Paul Givan Resigns As First Minister

Paul Givan has resigned as First Minister as of midnight last night, resulting in deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill also losing her position.

Givan's resignation means that while the Executive can still meet they are unable to take any decisions on outstanding legislation.

Making the announcement, Mr Givan said: "Today marks the end of what has been the privilege of my lifetime to serve as the First Minister of Northern Ireland. When I first entered the Assembly 12 years ago I never expected to have the opportunity to lead the Government and serve the people of Northern Ireland as First Minister. Holding this office is one that comes with a heavy responsibility and I have often felt the weight of this burden, to do what is right for all our people. Working together as a five party Executive has its challenges but over the past eight months, working with the deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill, we made progress and have made a difference that will improve our society."

The DUP has claimed that Givan's resignation is in protest of the Northern Ireland Protocol. Addressing this, Givan said: "Our institutions are being tested once again and the delicate balance created by the Belfast and St Andrews Agreements has been impacted by the agreement made by the United Kingdom Government and the European Union which created the Northern Ireland Protocol.

"The consent principle is a cornerstone of the Belfast Agreement and it is my earnest desire that all sections of the community will soon be able to give that consent to the restoration of a fully functioning Executive through a resolution to the issues that have regrettably brought us to this point."

He concluded: "I want to thank Edwin for giving me this opportunity and Jeffrey who asked me to continue in the role when he became Party Leader. Most of all I want to thank my family, especially my wife Emma. It is often those we are close to in our families that feel the pressure, even more so than those of us in front line politics. It wouldn't have been possible without their support."