. Sinn Féin might ask its American hosts to try again but this is futile without some idea of how London might pass that pressure onto the DUP.
The implication is that London should just get its unionist dupes under control, somehow. This is antiquated republican thinking, all the more absurd because London really is shaking a stick at the DUP, yet Sinn Féin refuses to acknowledge it. But the most obvious effect of her rhetorical contortions is avoiding the subject of Stormont reform – the only way devolution can be restored without the DUP’s full co-operation. After two lengthy boycotts by the two largest parties, it requires an effort not to raise the rules of mandatory coalition when discussing Stormont’s return.
España Últimas Noticias, España Titulares
Similar News:También puedes leer noticias similares a ésta que hemos recopilado de otras fuentes de noticias.
‘We all have a right to remember our dead’: Michelle O’Neill defends IRA commemorationTánaiste among those to criticise Sinn Féin MP John Finucane’s planned attendance at event this weekend
Leer más »
New Defence Forces head of transformation begins work to bring about change in militaryThe new head of transformation for the Defence Forces has begun work today. Brian Molloy has been appointed and met with the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces Lieutenant General Seán Clancy this morning.
Leer más »
Why Apple's Vision Pro 'could bring VR into the mainstream' | Newstalk'It's important to say that this is 'version zero' from Apple's point of view'
Leer más »
Big tobacco flirting with ESG suitorsPhilip Morris believes vaping will bring it within the remit of ethical investment funds via IrishTimesBiz
Leer más »
Virtual Reality company Sandbox VR to open facility in DublinMove will bring number of European outlets in Europe to four via IrishTimesBiz
Leer más »
Stefanie Preissner on her shoe removal policy at home - 'It's gross''I don't understand why people think it's OK to wear their dirty shoes that are an outdoor product into your house'
Leer más »