Allister Reflects on One Year of Devolution
08 May 2008
Courtesy of Belfast Agreement devolution we have seen a serious degradation in democratic values and principles in Northern Ireland.
A young man can be murdered by South Armagh IRA and his killers’ political wing continues unscathed in government, while those who once made careers out of their toughness on IRA/Sinn Fein are tellingly mute. Alas, it is now more important to cling to office than oppose the obscenity of a party in government with both a military wing and an Army Council. What’s the death of Paul Quinn compared to the riches of joint government with IRA/Sinn Fein?
Of course, it should be no surprise that Belfast Agreement devolution doesn’t even blush at murder, because it is built on the corruption of decency and democracy. The monstrosity of “mandatory coalition” emasculates basic democratic practices, like the right to vote a party out of office or even to have an Opposition. So don’t be surprised when murder, like the Northern Bank robbery, becomes a mere local difficulty.
Much was promised, but a year into devolution what benefits have we seen? After 30 years of neglect under Direct Rule, it may come as a surprise to some that we haven’t seen a single piece of novel or substantive legislation pass through Stormont. Indeed, we’ve seen some spectacular examples of dysfunctionalism. Consider the debacle over the long promised Victims’ Commissioner. Unable to agree, we are to get, at enhanced expense, a dolly mixture Commission, but, most critical of all, they are to persist with the offensive Direct Rule definition of victim, which equates the terrorist bomber with his victim. The DUP tell us they control Stormont, so why is this not being changed? Because of the Sinn Fein veto, of course. So, just like under Direct Rule, Michelle Williamson has identical status to Kelly, the Shankill bomber who made her a victim! Is this what delivering for victims looks like?
But it’s comforting to see devolution has brought such certainty and stability to education and isn’t it wonderful not to have to pay water charges. Sorry, I’m reading what it says on the tin, not what we’ve actually got. Our education system is in chaos! And, we’re going to pay for our water after all. Whatever happened to the huge financial package the DUP promised, as the pre-requisite to devolution, that would save us from such charges? Like Sinn Fein’s support for policing and the rule of law it was more hype than reality.
But, haven’t we been saved from the dreaded Irish Language Act? Those who fondly think so should take a look at Section 28D of the NI Act – an amendment inserted by the St Andrews Bill, if you please – which places a statutory duty on the Executive to “ adopt a strategy setting out how it proposes to enhance and protect the development of the Irish language”. Also, don’t forget the upcoming Bill of Rights which may well enunciate linguistic rights and which will be immune from any Assembly veto.
On daily issues of importance to ordinary citizens I can’t say the Assembly has brought great benefit. Take our hard-pressed fishing sector, ravaged by quota cuts and soaring fuel costs. They pleaded for help and with a response that would have done Lord Rooker proud, all Minister Gildernew would come up with was £276 per boat, even though EU rules allow her to pay 7500 euros. Likewise in farming, where the all-island agenda seems more important than anything else.
And, then, what of the quality of government? With our bloated coterie of 16 ministers, it’s hard to imagine something worthwhile hasn’t been achieved – like a cap on manufacturing rates – but, frankly, as a senior foreign journalist, who recently visited Stormont, observed, the performance there is often amateurish. I won’t pretend to be impressed by many of our ministers and committee chairmen, right from the top down. Poor as many Direct Rule ministers were, at least most could read out the right answer to the question asked and few floundered in the farce of “minded decisions”!
ENDS
