Sinn Féin has published plans to reform the Stormont institutions, including a proposal to end mandatory powersharing between the largest unionist and nationalist parties. The party said on Monday that its first proposal would ensure no single party could collapse devolution by withdrawing its participation.

The proposal would create an opt-out system where the largest parties of each designation would remain entitled to the first minister and deputy first minister roles. If one party declined to join the executive, another party from the same designation could take its place, preventing a collapse.

Sinn Féin’s plan is a reversal of its previous opposition to changes in the powersharing arrangements. The party said the standing committee on reform, established at the DUP’s request, was the proper forum to discuss the ideas. A party spokesperson said the proposals were not exclusive or comprehensive.

The other four proposals cover tax-varying powers for the Assembly, the appointment of the justice minister, reform of the designation system for MLAs, and changes to the election of the speaker. These areas have been points of contention in the past.

The DUP collapsed the executive in 2022 by withdrawing its first minister, and later blocked the election of a speaker, preventing Assembly business. The party has historically supported Stormont reform, including a 2012 manifesto chapter titled “DUP – the Champions of Reform”. Since Sinn Féin became the largest party at the 2022 Assembly election, the DUP has reversed its stance.

Last month the Alliance Party published a similar proposal for opt-out powersharing, indicating broader non-unionist support for change. Under Sinn Féin’s proposal, the largest unionist and nationalist parties would be replaced by the next largest party of the same designation if they chose not to serve. It did not specify whether a replacement must have the same designation or if any party could form an executive with Assembly majority support.

No cross-community consensus exists on these reforms, and the DUP is expected to reject them. The proposals require unionist cooperation to be implemented. Sinn Féin’s move puts the DUP in the position of opposing changes it once championed.