Stormont's First Minister has issued a direct appeal to the UK government, stating that greater financial support and flexibility from London are essential to break the deadlock over Northern Ireland's budget.
A Call for Change in Tactics from Westminster
First Minister Michelle O'Neill met with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, in Belfast on Wednesday, 14 January 2026. She was accompanied by Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald. During the meeting, Ms O'Neill emphasised that the current financial allocation for Stormont is insufficient to meet public service needs.
She described the impasse over the proposed multi-year spending plan as one of the most pressing issues facing the devolved Executive. The Finance Minister, John O'Dowd, published a draft multi-year budget last week, which is now out for public consultation. However, the plan has not been agreed upon by the powersharing administration and has faced criticism from other parties, notably the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).
"We are dealing with over a decade of austerity, public services decimated," Ms O'Neill stated. "The budget that has been allocated here is not enough, there is not enough pie to go around all Executive departments."
Cross-Party Pressure and Legacy Concerns
The meetings between the larger Stormont parties and Mr Benn took place in both Belfast and London this week. DUP leader Gavin Robinson, alongside MPs Carla Lockhart and Gregory Campbell, met the Secretary of State in London on Tuesday.
Mr Robinson agreed that Northern Ireland must be funded according to need, but also stressed a responsibility to eliminate wasteful spending to ensure efficient public services. Meanwhile, Alliance Party deputy leader Eoin Tennyson and Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir met Mr Benn later on Wednesday. Mr Tennyson pointed to "real challenges" not just in finances but in the attitudes of some parties around the Executive table.
In addition to budgetary matters, Ms O'Neill confirmed she raised "serious concerns" with Mr Benn regarding the development of the UK government's Legacy Bill. She affirmed she would not support any proposals that grant preferential treatment to military veterans.
The Path Forward for Stormont
With the current mandate having just 16 months remaining, pressure is mounting on the Executive to deliver. Ms O'Neill framed the approach as "twin track," requiring both internal Executive focus on transformation and policy changes from London.
"There are policy decisions in London that need to be changed," she asserted. "We need to see the flexibilities that the Finance Minister has asked for." She concluded by stating the Executive's determination to "fight the good fight for the people" and secure the necessary resources for Northern Ireland's future.
