Murder of journalist Lyra McKee spurs bid to restore Northern Ireland’s collapsed government
- Two governments expected to make an announcement about talks to revive the power-sharing administration
Britain and Ireland are making a new push to restore Northern Ireland’s collapsed government, as politicians face mounting criticism of politicians after the killing of a journalist by a banned militant group.
The two governments were expected to make an announcement Friday about talks to revive the power-sharing administration, which has been suspended for more than two years because of a dispute between the main Protestant and Catholic parties.
Security officials warn that political drift in Northern Ireland – along with uncertainty around Brexit – could embolden those bent on violence.
Pressure on politicians has grown since the killing of journalist Lyra McKee, shot dead last week by a member of Irish nationalist militant group the New IRA during rioting in Londonderry, which is also known as Derry.
McKee’s death drew condemnation from across the political divide, with Northern Ireland political leaders and the prime ministers of Britain and Ireland attending her funeral in Belfast on Wednesday.
In his homily, Father Martin Magill praised the united response of politicians, but asked: “Why in God’s name does it take the death of a 29-year-old woman with her whole life in front of her to get to this point?” Mourners rose to give him a standing ovation.