First Minister and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland

Author: Leandro Alegsa Creation date: November 13, 2022

The First Minister and the deputy First Minister (Irish: Céad-Aire agus an leas-Chéad-Aire, Ulster Scots: Heid Männystèr an tha Heid Männystèr depute), (FM/dFM for short), are jobs in the Northern Ireland Government. The First Minister is not more important than the deputy First Minister. The two positions are a diarchy, meaning they have equal power; both are nominated and appointed by members of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Currently, the position is held by Sir Jeffrey Donaldson (DUP) and Michelle O’Neill (Sinn Fein). Before however, the incumbents were Peter Robinson of the Democratic Unionist Party as First Minister and Martin McGuinness of Sinn Féin as deputy First Minister.

Questions and Answers

Q: What are the First Minister and Deputy First Minister?

A: The First Minister and Deputy First Minister (FM/dFM for short) are jobs in the Northern Ireland Government.

Q: Who currently holds these positions?

A: Currently, the position is held by Sir Jeffrey Donaldson (DUP) and Michelle O’Neill (Sinn Fein).

Q: How are they appointed?

A: Both are nominated and appointed by members of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Q: Are the two positions equal in power?

A: Yes, they have equal power; it is a diarchy meaning both positions have an equal say.

Q: Who were the incumbents before Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and Michelle O'Neill?

A: Before them, the incumbents were Peter Robinson of the Democratic Unionist Party as First Minister and Martin McGuinness of Sinn Féin as deputy First Minister.

Q: Is one position more important than another?

A: No, neither position is more important than the other.