Q&A: Why has the DUP finally agreed to support a Sinn Féin First Minister

After two years of deadlock and months of frustration, Jeffrey Donaldson has allowed powersharing to return

News
Sinn Féin
Stormont
Michelle O'Neill
Jeffrey Donaldson
DUP

David Young and
Jonathan McCambridge
February 3, 2024

Jeffrey Donaldson speaking as powersharing was restored at Stormont. Picture: PA

Why has the DUP agreed to the deal?

Jeffrey Donaldson has insisted the new arrangements have removed the Irish Sea trading border and restored Northern Ireland’s place within the UK internal market.

The deal will see the end of routine post-Brexit checks on goods shipped from Britain to final destinations in Northern Ireland, as well as a series of measures aimed at providing assurances around Northern Ireland’s constitutional position within the United Kingdom.

The DUP ...