Public to judge new government plan after Stormont recess
- The Northern Ireland Executive has approved a new programme for government after more than seven months of development.
- The plan includes nine key priorities, such as reducing health waiting times and enhancing housing availability.
- This marks the first successful implementation of a programme for government since 2011, reflecting a collaborative effort among the four parties.
Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill has announced a significant milestone with the public set to evaluate the new programme for government (PfG) after its approval by the Northern Ireland Executive. This plan, which has been in development for over seven months, will be presented to Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) when they reconvene following their summer break. The PfG outlines nine key priorities, including reducing health waiting times, combating violence against women and girls, and enhancing housing availability. Justice Minister Naomi Long emphasized that the draft programme is not an exhaustive list but rather focuses on prioritizing specific areas of the executive's work. The Deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly, indicated that progress on these priorities will be monitored monthly, reflecting a commitment to accountability and transparency. The agreement marks a notable achievement for the current Stormont executive, as it is the first successful implementation of a PfG since 2011. Previous attempts have been hindered by political resignations and external challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Democratic Unionist Party's boycott over the Irish Sea border issue. Despite some criticism from opposition leaders regarding the breadth of the draft PfG, the Ulster Unionist Party has shown support, indicating a shift in political dynamics. This collaborative effort among the four parties involved is seen as a positive step towards addressing pressing issues in Northern Ireland and restoring public confidence in the government.