Even with all that is happening in the world, more attention might have been paid to Northern Ireland on Monday as Sinn Féin published plans for Stormont reform.

The first of its five proposals would abolish mandatory powersharing between the largest parties of unionism and nationalism, ensuring no single party could collapse devolution. This is a reversal of Sinn Féin’s long-standing opposition to reform and the first time a change on this scale has been advocated by nationalism’s largest party. Such a fundamental alteration to the Belfast Agreement would merit a page in the history books, yet it did not make every front page in Belfast.

Indifference is understandable when nobody believes the proposals will be implemented. Unionist co-operation would be required and the DUP has reversed its long-standing support for reform, after Sinn Féin replaced it as Stormont’s largest party in 2022. Sinn Féin has now matched that cynicism with its own, safe in the knowledge the DUP will reject its proposals.

The other four proposals cover tax devolution, the minister of justice, the Assembly’s designation system and the speaker’s office. After collapsing the executive in 2022 by withdrawing its first minister, the DUP separately collapsed the Assembly by refusing to vote for a speaker.

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