DUP MLA joins Lockhart's call for O'Neill's removal as first minister
Diane Forsythe backs Carla Lockhart and says there must be "profound consequences" for Sinn Féin.
A DUP MLA, Diane Forsythe, has publicly backed Carla Lockhart's call for Arlene Foster's predecessor, or potentially Michelle O'Neill, to step down as First Minister. This development adds to growing pressure within the Democratic Unionist Party for change at the top of the Sinn Féin-led department.
The DUP and Sinn Féin have been in a power-sharing government in Northern Ireland since 1998, but tensions have been running high. The call for O'Neill's removal is linked to the party's dissatisfaction with the way Sinn Féin has handled certain issues. The fact that a DUP MLA is now publicly supporting this call suggests that there may be further divisions to come within the parties.
What's next to watch is how this development affects the stability of the Northern Ireland Assembly and the power-sharing government. The DUP and Sinn Féin have historically been able to work together, but with tensions rising, there may be challenges ahead. We will also be watching to see how Sinn Féin responds to these calls for change and whether there will be any further developments in the coming days.
Originally reported by bbc.co.uk. MyNews adds analysis for general news readers.