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
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 ...