The move by the DUP to enter into power sharing has been welcomed by U.S. politicians who have taken a strong interest in Irish American issues over the years.
Senator Charles Schumer, in a statement, said he was "pleased to hear DUP is moving past its long blockade and will allow the rightfully elected representatives in Northern Ireland to stand up the Assembly and power-sharing executive. I look forward to Sinn Féin’s Michelle O’Neill making history as the first nationalist First Minister.”
Congressman Brendan Boyle said: “I welcome today’s promising news that the Northern Ireland Assembly will finally be restored.
"For 23 months, the people of Northern Ireland have been unfairly left without proper representation. Today's progress is yet one more positive result of the Good Friday Agreement, one that provides a shared foundation for peace and prosperity for the future.”
Meanwhile, Congressman Richard Neal, who chairs the Friends of Ireland group on Capitol Hill, read a statement welcoming the political breakthrough on the floor of the House of Representatives.
Stated Congressman Neal: "Mr. Speaker, I rise today to applaud the political parties at Stormont as they near an agreement that will restore executive government. After nearly two years of delay, Stormont is one step closer to resuming the people’s business. This is a victory for democracy and for the people of Northern Ireland.
Stormont: Assembly to sit on Saturday as DUP boycott ends https://t.co/6GtBF3s3HS pic.twitter.com/8t1NQqbGRU
— swissbusiness (@swissbusiness) February 1, 2024
"The Good Friday Agreement marked the end of the longest period of conflict in Irish history. It happened because everyone involved acted together in good faith. Almost 26 years later, the parties in Northern Ireland are doing just that – acting in good faith to restore government and resume the difficult work of legislating.
"When the United States helped broker the Good Friday Agreement, cementing its place as a guarantor of the agreement, it did so with one primary objective: ensuring every community had a voice in the pursuit of peace and prosperity. With the restoration of power-sharing on the horizon, the people are the winners. Their voices will be heard once again." BACKING RETURN OF GOVERNMENT: Congressman Mike Lawler addressing the Irish Echo Law & Order Awards on Jan 26 2024
Those views were echoed by Congressman Mike Lawler, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
“It’s been almost two years since the Democratic Unionist Party blocked Sinn Féin from taking office in Northern Ireland,” said Congressman Lawler, a Republican who represents New York's 17th Congressional District - a hotbed for the Irish. “The news that the DUP is finally coming to the table and entering into a power-sharing agreement is welcome news.”
Congressman Lawler added: “During my visit to Dublin in the fall, I stressed the importance of power-sharing in Northern Ireland and highlighted my resolution, H.Res.596, which called for the restoration of government in Belfast,” concluded Congressman Lawler. “I will never stop working to ensure the Good Friday Agreement is implemented properly and ensure democracy for the people of Northern Ireland.”
New York's 17th Congressional District, home to a significant Irish population, is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.
