Northern Ireland

Michelle O'Neill unveils centenary portrait of Countess Markievicz

Michelle O'Neill with the portrait of Countess Markievicz
Michelle O'Neill with the portrait of Countess Markievicz Michelle O'Neill with the portrait of Countess Markievicz

Sinn Féin deputy leader Michelle O'Neill has unveiled a portrait of Countess Markievicz to mark 100 years since she became the first woman elected to the House of Commons.

The Sinn Féin MP did not take her Westminster seat but formed part of the first Dáil Éireann in January 1919.

Ms O'Neill said the election of Constance Markievicz and her Sinn Féin colleagues in December 1918 had "important parallels for us today".

She said the party would continue with its abstentionist policy and called for northern MPs to be granted speaking in the Dáil.

Michelle O'Neill with Sinn Féin MLAs and the portrait of Countess Markievicz
Michelle O'Neill with Sinn Féin MLAs and the portrait of Countess Markievicz Michelle O'Neill with Sinn Féin MLAs and the portrait of Countess Markievicz