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Ending power-sharing 'vetoes' in Sinn Féin proposals to shake up Stormont

Jayne McCormackPolitical correspondent, BBC News NI
News imageLiam McBurney/PA Wire Sinn Fein vice president Michelle O'Neill, during the launch of the party's reform proposals at Parliament Buildings, Stormont. She has blonde hair worn up with red glasses and white shirt and a red jacket. She is mid speech in this picture and holds her hands out in front of herLiam McBurney/PA Wire
Michelle O'Neill says changes to how the first and deputy first minister can be nominated are the party's "primary proposals"

Ending "vetoes" within power-sharing by changing how the first and deputy first ministers can take up their roles are among proposals published by Sinn Féin calling for reform of the Stormont institutions.

The party had previously accused the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) - its power-sharing partner - of "blocking progress" on issues.

Launching its plan on Monday, Sinn Féin vice-president and Stormont's First Minister Michelle O'Neill said it was about removing the "ever-present threat of collapse" and ensuring stability in future.

Sinn Féin is seeking to remove what it called a "veto" on executive formation - namely the nominations of parties to the roles of first and deputy first minister.

If the largest party within nationalism or unionism in Northern Ireland refuses to nominate for the role an executive cannot be formed.

Sinn Féin is arguing that in future, if either of those parties chooses not to nominate the opportunity to take up the role should pass to other parties.

It said this would ensure the institutions can continue to function while maintaining the principle of power-sharing.

The use of the veto has been used by both Sinn Féin and the DUP in the past and has been criticised by smaller parties at Stormont.

'The most significant reform will be constitutional'

O'Neill said the proposals were "not an exhaustive list" and "do not negate proposals that others will undoubtedly bring forward".

"The most significant reform will ultimately be constitutional, through the achievement of a new and united Ireland," she added.

"In the meantime, we are determined to do everything in our power to deliver better for workers, families and communities."

'Reform of the heart'

DUP leader Gavin Robinson said he "looked forward" to reading the proposals but said he wanted to see "reform of the heart" from some Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs).

"The structures, the procedures, the institutions don't matter if someone is coming at things with the wrong approach," he added.

News imagePA Media Gavin Robinson standing in front of a blurry background. He is wearing a black suit and blue tie, and is wearing glasses.PA Media
Gavin Robinson says politicians' interest in "making Stormont work" is more important than procedural changes

DUP Education Minister Paul Givan said he could point to examples of legislation that he accused Sinn Féin of "blocking".

"I therefore trust that reform will start within Sinn Féin ranks in terms of how they conduct executive business before they start pointing fingers at others who need to reform."

News imagePA Media A close-up image of Claire Hanna in front of a blurry background. She hs curly brown hair and is wearing a white top with pink and green flowers.PA Media
Claire Hanna said the British and Irish governments had a responsibility to begin negotiations about reforms

The leader of the SDLP, Claire Hanna, called for the UK and Irish governments to recognise the "clear momentum" behind reform of how Stormont works.

She said there was "broad agreement" among parties on issues including "electing a speaker" and "ending harmful executive vetoes".

"It is time for the UK and Irish governments to engage seriously and begin a focused process of negotiations to deliver meaningful change," she added.

The role of assembly speaker

News imagePA Media A man with grey hair is sitting on a wooden chair with navy leather. There is a navy curtain in the background. The man is wearing a navy three piece suit, white shirt and dark red tie.PA Media
Edwin Poots is the current assembly speaker

The party also wants changes to how the assembly speaker is elected in future.

The rules also currently require a speaker to be chosen through a cross-community vote, meaning either of the largest nationalist or unionist parties can prevent the assembly from functioning by refusing to support the speaker's election.

The DUP refused to allow a speaker to be elected in 2022, in protest over its opposition to post-Brexit rules at the time.

Chris Hazzard accused the current speaker, Edwin Poots of the DUP, of taking decisions that benefited his party's positions on issues and said it was "blocking debate".

Any changes to reform the institutions would require support from unionist parties and legislation would be needed to amend the Northern Ireland Act.

Parties like Alliance and the SDLP have for some time called for these kinds of measures.

Other proposals in the party's document include legislating to allow the appointment of the justice ministry to happen through D'Hondt in future, rather than a cross-community vote.

The party said this would "normalise" the appointment and allow parties eligible to put a candidate forward, rather than requiring a majority of votes of unionist and nationalist MLAs.

It is also calling for more "transparency" around decisions taken by the assembly speaker.

The party said this would include measures requiring explanations for rulings - as at present, the speaker's decision on any issue is final.