the first minister and the deputy first minister (irish: "céad-aire agus an leas-chéad-aire", ulster scots: "heid männystèr an tha heid männystèr depute"), (fm/dfm for short), are jobs in the northern ireland government. the first minister is not more important than the deputy first minister. the two positions are a diarchy, meaning they have equal power; both are nominated and appointed by members of the northern ireland assembly.