Sunak urges O’Neill to focus on day-to-day politics rather than Irish unity. Controversial President Bukele declares himself the winner of the elections in El Salvador

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has called on the new regional government in Northern Ireland to focus on day-to-day politics rather than questions about Irish reunification.

Changing the constitution is not a priority at the moment, the Conservative politician said on Monday after a meeting with the new Northern Ireland head of government Michelle O’Neill and other politicians in Northern Ireland. O’Neill had previously said a referendum on Irish unity in Northern Ireland could take place within a decade.

O’Neill made history when she took office this weekend. It is the first time that a politician from the Catholic-Republican party Sinn Fein has led Northern Ireland. Sinn Fein is campaigning for the part of the country to secede from the United Kingdom and unite with the Republic of Ireland.

Sinn Fein became the strongest force for the first time at the last Northern Ireland regional parliament elections in 2022. However, formation of a government has since been blocked by the Protestant unionist DUP over a dispute over Brexit rules for Northern Ireland .

In the former civil war region of Northern Ireland, the two largest parties, the Catholic-Republican and the Protestant-Unionist side, must agree on the formation of a government. The breakthrough only came last week after tough negotiations between the British government and the DUP.

The deal includes money and powers that can be used by the regional government for the people and businesses of Northern Ireland, Sunak told reporters, adding: “This is everyone’s priority now.” (sda/dpa)