Government formation failed: Northern Ireland is heading for new elections

The parties in Northern Ireland cannot find a consensus. The deadline for forming a government has passed. All signs now point to new elections. The stalemate could affect the UK government’s EU policy.

It was the last chance: On Thursday, the elected members of the Northern Irish Parliament sat together again to elect a Speaker of Parliament. But the pro-British Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) refused to approve. This makes it clear: the six-month period for forming a new government has expired.

DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson justified his party’s policy of not nominating ministers for a joint government as follows: “We said during the election campaign that we would not nominate anyone – until border controls between Great Britain and Northern Ireland are lifted.”

DUP calls for end of Northern Ireland Protocol

These borders in their own country, in the UK, would have to be removed. The DUP has been putting the government in London under pressure for months and is demanding that the Northern Ireland Protocol be revoked.

This pressure only works because the five strongest parties in Northern Ireland have to form a government together. This is what the 1998 peace agreement envisages. All sections of the population should be represented in the government. Actually a mechanism to secure the peace. But because no government has been formed for months, many necessary decisions have been left undone.

Sinn Fein strongest in May election

Michelle O’Neill, leader of the Sinn Fein parliamentary group in the Northern Irish Parliament, criticized the DUP: People went to work and wanted politicians to do the same. Most also came to do the job they were chosen for.

Sinn Fein emerged as the strongest force in the May elections. The party has a Catholic background and is committed to merging with the Republic of Ireland. Previously, the DUP was the strongest force wanting to maintain union with Britain.

Naomi Long, leader of the Alliance party, has already said that she does not shy away from the election campaign. The Alliance party is committed to breaking down sectarian lines in Northern Ireland. In May, the party achieved very good results.

Political decisions are on hold

The political situation in Northern Ireland is putting pressure on the British government. Former Prime Minister Liz Truss stood for a tough course in negotiations with the European Union. The new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak could act more cautiously at this point in order to avoid a trade war with the EU. Because that would also harm Great Britain – and the United Kingdom is at the beginning of a recession.

An example shows how badly the political stalemate affects people in Northern Ireland: In the parts of England, Wales and Scotland it has long been regulated how people should receive aid of 400 pounds because of the high energy prices. The corresponding decisions are pending in Northern Ireland. The money cannot be paid out.