The most important thing about the programme for government published on Monday in Northern Ireland is that it has been agreed and published. It was a year in the making by the four-party executive and it is the first time in more than a decade that such a programme has been agreed. Whatever the shortcomings of the document and the uncertainties about its financing, it is welcome to see an Assembly debate on policy goals affecting people’s lives – healthcare, waiting lists, education, police numbers, violence against women and so on. And to see a document which sets out to make some progress on them.
The Stormont institutions have spent too long in abeyance in recent years, having been collapsed by the two big parties – Sinn Féin and the DUP – and then spent long periods shuttered. Now, at least, there is some real politics going on, even if there were obvious tensions with the Alliance Party – a member of the executive – saying it was not sufficiently consulted on the programme. The SDLP opposition, meanwhile, were predictably scathing of the length of time it took the document to emerge and of its contents.
The window for making progress is short, with the next Assembly election due in 2027. There are clearly significant budgetary constraints which have already raised doubts about many of the targets, for example those on cutting waiting lists or increasing police numbers. Meanwhile, promises to deliver more social housing rely not only on funding but also issues such as planning and water infrastructure. Experience on this side of the Border shows how difficult it is to make progress on these issues, even when significant extra funding is available. And, relying on decisions from London for the bulk of its funding, the power of the Assembly is subject to constraints.
It is now the job of the executive, led by first minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy first minister Emma Little-Pengelly to make progress on the key issues in the programme. With funding in limited supply, prioritisation and skilled implementation will be essential.
