Ministers in the Northern Ireland Executive have never been photographed as a group. Media requested such images during a meeting at Stormont Castle on Thursday. Access was initially granted for a pool cameraman. The session was cancelled at the last minute because Justice Minister Naomi Long joined remotely.

A spokesman for Long, leader of Alliance, stated she attended via video link despite being unwell to handle government business. The last joint news conference after an Executive meeting occurred on 16 October 2025.

First Minister Michelle O'Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly spoke separately in Stormont's Great Hall this week to address violence against women and girls following the Natalie McNally court verdict. Later that day, they addressed media together at Belfast's Waterfront Hall on the same issue.

The Executive Office stated that the first minister and deputy first minister engage regularly with media and the public through interviews, joint appearances, press releases, and social media. A TEO spokesperson added that ministers work together daily on Programme for Government priorities, including reduced waiting lists, expanded childcare, skills investment, and public service transformation.

Sinn Féin Finance Minister John O'Dowd told MLAs in December he expected agreement on a multi-year budget before the end of 2025. No such agreement has been reached.