Devolution is when certain LEGISLATIVE powers are passed down (or DEVOLVED) from a central LEGISLATURE to other democratic regional institutions

Direct rule is when Northern Ireland’s devolved Assembly is S____________ and Northern Ireland is governed DIRECTLY from P______________ at Westminster Stormont suspended

Direct Rule has been introduced on a number of occasions in Northern Ireland. It is introduced as an e__________ matter when the UK Government feel that the devolved assembly is not functioning properly.

Direct Rule was imposed in 1972 when the British Government lost confidence in the ability of the Unionist dominated Northern Ireland Parliament to: Deal with the Troubles and Deliver much needed civil rights reforms This was always intended to be a TEMPORARY SOLUTION to give space to reach a political agreement. In fact it lasted over 25 years.

Under Direct Rule, the British Government created a SECRETARY OF STATE FOR NORTHERN IRELAND. This is a Government Minister who assumes most of the political power for running Northern Ireland (See below) They are assisted by several JUNIOR MINISTERS who look after portfolios (ie security / education) They are also assisted by the NIO- Northern Ireland Office (Civil Servants)

Most Legislation for Northern Ireland was pushed through Westminster Most Legislation for Northern Ireland was pushed through Westminster. Only the NORTHERN IRELAND SELECT COMMITTEE had some power to influence decisions and laws

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (SOSNI) The role of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (SOSNI) This is the Chief Minister appointed by the Prime Minister with responsibility for Northern Ireland affairs. They are chosen from the ruling party in UK. They are responsible to the WESTMINSTER PARLIAMENT and not the N Ireland Assembly Under Direct Rule they were assisted by a small group of junior Ministers (also British M.P’s from the ruling party) SOSNI They are in the UK Cabinet and their role is to represent Northern Ireland interests in Government at Westminster Karen Bradley MP (Cons) This is a position of little power when things are peaceful and the Assembly works HOWEVER in times of crisis or Direct Rule it becomes a very powerful position.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (SOSNI) The role of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (SOSNI) This is the Chief Minister appointed by the P_____ M_________ with responsibility for Northern Ireland affairs. They are chosen from the ruling p______ in UK. They are responsible to the W______________ P______________ & not the N Ireland Assembly Under Direct Rule they were assisted by a small group of j______ Ministers (also British M.P’s from the ruling party) SOSNI They are in the UK C________ and their role is to represent Northern Ireland interests in G__________ at Westminster Karen Bradley MP (Cons) This is a position of little power when things are peaceful and the Assembly works HOWEVER in times of crisis or Direct Rule it becomes a very p_____________ position.

Sir Patrick Mayhew (c) Mo Mowlam (L) Peter Mandelson (L) Theresa Villiers (C) James Brokenshire (C) Peter Hain (L)

DR allowed for legislation to be passed in Westminster that would not have had any chance otherwise: ie) Fair Employment It provided political breathing space to work on building a peaceful future. The N Ireland Select committee was set up to deal with scrutiny of issues. Both Unionists AND nationalists didn’t like DR. This gave them the impetus to end it It stopped Majority rule

It created a DEMOCRATIC DEFICIT – This means it lacked Democratic Legitimacy. This occurs when democratic institutions fall short of fulfilling their principles of democracy in their practices or operation An unelected S. of State, from a political party Northern Ireland voters can’t vote for, was put in charge of all of N. Irelands major political decisions!  Local voters had NO choice over what issues were discussed, proposed or passed. Public anger at possible 2005 water charges- without any local consultation.

Most Ministers chosen seemed to have little or no experience of Northern Ireland (or in many cases even want the job!) Northern Ireland M.Ps had little influence in legislation. They made up 18 M.P’s out of 650! Laws were passed with little debate or scrutiny Nationalist MP’s may object to it. Sinn Fein will not sit in Westminster due to oath of allegiance MPs have to take to Queen