First Minister Michelle O’Neill said Northern Ireland’s power-sharing deal was not under threat after the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) resigned over historic crime charges.

Sir Geoffrey Donaldson resigns on Friday. It is understood he will “vigorously refute” all allegations against him.

Sinn Féin deputy leader O’Neill told Sky News she had been in contact with the leaders of the other three parties in the Belfast Ministerial Executive to ensure “cohesion” in political influence.

this Agreement to restore power sharing Earlier this year it depended on donaldson.

“I think everyone is shocked,” Ms. O’Neill said of Friday’s developments.

“[It’s] This is a very challenging time, especially for those reporting to the police. “

She added: “I’ve spoken to the new interim leader of the DUP, Gavin Robinson. I’ve also spoken to my executive colleagues, the political leaders on the executive council, just to discuss the work we have to do. We need to prioritize cohesion and leadership during this period.”

read more:
Who is Sir Geoffrey Donaldson?
What is power sharing and why is this system used?

No threat to power sharing

Ms O’Neill said all party leaders agreed that the power-sharing institutions were not under threat.

“The public here deserve the continued service our new executive will provide them now and into the future,” she said.

“My priority is to make power-sharing work and my priority is to work with other political leaders on the executive council.

“That’s why I thought it was necessary to engage with every political leader yesterday to talk about the need for cohesion, to talk about the need for leadership, and to talk about the delivery that we now need to continue in the terms of the executive itself.”

She added that she intended to “provide leadership” and ensure that the power-sharing government delivered results on “the day-to-day matters that people expect us to prioritize”.

“The public rightly expects their political leaders to deliver for them. That’s what I’m going to focus on,” she said.

‘Victims must have a chance for justice’

Earlier, Northern Ireland’s Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengeri said she was “shocked and appalled” by the news of Donaldson’s charges.

She added: “Victims must always have the best chance of justice. This must be fully respected and supported.”

“My heart goes out to those suffering who put their trust in the criminal justice system.

“Protecting the integrity of this process requires strict restrictions on speech. I have confidence in our justice system.”

Ms Little-Pengelly went on to say she was “determined” to work with interim leader Mr Robinson to “provide stability” and continue to “address the significant issues facing Northern Ireland”.

Donaldson will appear in court in April

Donaldson has led the DUP since 2021 and has been the Lagan Valley MP since 1997.

The 61-year-old is due to appear in court in Newry, County Down, on April 24.

In the same police investigation, a 57-year-old woman was charged with aiding and abetting an offence.

He has been suspended from the party but is understood to remain an MP.