Implementing Devolved Government 1998–2002

Abstract

The final suspension of the devolved Assembly in October 2002 was met with a resounding silence inside Northern Ireland. There were no demonstrations in the streets and few letters to the newspapers. It was little mentioned in private conservations and among many young adults, including graduates, it was little noticed. Some were unsure whether it was still there months later. In a BBC poll soon after suspension, half of all respondents said that they did not want the Assembly back unless the IRA was disbanded or all paramilitary activity ceased. A further one in five said that they did not want the Assembly back in any form that included Sinn Féin. In the months that followed, the main issue exercising public opinion appeared to be strong opposition to the fact that Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) were still being paid apparently for doing little. Outside Northern Ireland, there was little more than a resigned sense of déjà vu. After all this was the fourth suspension in three years and weary observers could be excused for having lost count and lost interest.