Remembrance Sunday: First Minister Michelle O'Neill lays wreath in Belfast for first time

First Minister Michelle O'Neill has laid a wreath at Belfast's Remembrance Sunday service for the first time, becoming the first senior Sinn Féin official to take part in such an event.

The Sinn Féin vice-president laid a laurel wreath in her role as First Minister at Belfast City Hall’s cenotaph. The message on the wreath said: "As First Minister I wish to take our society beyond old limits, to build-bridges, and to a shared future together. Today I remember all lives lost in the horror of war and conflict - past and present."

She attended the commemoration alongside DUP deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, with crowds lining the streets outside Belfast City Hall as Armed Forces members participated in the ceremony.

Read more: Sinn Féin Chairman backs Michelle O'Neill amid Remembrance Day controversy

Read more: Michelle O'Neill and Foreign Office 'supporting' NI man arrested in UAE

Posting on social media ahead of Sunday's service, Ms O'Neill said: "As First Minister for all, I am committed to representing everyone equally. Through my words and actions, I will honour that commitment.

"Today, I will attend the Remembrance event at Belfast City Hall to remember the tens of thousands of people from across our island who lost their lives in the First World War and in subsequent conflicts. We each have our own identity, experiences, and perspectives.

"As an Irish republican who believes in a united Ireland, I have my own perspective also. As we move towards a better future I am committed as First Minister to moving beyond old limits and building bridges.

"It is through understanding and respect for our differences that we can build a stronger, respectful, and united society. I will never shy away from my responsibility to take decisions - no matter how personally challenging - that will help build a new Ireland, defined by inclusion and respect for all traditions."

In a letter published in The Irish News last week, more than 100 relatives of victims of the Troubles from the Republican community in Co Tyrone hit out at her decision to attend the service. The letter accused the First Minister of “populism” and said Sinn Féin had “turned political somersaults into an Olympic sport."

When she announced the news on Tuesday, the Sinn Fein vice-president said her attendance was about being a “First Minister for all”, but acknowledged it was “going to be an uncomfortable thing for many republicans”.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.