The Stormont Executive has again failed to indicate when it will publish its long-awaited draft programme for government, despite previous assurances that it would be ready “for the summer”.
Ministers gathered at Stormont Castle on Thursday for what was an unusually low-key, post-election executive meeting, where it is understood there was no paper tabled dealing with the outstanding policy plan.
In April, First Minister Michelle O’Neill told the assembly that work on the programme was continuing “at pace” and that it would be “fully agreed” by summer.
Following May’s Westminster election announcement, she said publication during the campaign would be “very difficult” because of purdah.
It now appears likely that at least half the current five-year mandate will have elapsed before the final programme for government – Stormont’s equivalent of the King’s Speech – is agreed.
During the institutions’ recent two-year dormancy, the executive parties held up to 100 meetings with the head of the regional civil service, where it was claimed they were “laying the groundwork” ahead of institutions’ restoration in February.
But almost six months since the new administration was formed there is still no plan in place for improving the north’s ailing public services. When it finally sees the light of day, the draft policy proposals will go out for a further three-month consultation period.
Almost ten weeks ago, coinciding with 100 days since the the restoration of devolution, the assembly backed a motion calling for the the power-sharing executive to publish its programme for government before the summer recess.
The executive last agreed a corresponding policy plan in 2012, covering a four-year period.
Opposition leader Matthew O’Toole said it was “astounding” that ministers had yet to agree the key document.
“We’re almost six months into a term of government, the assembly is in recess, and the first and deputy first ministers have yet to provide any indication of what they plan to do in government,” the SDLP MLA said.
“Michelle O’Neill and her partners in the executive sought power and it is unacceptable that they’re refusing to tell the public what they’re going to do with it – government on photo ops and PR isn’t good enough.”
The South Belfast representative said that last programme for government was agreed “before Brexit, before the pandemic and before 15 years of brutal Tory government had taken their toll”.
“If they can’t even agree a plan, how can we trust them to actually deliver on the huge challenges we face,” he said.
The Executive Office has been contacted for comment.
