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Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill to face no-confidence vote over Drumcree dispute
Overview
Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill and three fellow Sinn Féin ministers are facing no-confidence motions at Stormont tabled by the Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) and backed by the DUP and UUP. The political row follows protests against a planned Orange Order march along the nationalist Garvaghy Road in Portadown. While unionist parties support the exclusion motions, they are expected to fail due to the requirement for cross-community support.
Key points
- Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill and three other Sinn Féin ministers face no-confidence votes at Stormont.
- The motions were tabled by TUV assembly member Timothy Gaston and secured backing from the DUP and UUP.
- The dispute centres on protests against a planned Orange Order march along the Garvaghy Road in Portadown.
- Unionist parties acknowledge the motions will fail because they require cross-community support from both unionists and nationalists.
- Police are conducting a criminal inquiry into the demonstrations, which O'Neill has defended by stating she stands with residents.