Belfast power-sharing shaken as top Sinn Fein figure resigns - AP

[TomSea]

Belfast power-sharing shaken as top Sinn Fein figure resigns

DUBLIN — Northern Ireland's power-sharing government was plunged into crisis Monday as its senior Catholic leader quit in a showdown with his Protestant colleague that could trigger a snap election and shatter the bedrock of the region's peace deal.

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, the former Irish Republican Army commander who has helped to lead the unity government for nearly a decade, said his resignation was the only effective way to challenge his power-sharing partner, First Minister Arlene Foster . She will be forced from office, at least temporarily, if an election is called.

In a copy of his resignation letter provided to The Associated Press, McGuinness accused Foster of ignoring "a public mood that is rightly outraged at the squandering of public money and allegations of misconduct and corruption."

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