fair_deal on "Devolution 'barely functioning' in Northern Ireland"

fair_deal — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 12:58:39 +0000

"It all makes for a stark contrast with the progress of devolution in Scotland and Wales."

Somewhat unfair as it ignores the progress of the last year or so plus the fact that SF is blocking 40 items of business shows there is plenty of scope for more.

SF have not adapted to the new framework were if they want a particular initiative then they have to trade with their executive partners. Ask tony is no longer the option however much more easy and rewarding they found that. However, rather than trade they have went for administrative blockade.

Two other factors worth noting:

1. The use of an instrumental (ie partial) deal as both St Andrews and Belfast agreements are, guarantees significant bumps on the road and an increased risk of collapse.

2. Unlike Wales and Scotland there is no mandatory all party coalition - at best this is cumbersome and unwieldy and worst virtually unworkable. Interestingly it was SF who opposed bitterly any changes to this system, maybe all this will enable them to see the opportunities in other approaches.

Devolution 'barely functioning' in Northern Ireland, Tom Griffin

Tom Griffin — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:10:59 +0000

Tom Griffin (London, The Green Ribbon): Divisions in the Northern Ireland Executive resurfaced at the weekend, when the Irish News reported that a meeting due to take place on Thursday is in doubt:

If the one scheduled for July 24 does not take place an entire quarter of the year will have passed between the last meeting on June 19 and next possible date.

It will also mean that First Minister Peter Robinson has only presided over one executive meeting since taking office.

There are an estimated 40 pieces of government business trapped in limbo as papers and proposals await executive approval.

This morning's Irish Times highlights the continuing stand-off between the Executive's two leading parties:

The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) accused Sinn Féin of frustrating the work of the ministerial Executive after disagreements over issues like abolishing selection for post-primary education and devolving policing and justice powers to the Assembly.

However, Sinn Féin said it was prepared to meet unionists at any time to resolve outstanding matters. DUP Assembly member Peter Weir claimed "narrow party-political reasons" were to blame for delays in holding Executive meetings.

It all makes for a stark contrast with the progress of devolution in Scotland and Wales.

open Democracy News Analysis - Devolution 'barely functioning' in Northern Ireland, Tom Griffin - Comments

fair_deal on "Devolution 'barely functioning' in Northern Ireland"

Devolution 'barely functioning' in Northern Ireland, Tom Griffin