Time to move on from the politics of posturing to problem-solving |
As the end of 2025 approaches, it seems like an opportune moment to reflect on the system of governance in the north and assess the likelihood of meaningful change in 2026.
On a positive note, the north is experiencing a period of relative political stability. In February 2024 the Assembly and Executive were restored, and a Programme for Government (PfG) and departmental budgets have been agreed.
The Northern Ireland Executive was restored in February 2024 (Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye)The multi-year financial settlement from Westminster provides an important opportunity to provide clarity, plan ahead and address long-standing, systemic issues.
The finance minister, John O’Dowd, has said he is confident the Executive will agree a multi-year budget before the end of this year.
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Deirdre Heenan: Time to move on from the politics of posturing to problem-solving
For over 15 years our politicians have decried the absence of a stable........