North's taste of 'normal' election
THE DOGS not barking in this Northern Ireland Westminster election are more important than those that are. Agreement to transfer justice and policing powers to the powersharing Executive, and the appointment of David Ford as justice minister, have removed a disabling factor from Northern politics.
As a result this is a more “normal” election about UK priorities, however marked by the continuing political and sectarian divides. Completion of the devolution process clears the way for parties to prove they are capable of leading it forward – not least by defending Northern interests if there is a hung parliament in Westminster.