NI Conservatives’ chair, Irwin Armstrong, has described the outcome of a report by the body charged with improving the political structures at Stormont “predictably disappointing and unproductive”. The Assembly Executive Review Committee (AERC) has been considering the potential to introduce an official opposition at the Northern Ireland Assembly.
“We’ve reached the end of yet another Stormont term and there is still no progress toward creating an accountable, functional system of government for the people of Northern Ireland”, Irwin commented. “It is absolutely clear that there needs to be an opposition in the Assembly, to give voters an alternative to the executive and to make sure that ministers are held properly to account. The fact that one party, Sinn Féin, can supposedly prevent this from happening underlines the need for change.”
“The AERC was cobbled together as part of the St Andrew’s Agreement as a fig leaf for the DUP and Sinn Fein’s sectarian carve-up of government in Northern Ireland. This report confirms that it is completely impotent. In truth, there is no genuine will from either of the two big parties to see their decisions properly scrutinised by an effective opposition.”
“NI Conservatives believe that change is needed urgently, to provide effective, accountable government and move beyond the peace process toward a political system which works for everyone in Northern Ireland. We believe that voters deserve a genuine choice when they go to the polls and a meaningful say in who governs them. The secretary of state confirmed that the executive has the powers to make changes and create a government and an opposition, both with power-sharing safeguards. If it really wants to make a difference to people in Northern Ireland, if it really values accountability, then it should use them.”