The deputy first minister claims it’s time to give stabilizing politics first priority, given that the daughter of an IRA prisoner and the daughter of a former loyalist prisoner are now sharing power.
The Treasury’s £3.3bn plan for restoring devolution includes a request for the new power-sharing executive to raise £113m in additional cash.
As the first unionist to hold the position of deputy first minister, Emma Little-Pengelly, however, is adamant that “this is not the time” and that stabilizing politics must come first.
“There are a huge number of very, very pressed, squeezed-income families here,” she stated.
“A lot of pressure is present. The dilemma of rising living costs and inflation. We are aware of the extreme financial strain that families are experiencing.
“However, the UK government wants to increase the pressure on the families who will foot the bill.
“Now is not the moment to apply further pressure. We must stabilize the executive and the Northern Ireland Assembly.
“We wish to address the major problems. Reform is something we must do. That will take time, so let’s consider the pressures individuals are already facing,” she continued.
“Difference shouldn’t be a barrier to our relationship.”
The historic election of Sinn Fein’s Michelle O’Neill as the first nationalist first minister was made possible by the DUP’s Mrs. Little-Pengelly’s nomination as deputy first minister.
Alongside Mrs. Little-Pengelly, the daughter of a former loyalist prisoner, Michelle O’Neill, the daughter of an IRA prisoner, is currently in charge of the power-sharing government.
“I’ve always said that I don’t think the children of anybody should be blamed for the alleged actions of another,” Mrs. Little-Pengelly remarked to Sky News.
Despite the fact that our life experiences are extremely diverse, this shouldn’t prevent us from getting along or from working together in a positive way.
“And for my part, I’m absolutely determined to do so.”
