Sinn Féin's Local Election Victories Encourage Return of Government in Northern Ireland

Sinn Féin, a party seeking unification of Northern Ireland with the Republic of Ireland, made record gains in the Northern Ireland local elections, becoming the largest party for the first time. The Democratic Unionist Party's blocking of a power-sharing government at Stormont for more than a year frustrated voters, leading to Sinn Féin's success. The onus is now on the British and Irish governments to restore the executive and assembly, according to Sinn Féin Vice President Michelle O’Neill. The DUP admitted that there are lessons to be learned for unionism in its broadest sense.