Irish Examiner view: The hard part is just beginning for Sinn Féin

Northern Ireland Protocol appears to be a break point for many unionists

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald (centre left) and Michelle O'Neill (back centre left) arrive at the Northern Ireland Assembly Election count centre at Meadowbank Sports arena in Magherafelt, Derry. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

It has been well trailed, so it is unsurprising that almost the first act following the Northern Ireland elections and the ascendancy of Sinn Féin (SF) has been a Mary Lou McDonald call on Dublin to convene a Citizens’ Assembly border poll on the topic of uniting Ireland.

Setting aside what the unionists — and in particular the DUP — are going to do about working with Michelle O’Neill, we should recognise that this is a historic moment.