deputy first minister

Noun

 * 1)  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.

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

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