The Failure of Devolution
The Failure of Devolution
Arlene Foster, Acting First Minister proudly declared on Radio Ulster this week: “Devolution is delivering.”
The problem, of course, is that it isn’t.
At the time of writing I have no idea of whether or not the policing and justice talks have been resolved, fudged, deferred or have failed.
But the central point remains: the creation of a devolved Executive and Assembly which was seen by the vast majority of the population as the answer to our problems is not working.
It is not working because it has failed to give leadership to the people of Northern Ireland at a critical time and furthermore has not produced a single initiative to our benefit. In terms of performance, benchmarked against governance under Direct Rule, it is manifestly deficient. Our political masters will be chiefly remembered for the mess they have made of education selection and their total inability to work as a cohesive team
The mechanisms of governance entrench and enhance sectarianism and the compulsory coalition that comprises the Executive is dysfunctional. So much so that some “colleagues” apparently will not even get into the same lift together.
The talks about policing and justice are symptomatic of the malaise. All the wrangling has been centred on parading issues. There has been no debate on whether the Executive and Assembly have the basic competence to run a justice system, and whether or not the cost of providing a separate system for a population of 1.5 million can be justified.
The impact on Northern Ireland’s image in the rest of the UK has been devastating. And as unemployment continues to rise these rows seem more and more divorced from mainstream concerns.
This is not good news. The Westminster expenses scandal has led to widespread cynicism of politicians. Closer to home the Iris Robinson affair has raised many serious issues about conduct in public life.
Increasing hostility to politicians is particularly dangerous in Northern Ireland which is still emerging from conflict. If public confidence in politicians collapses then what are left with?
The present reality is that Direct Rule governance was more effective than devolution, and that’s worrying for all of us who believe devolution essential to political stability. If we cannot get government that works, we’re heading for more conflict.
There are many talented and effective people in political life in Northern Ireland. It is high time that they raised their game and started to provide better leadership. For the past few years Northern Irish politicians have been praised for providing a solution to our problems.
Now they have become the problem.
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