THE latest report from the Covid-19 inquiry laid bare the Westminster and devolved governments’ “remarkable” failure to anticipate and plan an effective response to the risks presented by the global pandemic.

Predictably, in the north, attention focused on the dysfunctional system of governance.

Notably, at certain critical points in the pandemic, Sinn Féin and the DUP failed to put the common interest of all people in Northern Ireland above party political interests.

Covid decision-making was chaotic, infected by political machinations, and executive powers were abused. Mixed messaging and a lack of cohesion undermined public confidence.

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Mistake after mistake and delays in decision-making enabled the virus to spread at pace. The strained relationship between ministers led to an incoherent approach.

These findings were not news to most people in the north. The conclusion that our governance system is........

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