Northern Ireland’s Prime Minister said society “must and can do better” to work to end violence against women and girls.
Michelle O’Neill expressed her horror at the killing of seven women in the region in 2024 and vowed to push the Stormont leader’s strategy to end violence against women and girls.
He said that launching it was the management team’s “number one priority” and that he would continue to ensure that the strategy’s goals were met.
But he said everyone in society had a responsibility to “challenge the misogyny that allows such horrific crimes to continue”.
Earlier in December, a community vigil was held following the murder of mum-of-two Karen Cummings, 40, in Banbridge.
Mrs O’Neill said behind each of the seven women’s deaths there were families who were “shaken with grief”.
“As a society, we must and can do better,” he said.
We all have a shared responsibility to challenge the misogyny that allows such heinous crimes to continue. Women should feel safe on every street, town and city across the island
First Minister Michelle O’Neill
“That’s why launching the End Violence Against Women and Girls strategy was a top priority for this leader, and that’s why I will continue to ensure that the strategy’s goals are met.
“We all have a shared responsibility to challenge the misogyny that allows such horrific crimes to continue.
“Women should feel safe on every street, town and city across the island.”
The Stormont Assembly was revived in January 2024 after political instability.
Mrs O’Neill made history when she became the first nationalist or republican to serve as First Minister at Stormont.
In his first New Year’s message as First Minister, O’Neill said the return of political institutions brought “a new horizon and huge opportunities for people here”.
He also reiterated his promise to be everyone’s first minister.
“We’ve made significant progress on key issues that affect people across society,” he said.
Projects that had been stalled for years due to the lack of a leader are now coming to fruition
First Minister Michelle O’Neill
“One of the director’s first actions was to reward public sector workers with the fair pay rise they absolutely deserve.
“Projects that had been stuck for years due to the absence of the manager are now being implemented.
“Major developments such as the A5 and the Strule campus are progressing, while Belfast’s state-of-the-art transport hub is now open – bringing us one step closer to a cleaner and greener society.
“Treasurer Caoimhe Archibald secured vital extra funding for essential services such as health and education, while childcare costs have been supported, putting more money back into families’ pockets as we continue to work on long-term strategies to further reduce costs.
“Momentum is also building behind the Magee University expansion, with continued progress toward 10,000 students on campus.”
Ms O’Neill added that her role as leader was to “push us forward, with the united aim of making a real difference in people’s lives”.
“Local ministers are now in the cockpit making decisions that will shape the lives of people here in your interests,” he said.
“I understand that there is still much work to be done, and I am more determined than ever to continue to deliver strong leadership and positive change.
“Let us examine the possibilities ahead in one purpose as we build a brighter future for all who call this island home.
“I wish you all a happy, peaceful and successful 2025.”