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 Irelands devolved Assembly is SUSPENDED and Northern Ireland is governed DIRECTLY from PARLIAMENT at Westminster Stormont suspended

Direct Rule has been introduced on a number of occasions in Northern Ireland. It is introduced as an emergency 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: 1.Deal with the Troubles and 2.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.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)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 assisted by several JUNIOR MINISTERS who look after portfolios (ie security / education) They are also assisted by the NIO- Northern Ireland Office (Civil Servants)They are also assisted by the NIO- Northern Ireland Office (Civil Servants)

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

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

Mo Mowlam Peter Mandelson Sir Patrick Mayhew Peter Hain

1.Direct Rule allowed for legislation to be passed in Westminster that would not have had any chance otherwise: ie) Fair Employment 2.It provided a political breathing space to work on building a peaceful future. 3.The Northern Ireland Select committee was set up to deal with scrutiny of issues. 4.Both Unionists AND nationalists did not like Direct rule. This gave them the impetus to end it 5.It stopped Majority rule

1.It created a DEMOCRATIC DEFICIT – This means it lacked Democratic Legitimacy. This occurs when democratic institutions fall short of fulfilling their principles of a Parliamentary democracy in their practices or operation 2.An unelected S. of State, from a political party Northern Ireland voters cannot vote for, was put in charge of all of N. Irelands major political decisions! Local voters had NO choice over what issues were discussed and passed. Many voters in 2005 reacted very angrily to the possible introduction of water charges in Northern Ireland - without any local consultation.

1.Most Ministers chosen seemed to have little or no experience of Northern Ireland (or in many cases even want the job!) 2.Northern Ireland M.Ps had little influence in legislation. They made up 18 M.P’s out of 656! 3.Laws were passed with little debate or scrutiny