Assembly round-up

Members divided over flags but united to condemn violence as 2012 ended.  The dispute stood in contrast to Northern Ireland’s achievements in 2012 and its potential for further success.

The end of a year of outstanding success for Northern Ireland was dampened by events which served as reminders of the past.  However, the Assembly also marked Parliament Buildings’ 80th anniversary without contention and Northern Ireland will again have a high profile for the right reasons in 2013.

Members united to condemn the murder of Prison Officer David Black and extend their sympathies to his family, on 5 November.  “Northern Ireland was stunned and distraught to learn of the cowardly murder of a brave public servant,” Peter Robinson told the House.  For Sinn Féin, Caitríona Ruane condemned an “absolutely pointless” death while David Ford stated: “The past is the past and we are building a different future.  The response to this murder must surely make it clear to them how utterly out of touch they are.”  Alasdair McDonnell lamented a “foul murder” and Mike Nesbitt said that the killers “have no place on this island.”

Later that day, the Assembly voted to extend its support “without qualification” to all elected representatives and their families who had been targeted by paramilitaries throughout the Troubles, including DUP councillor Samuel Brush.

On 6 November, the Assembly divided 51-29 to support the lowering of the voting age to 16.  The motion was brought by Sinn Féin and the Green Party but the DUP and TUV maintained that 18 was a more appropriate age for reaching maturity.  Stormont, though, has no power to make the change as electoral policy is set at Westminster.

A rift appeared in the Executive over reforming public sector pensions after nationalist ministers refused to support Sammy Wilson’s legislative consent motion.  Wilson warned that the Executive risked losing £260 million but the SDLP and Sinn Féin claimed that the measure must be opposed to protect public sector workers.

Parliament Buildings had been opened by the Prince of Wales on 16 November 1932 and a family open day to mark the anniversary proved a great success.  Speaker William Hay was delighted that almost 5,000 people had the chance to visit Stormont.

The violence after Belfast City Council’s decision to restrict flag-flying was “unequivocally” condemned on the floor of the House on 10 December.  A joint motion, brought forward by the main party leaders, expressed its sympathy to police officers, elected representatives and their staff. It also re-affirmed the “absolute and unconditional commitment” of all MLAs to “respecting and upholding the rule of law and the pursuit of their political objectives by purely legal and political means.”

2013 can be viewed as an opportunity for delivery as it is the last year in this Assembly term without a regional election.  The G8 summit, Derry’s term as City of Culture and the World Police and Fire Games all promise to attract goodwill.

On a note of welcome good news, two international studies demonstrated that Northern Ireland’s primary schools produce the best maths results in Europe.  The Department of Education put the province forward for the studies after a suggestion by the Assembly’s Education Committee. “The committee wants to congratulate our primary schools, the dedicated principals and teachers, and of course, the hard-working children,” Chairman Mervyn Storey said.  “Their level of attainment is a testament to their diligence and indicates, I believe, a bright future for all of our children.”