Events during the year 2017 in Northern Ireland. Incumbents First Minister – Arlene Foster (until 9 January) deputy First Minister – Martin McGuinness (until 9 January) Secretary of State for Northern Ireland – James Brokenshire Events January - The deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness resigns in protest of the handling of the Renewable Heat Incentive scandal. 2 March - 2017 Northern Ireland Assembly election takes place. 8 April - Robin Swann announced as the new Ulster Unionist Party leader. 8 June - UK General election takes place. The arts June - Agreement for filming of Krypton (TV series) at Belfast Harbour Studios. Sports Deaths 27 January – Billy Simpson, footballer (b. 1929) 1 March – P. J. Bradley, politician (b. 1940) 21 March – Martin McGuinness, Sinn Féin politician and presidential candidate, amyloidosis (b. 1950). 4 June – Patrick G. Johnston, physician (b. 1958) 11 June – Alan Campbell, Pentecostal pastor (b. 1949) 25 June – Robert Overend, farmer, businessman and Unionist politician (b. 1930) 24 October – Glenn Barr, UDA politician and advocate, member of Northern Ireland Assembly and Constitutional Convention (b. 1942) See also 2017 in England 2017 in Scotland 2017 in Wales References Northern Ireland