Northern Ireland power sharing restored as Sinn Fein backs new deal The move sees first return for the devolved assembly in three years

Northern Ireland will see a return to a power sharing government after Sinn Fein signalled it was willing to back a draft deal put forward by the UK and Irish governments.

The decision by the largest nationalist party means Stormont will be up and running for the first time in three years, following an earlier move to support the arrangement by the DUP.

Sinn Fein’s endorsement came after the draft deal made clear that the Irish language would be treated on a par with English and Ulster Scots – an issue which had been a major stumbling block in previous negotiations to get the executive up and running.

The i politics newsletter cut through the noise Email address is invalid Email address is invalid Thank you for subscribing! Sorry, there was a problem with your subscription.

Making the announcement on Friday evening, Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald said: “We now have the basis to restore power sharing, and we’re up for that.

“There’s no doubt there are serious challenges ahead; the impact of Brexit, austerity and other pressing issues.

“But the biggest and most significant challenge will be ensuring we have genuine power sharing build on equality, respect and integrity.”

Major boost

Winning the support of the two main unionist and nationalist parties – a prerequisite in the Good Friday Agreement for a functioning assembly – is a major boost for both the UK and Irish governments.

It is also a significant success for Northern Ireland Secretary Julian Smith, who has been rumoured to be in line for the sack in recent weeks.

It comes three years after the fragile agreement collapsed off the back of the so-called “cash for ash” scandal involving the DUP and disagreements over Sinn Fein’s demands for an Irish Language Act.

The document pulls together a range of compromise measures, including provisions to amend the 1998 Northern Ireland Act to promote both Irish and Ulster Scots.

Fair and balanced way

Both the UK and Irish governments have also promised to provide a “major financial package” to the region, with Downing Street pledging to invest heavily in local infrastructure.

The DUP and Sinn Fein fell in behind the deal amid threats from Mr Smith that a fresh election would be called if they failed to back the proposals. Both parties had suffered significant losses in Decembers’ general election and were eager to avoid a swift return to the polls.

Responding to the blueprint earlier in the day, DUP leader Arlene Foster said: “On balance, we believe there is a basis upon which the [Northern Ireland] assembly and executive can re-established in a fair and balanced way.”