Search Result

Srl

Item

ID: 159999

Between Devolution and Direct Rule: Implications of a Political Vacuum in Northern Ireland? / Heenan, Deirdre ; Birrell, Derek

Heenan, Deirdre	Journal Article
	0 Rating(s) & 0 Review(s)

Summary/Abstract

It is over a year since the collapse of the devolved administration at Stormont, which left one region of the United Kingdom without a functioning executive. Reluctance to introduce direct rule from Westminster reduced Northern Ireland to a desiccated form of governance. This article examines the nature and form of government in this political vacuum. The consequences of this system are examined in terms of the absence of legislation, mechanisms for scrutiny, and participation in intergovernmental relations. In the absence of devolution and direct rule, the potential for greater involvement of the Irish government in the affairs of Northern Ireland is also considered.

Key Words

Northern Ireland ; Devolution and Direct Rule ; Implications of a Political Vacuum

In Basket

Export

ID: 155419

Continuing volatility of devolution in Northern Ireland: the shadow of direct rule / Heenan, Deirdre ; Birrell, Derek

Deirdre Heenan	Journal Article
	0 Rating(s) & 0 Review(s)

Summary/Abstract

Since the establishment of devolution in 1999, Northern Ireland's power-sharing governments have been fragile and prone to crisis. However, following a decade of relative stability and cooperation between Nationalists and Unionists at Stormont, hopes were high that the devolved arrangements had finally become embedded and more resistant to collapse. This optimism was dashed when Sinn Féin brought down the devolved institutions in January 2017. A snap election once again returned the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and Sinn Féin as the largest parties and their inability to form a government resulted in yet another political stalemate. This article begins by outlining the pattern of political crises in Northern Ireland and assesses both the trigger factors and the responses. It then goes beyond the most obvious explanation for this continuing instability—that of the deep sectarian based divisions—and points to a number of other reasons for the volatility. These include issues such as the incomplete implementation of previous agreements, the impact of broader UK policies and the shadow of Direct Rule.

Key Words

Northern Ireland ; Devolution ; Power-Sharing ; Direct Rule

In Basket

Export