North set for snap elections as McGuinness resigns

The Northern political process has been plunged into crisis after Martin McGuinness resigned as deputy first minister.

A visibly frail and ill Mr McGuinness announced his resignation at Stormont Castle yesterday afternoon, a move that under the joint terms of the office also necessitated DUP leader Arlene Foster ceasing to act as First Minister, although she will still have some minor non-executive functions.

Sinn Féin had been demanding that Ms Foster stand aside pending an investigation of the “cash for ash” Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme which could result in an overspend of up to £490 million. The scheme, introduced when Ms Foster was minister for enterprise, was supposed to offer a proportion of the cost businesses had to pay to use eco-friendly boilers, but the subsidy tariffs were set too high. Without a cap, it ended up paying out significantly more than the price of the fuel.

While Sinn Féin could nominate a successor between now and Monday, Mr McGuinness was adamant this would not happen. He called for snap elections to be held.

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Short of Ms Foster now standing aside as First Minister pending an investigation into the RHI scheme, Assembly elections appear inevitable.

That will be a matter for the Northern Secretary James Brokenshire who said that unless Sinn Féin nominated a replacement to the position of deputy first minister within seven days, "it is incumbent upon me to call an Assembly election within a reasonable period".

Mr McGuinness cited the alleged “arrogance” of Ms Foster and her party as a reason for his decision.

“Sinn Féin will not tolerate the arrogance of Arlene Foster and the DUP,” he said.

“Sinn Féin wants equality and respect for all. That is what this process must be about.

“There will be no return to the status quo except on terms that are acceptable to Sinn Féin,” added Mr McGuinness.

In response, Ms Foster said Mr McGuinness’s decision was “not principled”.

Sinn Féin sources said issues such as the respect for the Irish language, dealing with the past and an alleged refusal by the DUP to engage in “respectful” powersharing government also were major factors in Mr McGuinness’s decision.

Health

Mr McGuinness insisted his health was not an issue in his decision.

The Foyle Assembly member, who is 66, has held the post of deputy first minister for almost 10 years. He declined to disclose the nature of his illness which first became apparent after he had to excuse himself from a trade mission to China with Ms Foster in early December on doctor’s orders.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan, who spoke to Mr McGuinness yesterday, regretted "the circumstances" which led to his resignation.

Motivation

Ms Foster said Mr McGuinness’s decision was motivated by politics and not by principle.

“His actions have meant that, at precisely the time we need our government to be active, we will have no government and no way to resolve the RHI problems,” she said.

The next Assembly will have 90 rather than 108 members.