It is fair to say that Stormont’s prospects for 2025 are not burdened by an unduly strong sense of optimism, but there are still realistic hopes that progress can be made in a number of key areas.
Everyone will be acutely aware that, on New Year’s Day just 12 months ago, the power-sharing administration had been suspended for almost two years and there was complete uncertainty about when or even if it might be restored.
The devolved structures were to return a little over four weeks later when the DUP finally accepted that its boycott was not only hugely damaging to the entire community but was seriously undermining its own basic aims as a political party.
While there are fringe unionist voices who persist in arguing for another withdrawal over the post-Brexit fiasco which they helped to create, all the indications are that the executive is in a reasonably stable position.
The DUP has undoubtedly had an extremely difficult year, with the dramatic resignation of its leader, Jeffrey Donaldson, in March over historical sex charges which he denies and are still before the courts, followed by disappointing results in July’s UK general election.
However, there is an acceptance among all rational Stormont representatives that the era of walk-outs is over and finding ways to work together in complex circumstances is the only viable option.
A positive relationship has evolved between the two most senior figures at Parliament Buildings, Sinn Féin first minister Michelle O’Neill and DUP deputy first minister Emma Little-Pengelly, but much more will be required in practical terms during 2025.
There are major concerns over the economy, both at home and internationally, with ordinary people experiencing huge pressures which demand the full commitment of our political leaders.
While the crisis in our health service has proved intractable under successive ministers, reducing the appalling waiting lists and restructuring outdated systems is the greatest single priority facing Stormont.
Education demands attention at all levels, and environmental issues, including the state of Lough Neagh, also need to be urgently addressed, as do our unacceptably dangerous roads and our generally poor public transport facilities.
It is an alarmingly long list but pragmatic cooperation between all our ministers can take us in the right direction during the coming months.
Although nationalists, unionists and the constitutionally unaligned will still be pursuing their separate aims in 2025, Stormont, across all its departments, must concentrate on improving the basic quality of life for all our citizens.
We are entitled to expect that, when developments are reviewed at this time next year, it will be possible to conclude that at least some significant advances have been delivered.
