Posturing on oath would be disastrous

Yesterday’s planned talks of party leaders in the Programme for Government Committee were called off because Ian Paisley was not prepared to attend, following a row over the interpretation of the St Andrews Agreement in regard to the ministerial oath of office.

The DUP leader was insisting that the first minister and deputy first minister must take the oath on November 24, but others contended that this is not necessary because they will only be appointed in shadow form and will not take up their positions until next March.

The oath is analogous to the pledge taken by members of the British parliament. They do not take it when they are nominated, or even when they are elected but when they are about to take their seats in parliament.