Michelle O'Neill claims DUP blocked her from Glasgow summit

Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill has accused Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and the Democratic Unionist Party of blocking her from attending an economic forum in Glasgow. BBC News, RTE, and the Irish Times all reported that O'Neill was due to join British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and leaders of other devolved administrations at the event on Friday. Attendance at events by the joint office requires agreement from both ministers. [1][3][4]

BBC News reported that O'Neill described the DUP decision as reckless and irresponsible. According to the Irish Times, O'Neill said she was scheduled to meet Scottish First Minister John Swinney, Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth, and Prime Minister Andy Burnham. RTE added that the DUP party officers were scheduled to meet to discuss the fallout from the recent Drumcree standoff. [1][3][4]

BBC News reported that the action follows unionist anger over Sinn Féin's involvement in protests that stopped an Orange Order parade from passing along Garvaghy Road in Portadown. As FTMQ News reported earlier, unionist parties previously backed a motion of no confidence against O'Neill and three other Sinn Féin ministers following tensions linked to the Drumcree parade. [1][10]

O'Neill has served as First Minister of Northern Ireland since February 2024 and Vice President of Sinn Féin since 2018. She previously served as Deputy First Minister from 2020 to 2022 and has been a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly for Mid Ulster since 2007. [6]