Restore devolution for sake of entire country

THE suspension of the Northern Assembly and Executive has meant no direct voice for local people in the decisions affecting their daily lives since the reintroduction of direct rule four years ago.

Direct rule has proven bad for the economy, bad for workers and bad for democracy. It has imposed unacceptable economic and social costs, including rates increases, the introduction of water charges, education and health cuts, as well as economic decline with lost investment and lost jobs.

The suspension of the institutions has held back progress in relation to the removal of barriers to cross-border working mobility and North-South economic development.