What are the First Minister and Deputy First Minister?
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.
