New DUP leader must back words on Irish language with actions, says Michelle O’Neill The Sinn Féin vice president said there was a “small window of opportunity” to introduce the language legislation in the Assembly before the summer recess. Sinn Féin leader Michelle O’Neill has called on DUP leader Edwin Poots to act on Irish language legislation. Picture: PA Fri, 04 Jun, 2021 - 18:27 David Young and Cate McCurry, PA Sinn Féin has challenged DUP leader Edwin Poots to back up a pledge to legislate on Irish language with action. Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill made clear that her party saw delivery of legal protections for Irish language speakers as a key pre-requisite for sharing power with the new-look DUP leadership team.