3.1.1.2 The Structure and Role of Parliament - NI Flashcards
1
Q
disagreement between NI unionists and nationalists
A
- U: want NI to remain part of the UK, classify as British Prots
- N: favour a united Ireland or a greater role for the Repub of Ireland in the affairs of NI, consider themselves irish and catholic
- Catholics = 45% pf NI irish population in 2011
2
Q
elections and party systems
what do UK parties do in NI elections
A
- elections between unionists and nationalist parties
- main electoral issue is the constitutional status of NI
- main UK parties do not field candidates in NI elections (no NI Labour eg)
3
Q
Terrorism in NI
who, what did they do, IRA activity
A
- terrorist campaigns by republican and loyalists parliamentary organisations killed more than 3600 people during the troubles + British soldiers patrolled the streets for several decades
- IRA adhered to ceasefire since 1995 –> breakaway republican groups remain active
4
Q
devolution in ireland
A
- 1922-72: only party in the UK to have its own parliament
- under direct rule, secretary of state for NI has significant policy making powers
- distinctive so U + N parties share power
5
Q
Good Friday agreement
A
- 1998 Belfast Agreement
- established power-sharing devolution and peace
- UK + Irish government had to amend the constitution to clarify NI status
6
Q
electoral system in NI
A
- single transferable vote system, elects 108 members, creating a system of PR
- number of members expected to be cut to 90 ahead of 2021 election
7
Q
how often are elections held in NI
A
- depends on the maintenance of the power-sharing agreement
- initially every 4 years but extended to 5 after the 2011 election
8
Q
powers of the N Irish Assembly
types of powers given to NI
A
- primary leg powers on a range of policy areas
- health + social policy, environment, education, culture, law and home
- control over elections
- has reserved, excepted and transferred powers –> reserved are retained by WM but can be devolved in certain cases
9
Q
whos in charge of the NI executive
A
- first and deputy ministers (first = leader of largest party in assemb + deputy is second largest)
- ministerial posts allocated on a proportional basis according to party strength in the assembly
- ensures power sharing, with unionists + nationalists represented in gov
10
Q
why did the NI assembly collapse in 2017
A
- martin McGuiness resigned after ‘renewable heat scandal’ in 2017
- SF refused to elect a new Deputy first m, causing collapse
11
Q
what happened in 1998 concerning the NI assembly
A
- formally established the assembly in accordance with the Good Friday agreement
- first election of members in 1998 June
- existed in shadow form until 1999, when full powers were devolved
12
Q
why was the assembly suspended in 2000
A
- problems between the DUP and Ulster unionists vs Sinn fein –> refused to work together until SF assured IRA were disbanded
13
Q
why was the NI assemb suspended in 2002
A
`- unionist parties withdrew from the GFA after SF raided by police for alleged IRA meeting
14
Q
election but no govt in 2003
A
- assembly dissolved on 28/4 as scheduled and elections due next month postponed by UK gov
- mems elected in Nov
- met in assembly to choose first and deputy Min, and executive b4 the NIA was restored
15
Q
2006 st andrews agreement
A
- SF committed to work with the Police + mechanism for selecting first and dep minister changed
- positions changed by larger parties, repealed the NIA 2006 and disbanded the assembly
