Menu
28/06/2022
Failure To Reform NI Politics Puts Devolution At Risk – Long
Alliance Party leader Naomi Long has said that a failure to reform the Assembly and Executive "risks the future of devolution".
Mrs Long has written to both the UK and Irish Governments, outlining a series of proposals for immediate reform of the Assembly and Executive, saying the moves would not only facilitate the formation of both but would also secure the long-term stability of the institutions.
Mrs Long said: "We are once again in an all too familiar period of Executive and Assembly collapse.
"This Friday marks six weeks since the first attempted sitting of the Assembly and eight weeks from the election. Unfortunately, with the DUP's continuing refusal to back the nomination of a Speaker and deputy First Minister, we are again locked into a cycle of crisis and collapse, leaving the public with no government at a time when they should be tackling the cost of living crisis and the state of public services.
"The New Decade, New Approach agreement pledged to increase the sustainability of the institutions but the actions taken so far have clearly been insufficient. They also fail to acknowledge the structures themselves create vetoes and allow them to be exploited. Unless we reform the institutions themselves, we will never break this vicious pattern of ransom politics and end for good the institutions being taken hostage by any one party.
"At a minimum, changes need to be made to the process of nominating a First and deputy First Minister, so if a party is unwilling to nominate, the opportunity passes to the next largest party. To facilitate effective government, weighted majority voting should replace parallel consent for 'cross-community' votes in the Assembly. In addition, the use of petitions of concern and for 'cross-community' votes within the Executive should be restricted to specified issues, to prevent wider abuse.
"The case for reform is indisputable and acknowledged by all parties, as shown by an Alliance Assembly motion in the last mandate, and the work of the Assembly and Executive Review Committee. These proposals represent modest changes but will future proof the institutions, incentivise collaboration between parties, and ensure every MLA is treated equally.
"Rather than focusing on meeting the latest ransom demands of any one party, this is where government needs to focus to end this destructive cycle for good. To fail to do so will be catastrophic for the future of devolution in Northern Ireland."
Mrs Long has written to both the UK and Irish Governments, outlining a series of proposals for immediate reform of the Assembly and Executive, saying the moves would not only facilitate the formation of both but would also secure the long-term stability of the institutions.
Mrs Long said: "We are once again in an all too familiar period of Executive and Assembly collapse.
"This Friday marks six weeks since the first attempted sitting of the Assembly and eight weeks from the election. Unfortunately, with the DUP's continuing refusal to back the nomination of a Speaker and deputy First Minister, we are again locked into a cycle of crisis and collapse, leaving the public with no government at a time when they should be tackling the cost of living crisis and the state of public services.
"The New Decade, New Approach agreement pledged to increase the sustainability of the institutions but the actions taken so far have clearly been insufficient. They also fail to acknowledge the structures themselves create vetoes and allow them to be exploited. Unless we reform the institutions themselves, we will never break this vicious pattern of ransom politics and end for good the institutions being taken hostage by any one party.
"At a minimum, changes need to be made to the process of nominating a First and deputy First Minister, so if a party is unwilling to nominate, the opportunity passes to the next largest party. To facilitate effective government, weighted majority voting should replace parallel consent for 'cross-community' votes in the Assembly. In addition, the use of petitions of concern and for 'cross-community' votes within the Executive should be restricted to specified issues, to prevent wider abuse.
"The case for reform is indisputable and acknowledged by all parties, as shown by an Alliance Assembly motion in the last mandate, and the work of the Assembly and Executive Review Committee. These proposals represent modest changes but will future proof the institutions, incentivise collaboration between parties, and ensure every MLA is treated equally.
"Rather than focusing on meeting the latest ransom demands of any one party, this is where government needs to focus to end this destructive cycle for good. To fail to do so will be catastrophic for the future of devolution in Northern Ireland."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 November 2024
Health Minister Seeks Urgent Talks On Pay
The Health Minister has confirmed that he has requested an early meeting with health service trade unions to discuss next steps on pay offers for 2024/25. Due to Northern Ireland's budgetary constraints, the Minister is unable to deliver the desired pay settlements for this year.
Health Minister Seeks Urgent Talks On Pay
The Health Minister has confirmed that he has requested an early meeting with health service trade unions to discuss next steps on pay offers for 2024/25. Due to Northern Ireland's budgetary constraints, the Minister is unable to deliver the desired pay settlements for this year.
03 May 2022
Queer Greens Launch 2022 Assembly Election Manifesto
The Green Party NI's Queer Greens group has announced the publication of its 2022 Assembly election manifesto, outlining the Party's priorities for LGBTQ+ rights in Northern Ireland.
Queer Greens Launch 2022 Assembly Election Manifesto
The Green Party NI's Queer Greens group has announced the publication of its 2022 Assembly election manifesto, outlining the Party's priorities for LGBTQ+ rights in Northern Ireland.
30 January 2012
McNarry To Resign From Ulster Unionist Assembly Team
David McNarry is set to resign formally from the Ulster Unionist assembly team following disagreements over cooperation with the DUP. The deputy chairman of the assembly's education committee revealed his plans to quit after he was demoted by the party leader for talking to the Belfast Telegraph.
McNarry To Resign From Ulster Unionist Assembly Team
David McNarry is set to resign formally from the Ulster Unionist assembly team following disagreements over cooperation with the DUP. The deputy chairman of the assembly's education committee revealed his plans to quit after he was demoted by the party leader for talking to the Belfast Telegraph.
27 September 2002
400 jobs go in Belfast and Carrickfergus
It has been a poor day for the local economy with the announcement that a total of 375 jobs are to be lost at two major companies. Staff at Shorts where hit with the news that 240 jobs are to go at the east Belfast site. This brings to almost 1,000 the number of people who have lost their jobs at the company in the past 12 months.
400 jobs go in Belfast and Carrickfergus
It has been a poor day for the local economy with the announcement that a total of 375 jobs are to be lost at two major companies. Staff at Shorts where hit with the news that 240 jobs are to go at the east Belfast site. This brings to almost 1,000 the number of people who have lost their jobs at the company in the past 12 months.
30 January 2023
Alliance Calls For All-Party Talks On Institutional Reforms
The Alliance Party has called for immediate all-party talks to discuss the reform of NI's institutions in order to get the Assembly and Executive up and running again.
Alliance Calls For All-Party Talks On Institutional Reforms
The Alliance Party has called for immediate all-party talks to discuss the reform of NI's institutions in order to get the Assembly and Executive up and running again.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
