1.3 The Impact of Devolution on the UK- NI

Question 1

When did NI get its own government and how long did it last?

Answer 1

1. In 1922, after the partition of Ireland.
2. Lasted until 1972 when the gov of Edward Heath imposed direct rule on NI because of escalating violence.
3. The Catholic minority in NI felt their rights were being ignored by the Protestant Unionist dominated assembly.
4. Suspend devolved power to end the conflict.

Question 2

The ‘Troubles’: Beginning

Answer 2

1. The IRA targeted unionist figures.
2. The Royal Ulster Constabulary and the British Army were sent to keep the peace in 1969.
3. Unionist paramilitary groups like the UDA and UVF also committed violence against republican targets.
4. Estimated 3,600 people were killed.

Question 3

‘Troubles’ Resolution:

Answer 3

1. In the 1990s, John Major gov opened covert negotiations with Sinn Fein, with links to the IRA, to reach a settlement.
2. 1998, Tony Blair brought in the Good Friday Agreement, negotiated a sharing assembly that represented both unionist and nationalist sentiments.
3. In May 1998 GFA was strongly endorsed in two seperate referendums by RoI and NI

Question 4

Why is devolution different in NI than S&W?

Answer 4

1. It is inseparable from the peace process and is based on the idea that if nationalists and unionists can work together- NI will not revert to sectarian violence.
2. The extent to which it has been successful has to be measured differently.
3. Focus is on eliminating political violence.

Question 5

How does the NI Assembly work?

Answer 5

1. Elected through the single transferable vote- makes it more difficult for one party to dominate.
2. Leader of the largest party is first minister, leader of the 2nd largest is deputy first minister.
3. Ensure stability.
4. Possess equal power, if one resigns the other must resign also, incentive to work together.

Question 6

What are some of the primary legislative powers it has?

Answer 6

1. Education
2. Agriculture
3. Transport
4. Policing
5. Housing
6. Health
7. Environment.

Question 7

From 2011-2016, the assembly passed 67 bills what were some significant ones:

Answer 7

1. Human Trafficking Act 2015- design to prevent ht and support victims
2. Addressing Bullying in Schools Act 2016: provides a legal definition of bullying and requires schools to have robust policies against it.
3. Houses of Multiple Occupations Act 2016: improves legal protection for students when renting rooms in a house.

Question 8

Points of ongoing tension: 2002-07

Answer 8

1. Assembly suspended from 2002-2007 because of conflict between nat and uni
2. Reopened in 2007, surprise agreement between DUP and Sinn Fein. Ian Paisley DUP leader 1st minister. Martin McGuinness of Sinn Fein deputy 1st, known as ‘Chuckle Brothers’ due to closeness

Question 9

Points of ongoing tension: 2017

Answer 9

1. In 2017, Martin McGuinness resign as dfm in protest of the new fm Arlene Foster, not acknowledging any responsibility for Renewable Heat Energy scandal
2. In which people were paid to heat their homes with renewable energy at a cost of £500 million to taxpayers.
3. Foster had to resign, neither side compromising.
4. Direct rule imposed by Westminster until 2020.

Question 10

2024:

Answer 10

1. On 31 January 2024 the DUP and UK Government announced a deal had been struck to revive the Executive,
2. 3 February 2024 the Assembly swore in Sinn Fein First Minister Michelle O’Neill and DUP deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly.

Question 11

Brexit Problems:

Answer 11

1. Fears of a new hard broder.
2. Free flow of EU goods and people was allowed in the Northern Ireland Protocol 2020.
3. Has necessitated some custom checks between NI and the UK.
4. Has incensed some unionists that feel that they are not being treated as fully British.
5. Rioting in unionist parts of NI in 2021.