Northern Ireland: Boris Johnson visits Stormont

Stormont is the home of the Northern Ireland government, which was dissolved after an argument between the two parties in power

The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson says the UK government "strongly supports" the Northern Irish government after it came back after three years of arguing.

The British and Irish prime ministers were in Belfast to mark the occasion.

Mr Johnson said: "What's so great about today is, as I say, that Northern Ireland politicians have put aside differences, stepped up to the plate and shown leadership."

Both the UK and Ireland say they are prepared to put new money in to help services in the country and the prime minister said this was a chance to "deliver on the priorities of the people" in terms of health, education and crime fighting.

In the parliament, DUP leader Arlene Foster has been appointed as Northern Ireland's first minister, while Sinn Fein's Michelle O'Neill is deputy first minister.

So what happened?

Northern Ireland's government was dissolved in January 2017 after a power-sharing agreement between the two governing parties - the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and Sinn Féin - fell apart.

But the two parties have now re-entered the devolved government at Stormont, after agreeing to work together again.

On Thursday 9 October the deal called New Decade, New Approach, was published by the British and Irish governments.

All five of Northern Ireland's main parties - the DUP, Sinn Féin, Ulster Unionist Party (UUP), Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP), and the Alliance Party will be represented.

Whilst there wasn't a government, people who work for the government called civil servants had extra powers so they could run the region's public services. If the parties hadn't agreed then a new election would have been called.

The talks in Northern Ireland were led by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Julian Smith, who represents the British government, and the Irish Tanaiste (Deputy Prime Minister), Simon Coveney, who represents the government in the Republic of Ireland.

What is in the deal?

Petition of concern

The petition of concern was put together to protect the minorities in Northern Ireland's power-sharing government.

At least 30 politicians can sign a notice and present it to the Speaker if they have concerns about a motion before the Assembly.

But it has been used to block issues such as the legalisation of same-sex marriage, this was eventually passed by the government in Westminster.

In the new deal, the people must be from two or more parties, so that one party cannot block a decision.

Irish language

There is official recognition of both Irish and Ulster-Scots languages.

An Irish Language Commissioner and Ulster Scots/Ulster Commissioner will be appointed to protect the two languages.

Climate change

The deal also includes the idea that there should be a separate climate change act for Northern Ireland - the only part of the UK without these laws.

Up until now, Northern Ireland has had to follow laws set by wider UK legislation on climate change.

It suggests an independent environmental protection agency, to hold government to account, and make sure environmental targets are followed.