Ford resignation offer should trigger discussion on Executive reform
∙Reject Alliance brinkmanship
∙Reduce number of Ministries ∙Negotiate adequate safeguards for Justice
The Alliance Party’s offer to stand down from Ministry of Justice appears to be based more on self interest than in any necessity to rescue the devolution of policing and justice. In an act of brinkmanship the Alliance suggest that only they can satisfy a cross community nominee. This need not be the case.
“It is clear that we have too many Ministries, many of which are small with overlapping responsibilities. We should take the opportunity presented by the sunset clause surrounding the Ministry for Justice to reduce the number of Ministries. There is scope to combine DEL, DETI and DCAL. DSD and DRD might also be combined.”
“Such a reduction would streamline government and provide for a tighter group of Ministers, able to work together. This arrangement would more adequately reflect the spirit of the Belfast Agreement.”
“Of course there will be huge concerns regarding the Minister for Justice, but we must address these concerns for the long term by devising adequate safeguards which command public confidence and support. We have more than enough time to do this now.”
“In such an event the Alliance Party, like everybody else, would have to compete for a Ministerial position on the basis of electoral support.”
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