Opinion

Deirdre Heenan: Northern Ireland appears to be destined to suffer a hellish political Groundhog Day

As a fast-tracked bill extends the deadline for the formation of a new executive, the British secretary of state’s ham-fisted approach to the issue of an election doesn’t inspire confidence

Chris Heaton-Harris, secretary of state for Northern Ireland: his threat to slash budgets and introduce a range of revenue-raising measures was met with outrage from politicians in the North. Picture: PA

Once again, Northern Ireland has entered a period of “indirect“ direct rule. Rudderless, it is facing into a prolonged period of drift and decay.

Last week, the fast-tracked Executive Formation Bill received royal assent. This legislation extended the deadline for forming an executive, and enabled civil servants to have limited decision-making powers to ensure that public services can continue to be delivered.

If there is no resolution to the current impasse, an assembly election is ...