2006 St Andrews agreement

Question 1

What did Feagral Cochrane state

Answer 1

“The whole structure of politics in NI changed between 2002 and 2007 as did the personalities on top”

Question 2

when did the DUP overtake the UUP

Answer 2

They overtook in 2003 and became the biggest party as many unionists disagreed with some aspects of the agreement.

They now favoured a renegotiation of the original agreement

Question 3

When did SF overtake the SDLP

Answer 3

in 2003 they became the largest nationalist party as they were seen to be eager to get into government and were ready to move on.

however, faced problems in 2004 after the largest bank robbery in 2004 attributed to the IRA but played their decommissioning card in 2005 to win back the initiative

Question 4

When was the st Andrews agreement signed

Answer 4

It was signed in 2006 after the decommissioning of IRA weapons confirmed by an independent international commission.

Question 5

What was the main procedural points for the st andrews agreement 1. LEGAL TERMS OF AGREEMENT

Answer 5

1. The introduction of a legally binding ministerial code.
2. The ministers were able to decide if an issue should be decided by the whole executive committee rather than one minister
3. If the executive committee failed to reach consensus on an issue then three ministers could ask for cross-community vote on an issue
4. if 30 MLAs were unhappy with a ministerial decision they could organise a referral for executive review

Question 6

What was the main procedural points for the st andrews agreement 2. LEGAL TERMS OF AGREEMENT

Answer 6

5. the largest party should nominate the first minister and the largest party in the other main community should nominate the deputy first minister
6. Ministers should agree to a new ministerial pledge of office supporting the rule of law, police, courts and participation in all institutions
7. A new committee to review the functions of the assembly and executive was set up called the assembly and executive review committee.

Question 7

What were the main works of the st andrews agreement

Answer 7

• Policing: all parties agreed to support the PSNI and takes seats on the policing board
• Prisoners: Plans were made for the reintegration of prisoners with SF wanting amnesty
• Parades: A review of the parades policy was to be taken with the hope of disbanding of parades (this didnt happen)
• Irish language: plans were made to promote the language
• Power sharing: A range of changes were made for all parties to commit to power-sharing with safeguards inserted to ease DUP concerns with Ian Paisley stating “Unionists can have confidence that its interests are being advanced and democracy is finally winning the day”

Question 8

Did the st andrews agreement set a timetable

Answer 8

They set a timetable for devolution to be restored by November 10th or face an alternative solution (join authority of british and irish governments.

The DUP and SF agreed allowing them to gain more seats