UK snap election leads Northern Ireland into further uncertainty

The Prime Minister's call for a fresh election this morning adds another layer to the ongoing talks between major political parties in Northern Ireland, who are trying to form a government in the wake of the RHI scandal and an Assembly election in March, which saw massive gains for Sinn Fein.

In the wake of the announcement - which is considered a chance for the public to vote on the government's response to Brexit - many political figures in Northern Ireland have pointed out the apparent apathy that the Prime Minister has shown towards the country; highlighting the fact that Mrs. May failed to mention the precarious state of the ongoing negotiations in the North.

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said: "It shows you how much Theresa May thinks/cares about our peace process that she'd call an election in the middle of talks."

It shows you how much .@TheresaMayPM thinks/cares about our peace process that she'd call an election in the middle of talks.

— Colum Eastwood (@columeastwood) April 18, 2017

The Conservatives, who currently have 0 seats in Northern Ireland, will be looking to consolidate their position going into Brexit negotiations, following the triggering of Article 50 last month. But for Northern Irish parties, the election will be another opportunity to gauge the public response to the June 23 referendum.

Many political commentators have noted that the DUP losses in the March Assembly elections were partly due to their position on Brexit. The DUP supported the leave campaign, while 56% of voters in Northern Ireland voted for remain.

Sinn Fein's leader in the North, Michelle O'Neill, indicated that this would be the crux of Sinn Fein's election push.

Westminster election an opportunity to oppose Brexit and Tory austerity - @moneillsf https://t.co/bvR0B3ITfr pic.twitter.com/fzoItmkqo2

— Sinn Féin (@sinnfeinireland) April 18, 2017

Elsewhere, DUP leader Arlene Foster said that this election would be an opportunity for "unionists to unite around a strong Democratic Unionist Party", while new UUP leader Robin Swann said "NI needs strong representation in Westminster...arguing the best case for Northern Ireland." The "unionist unity" stance has led to speculation that both main Unionist parties may enter an election pact to ensure that they keep out nationalist/non-unionist challengers.

This proved successful in the 2015 general election, where the DUP's Gavin Robinson unseated Alliance MP Naomi Long in East Belfast, and the UUP's Tom Elliot narrowly saw off Sinn Fein's Michelle Gildernew in Fermanagh/South Tyrone. The First Past The Post voting structure for general elections means that electoral pact are more encouraged than in local/assembly elections.

My statement on today's announcement by the Prime Minister. #GeneralElection pic.twitter.com/Qtf1j4aeox

— Arlene Foster (@DUPleader) April 18, 2017

My statement following the Prime Minister's announcement of #GE17 pic.twitter.com/uCh7nwqyOQ

— Robin Swann MLA (@RobinSwannUUP) April 18, 2017

With the Northern Irish parties now forced back onto the campaign trail, agreement on forming a government in the country seems more unlikely than ever.