Here’s to you, Mrs Robinson! If words mean what they say, there will be a new political departure in Northern Ireland during the coming months. That is what most people want. Recent behaviour by a minority of DUP politicians may suggest that celebrations are premature. Hard work and further compromises will be required if the objectives set out in the Hillsborough Castle Agreement are to be achieved. The most compelling aspect of yesterday’s agreement is that it is home-grown and much has been achieved.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen and British prime minister Gordon Brown were happy to lend their support to the compromises produced by the DUP and Sinn Féin and to hail the document as an end to the process of devolution. They finally secured a firm date for the transfer of policing and justice powers. As Mr Cowen remarked, it represented a real opportunity to renew a spirit of partnership in Northern Ireland politics.
Having gazed into the political abyss, DUP hardliners came to accept the transfer of justice and policing powers and the authority of Peter Robinson. Their commitment on both fronts may, however, be fragile. That realisation almost certainly prompted an acceleration of activity, which now provides for endorsement by the Assembly and the transfer of powers by April 12th – well in advance of a British general election. Dates are also mentioned in relation to new parades legislation. But the Parades Commission will continue to function during the coming marching season. After that, local negotiations will help to inform decisions by a new body.
Perhaps the most important, long-term commitment involves an attempt to improve the efficiency and inclusiveness of the Executive. Designed to encourage cross-party involvement, the Executive has failed to operate as intended. UUP and SDLP ministers were not consulted on major issues, while DUP and Sinn Féin ministers fought their own bitter corners. Now, a working group headed by Reg Empey and Margaret Richie will explore the possibility of making progress in a spirit of partnership and mutual respect. Although not mentioned in the agreement, the expected nomination of Alliance leader David Ford as Justice minister has the capacity to reduce friction between the DUP and Sinn Féin and create a more liberal atmosphere within government.
Growing public anger over the political neglect of social and economic matters has helped to generate this momentum. With elections threatening, reluctant politicians were forced to embrace the common good. The benefits were obvious, in terms of a special €1 billion British government fund and a United States investment conference that will be hosted by Hillary Clinton.
Peter Robinson recalled how much life had changed. But a gulf still divides the two communities. That distance was reflected in his unwillingness to publicly shake the hand of Martin McGuinness. Despite such reservations, change is taking place. The negotiations were not, as Mr Robinson observed, a pretty process. But the outcome showed that politics is working and there can be no going back to the bad old days.