New Sinn Féin leader calls for change in attitude of DUP

Michelle O'Neill has called for a change in the attitude of the Democratic Unionists if powersharing is to be restored in Northern Ireland.

Ms O'Neill has said she is prepared to work with Arlene Foster and the DUP but only if the relationship is based on respect and equality.

In an interview with UTV, the new leader of Sinn Féin at Stormont was asked if she will model her style of leadership on Martin McGuinness.

“I want to continue the brilliant work that he has done, particularly in relation to reconciliation because that’s something that’s really really important for our society,” she said.

“So in terms of my style of leadership I want to build on that good work that Martin has already undertaken and to bring my own, I suppose new generational approach to all of that but clearly Sinn Féin have a strategy and we want to look after the interests of all of our people, we need to make sure that we deliver for all of our citizens on the basis of equality and I’m very much wedded to that.”

She said her party was committed to making the devolved government work.

She said: “Nobody has worked harder than Sinn Féin to make these institutions work, no one has worked harder than Martin McGuinness to make these institutions work and we do believe that its in the best interest of the population to have institutions that serve them well, that have equality at the core, that deals with public services, that stands up to Tory austerity and the impact it has on all of our decisions in relation to financial matters.”

Ms O'Neill added that she was prepared to work with anybody who displayed respect and support for equality to restore the devolved government after the 2 March election.

“The other side of an election, I will work with whoever is returned,” she said.

“I can have a strong work relationship with anyone if their wedded to the principles of the Good Friday Agreement and they are interested in delivering equality for all of our citizens, and if they are interested in working with me on the basis of mutual respect.

“For me those are core principles, which will if other people are wedded to, then I will work with them.”

She said the creation of an Irish language Act, a bill of rights and dealing with the legacy of the violent past were outstanding issues from previous negotiations and should be implemented.

“The British government has failed and they have allowed and tolerated the DUP’s arrogance towards some sections of our society, particularly the Irish language sector – that’s not acceptable to Sinn Féin,” she continued.

“As part of those discussions and negotiations, all those things will be on the table but clearly the British government could act here and show good will and step up in terms of the Bill of Rights, the Irish Language Act, if they so wished.”

She dismissed the Secretary of State’s suggestion that negotiations with other parties should start during the election campaign.

“I believe there is no basis for real negotiations, we’ve clearly said that the crisis that we are in the middle of has been brought about because of the RHI scandal, because of the arrogance of the DUP and in that regard we believe that it’s up to the public to have their say.”