Overall, Northern Ireland’s leadership is pressing London for more budget flexibility and multi-year funding to break the stalemate over a proposed Stormont budget.

Finance Minister John O’Dowd released a draft multi-year budget for consultation, though the Executive remains divided and the plan drew criticism from parties, notably the DUP.

O’Neill and Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald held talks with Secretary of State Hilary Benn in Belfast, with plans for further discussions in London to push for a revised fiscal approach.

She urged a transformation of the budget into a three-year framework and stressed there is no appetite for preferential treatment—only what is necessary for public services.

The UK Government, via the NIO, reiterated its commitment to a stable Northern Ireland and to the Executive reaching a budget agreement, signaling ongoing engagement with party leaders.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson and MPs met Benn in London, arguing for funding based on need and calling for elimination of wasteful spending to improve efficiency and outcomes.

The same DUP contingent emphasized funding by need and the reduction of wasteful spending to deliver effective public services and value for taxpayers.

She argued the budget is insufficient to fund all Executive departments after a decade of austerity, calling for increased funding and greater budget flexibilities.

Alliance Party figures, including deputy leader Eoin Tennyson and Minister Andrew Muir, met Benn to highlight the remaining 16-month mandate and urge delivery-focused decisions rather than delay.

Context centers on a budget crisis shaped by austerity, underfunding, and negotiations with the UK government to unlock longer-term funding and flexibility for Northern Ireland’s public services.

discussions with Hilary Benn reflect concerns about the Secretary of State’s perceived hands-off approach in resolving budgetary challenges.

O’Neill backed a twin-track strategy: secure budget flexibility and additional funding from London while opposing any Legacy Bill provisions that would grant preferential treatment to military veterans.