Union Facing Strain, Says O'Neill
First Minister Michelle O'Neill has stated that the United Kingdom's union is "cracking at the seams," accusing Westminster of repeatedly failing Northern Ireland. Speaking at Sinn Féin's annual ard fheis (conference) held in Belfast for the first time since 2018, O'Neill highlighted growing nationalist sentiment across the UK.
The party did not hold an ard fheis in the previous year due to "logistical and strategic" challenges in securing a venue, opting instead to convene this spring.
O'Neill pointed to the upcoming elections in Scotland and Wales next month as evidence that an increasing number of people are "asserting their desire for independence." She also criticised the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), Sinn Féin's power-sharing partner at Stormont, for impeding progress.
Northern Ireland's power-sharing institutions were restored in February 2024 after a two-year suspension. Following the 2022 assembly election, O'Neill became the first nationalist first minister, with Sinn Féin holding the most seats.
Addressing party members on Friday evening, O'Neill expressed frustration over the slow pace of progress within the executive, attributing this to the DUP's unwillingness to cooperate.
"Despite my best efforts, and those of Sinn Féin ministers, there are quite simply some who do not want to work together,"
"The DUP want to turn the clock back. They are attempting to block and delay progress on issues that would make a real difference to people's lives."
She further accused the DUP of opposing "everything to do with Irish national identity."
'Underfunding and Neglect'
O'Neill also committed Sinn Féin to reforming the assembly's institutions to better serve the public.
"I am giving a commitment that we will look at proposals to reform the institutions,"
"Sinn Féin will work with all other progressive parties to deliver the change that is needed to end the blockage on progress."
She criticised the UK government for its "underfunding and neglect," asserting that despite changes in leadership, the government's disregard for Northern Ireland remains constant.
"While the name on the desk may change - whether it's Johnson, Truss, Sunak, Starmer or even god forbid… Farage,"
"One constant has and will always remain - their contempt and complete disregard for people and communities here."
'A Tipping Point'
In 2024, Sinn Féin became the largest party representing Northern Ireland at Westminster, although its MPs abstain from taking their seats. The party also holds the most seats at Stormont and in local councils.
Despite its status as the main opposition party in the Republic of Ireland's Dáil, Sinn Féin failed to enter government following last year's general election there.
O'Neill described the forthcoming elections in Northern Ireland, Westminster, and by-elections in the Republic of Ireland as a "tipping point" to advocate for constitutional change in Ireland.
She reaffirmed Sinn Féin's commitment to the Casement Park GAA stadium project in west Belfast and addressed the legacy issue, accusing the government of making a "selfish political choice."
"They have made a political calculation to give preferential treatment to their state forces rather than deliver for victims,"
"said the first minister."
Can Sinn Féin Show Its Promises Aren't Static?
The last time Sinn Féin held an ard fheis in Belfast, devolution was suspended and the DUP was the largest party at Stormont. Since then, much has changed, with Michelle O'Neill now serving as first minister.
However, O'Neill noted that some dynamics remain unchanged, particularly her criticism of the DUP for obstructing progress within the executive.
This approach has been a successful electoral strategy for Sinn Féin, signaling that the next assembly election campaign is already underway.
The ard fheis attracted around 700 attendees eager to hear O'Neill's speech. The question remains whether Sinn Féin can demonstrate that its commitments to nationalists at Stormont are dynamic and actionable.
While relations within the assembly appear strained, O'Neill was even more critical of the UK government in London.
She also highlighted the potential for nationalist parties to win upcoming elections in Scotland and Wales as further indication of growing support for independence, despite opposition from the government and rival political parties.
Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald is scheduled to deliver the keynote speech to close the ard fheis on Saturday.
The speech can be watched live on the NI website from 18:30 BST.
