Northern Ireland’s first minister quits over NI protocol row

London government calls for reinstatement of Paul Givan to prevent disruption

First minister of Northern Ireland Paul Givan arrives at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Belfast, ahead of his resignation announcement (PA)

Northern Ireland’s DUP first minister Paul Givan has resigned, bringing the power-sharing executive, which governs the province under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, to the brink of collapse.

In an emotional statement delivered at a Belfast hotel, Mr Givan said that the Northern Ireland protocol, agreed as part of Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal, had disturbed the “delicate balance” between communities that was established by the 1998 agreement and the 2006 St Andrews deal on devolution.

Mr Givan’s departure will automatically force Michelle O’Neill, his Sinn Fein deputy, out of office.

Announcing his resignation, the outgoing first minister said: “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 consent to the restoration of a fully functioning executive through a resolution to the issues that have regrettably brought us to this point.”

The turmoil comes after the DUP unilaterally announced a halt to agri-food checks at ports, in an apparent breach of the protocol and the EU withdrawal agreement.

Brussels accused the UK of breaking the agreement, with European commissioner for financial stability Mairead McGuinness branding the move “an absolute breach of international law”.

But the Westminster government attempted to distance itself from the decision, insisting the implementation of port checks was a matter for the devolved authority.

Although the rest of the Stormont executive can remain in place without the first minister, it is not able to take significant decisions, preventing the coalition from agreeing a crucial three-year budget.

Northern Ireland secretary Brandon Lewis called for Mr Givan’s urgent reinstatement.

“The decision by the DUP to withdraw the first minister from the Northern Ireland executive is extremely disappointing,” he said.

“I urge them to reinstate the first minister immediately to ensure the necessary delivery of public services for the citizens of Northern Ireland.”

DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said his party had focused minds on tackling the problems created by the protocol, which he said represents “an existential threat to the future of Northern Ireland’s place within the union”.

“We have reminded the government of their promise, in the New Decade, New Approach agreement, to protect Northern Ireland’s place within the UK internal market,” said Sir Jeffrey.

“This commitment was the basis upon which we re-entered the executive in early 2020 and have participated in the political institutions since then. To date, this commitment has not been honoured by the UK government.”

Irish premier Micheal Martin described Mr Givan’s resignation as “a very damaging move”.

He urged the DUP to “return to full engagement with all the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement and avoid any action that could damage peace and stability in Northern Ireland”.

Mr Martin’s spokesperson said: “It is absolutely vital for peace and prosperity in Northern Ireland that the executive is delivering for the people of Northern Ireland, particularly now as we emerge from the Covid pandemic.

“The protocol is part of an international treaty agreed and ratified by the UK and EU, to protect the Good Friday Agreement in all its dimensions.

“The UK has an obligation under international law, and under its own domestic law, to ensure it meets its obligations under the protocol.

“The current talks between the EU and the UK must be given every chance to succeed. The commission has put forward serious proposals which directly address the concerns about outstanding issues on implementation of the protocol.”