So does this mean we are now a significant step closer to a united Ireland? O'Neill avoided focusing on this issue during campaigning, instead choosing to prioritize the cost of living crisis. Before we see what her focus is while in office though, the parties have to form an Executive - something which the opposition unionist party the DUP has indicated it may not do with a nationalist first minister such as O'Neill. If no government is formed within six months, new elections will have to take place. What this election does signify however, is a shift towards nationalist politics in Northern Ireland.