Taoiseach Micheál Martin has stated that his Government is "deeply concerned" and that Givan's resignation represents a "very damaging" move.
Northern Ireland's First Minister Paul Givan has announced his resignation from the Stormont Assembly, with the decision taking effect from midnight on Thursday, 3 February.
Describing his role as the "privilege of my lifetime", Givan spoke of the "heavy responsibility" of serving the people of Northern Ireland, noting that he "often felt the weight of this burden" during his time in office.
Givan served as First Minister for a total of eight months.
"When I first entered the Assembly 12 years ago, I never expected to have the opportunity to lead the government and serve the people of Northern Ireland as First Minister," he said.
"Holding this office is one that comes with a heavy responsibility and I have often felt the weight of this burden, to do what is right for all our people."
https://twitter.com/paulgivan/status/1489278517934178308
The resignation has quickly triggered unease regarding the future of the Northern Ireland Protocol.
“Our institutions are being tested once again," said Givan during a press conference on Thursday.
“And the delicate balance created by the Belfast and St Andrew’s agreements has been impacted by the agreement made by the United Kingdom Government and the European Union which created the Northern Ireland Protocol.
“The consent principle is a cornerstone of the Belfast Agreement and it is my earnest desire that all sections of the community will soon be able to give consent to the restoration of a fully functioning executive, through a resolution to the issues that have regrettably brought us to this point."
In response, Taoiseach Micheál Martin has stated that his Government is "deeply concerned" and that Givan's resignation represents a "very damaging" move.
Referencing proposals by the European Union that directly address concerns regarding outstanding issues on implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol, Taoiseach Martin said:
"I would urge the DUP to return to full engagement with all the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement and avoid any action that could damage peace."
Givan's decision automatically triggers the resignation of Sinn Féin Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill alongside him.
As a result, the Stormont Executive can no longer meet, nor enact major policy decisions.
New legislation is expected to be confirmed next week in order for the Assembly to remain functional.
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Brandon Lewis said that Givan's resignation is "extremely disappointing".
"We remain fully committed to fixing the problems with the Protocol and to protect the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement in all its dimensions," Lewis said.
"We will continue our intensive talks with the EU in order to resolve these.
"I will be speaking to the leaders of the five parties of the Northern Ireland Executive, and the Irish Government, to encourage a return to stable devolved Government in Northern Ireland."
Speaking on Thursday afternoon, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald called for an early election, summarising the present situation as "chaotic theatre".
"To be clear – we cannot stagger on in the months ahead without a functioning Executive and Sinn Féin will not facilitate this," said McDonald.
"In the absence of a functioning Executive, an early election must be called the people must have their say."
