deputy first minister

English

Noun

deputy first minister (plural deputy first ministers)

1. (Northern Ireland) The leader of the second largest group in the Northern Ireland Assembly and joint-leader of the Northern Ireland Executive, with the same powers as the first minister.
2. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see deputy,‎ first minister.

Usage notes

To emphasise the fact that the deputy first minister's powers and status are identical to the first minister (the role is not a deputy in the usual sense), the title is usually capitalised as "deputy First Minister" and abbreviated dFM.

Translations

co-leader of the Northern Ireland Executive

• Irish: Leas-Príomh-Aire
• Ulster Scots: First Meinister depute