Assembly round-up

Consensus was found over energy costs and celebrating local role models although the unresolved legacy of the Troubles added to tensions.

The on-the-runs dispute inevitably cast a shadow over the Assembly’s work – and public confidence in the political process – during March. The first debate of the month, though, went through without any major political divisions as MLAs discussed the province’s high electricity prices.

Peter Robinson briefed MLAs on the forthcoming visit to Washington during OFMDFM questions on 3 March. Robinson and McGuinness again had high level access although they were met by Vice-President Joe Biden rather than Barack Obama. The US Administration was disappointed by the parties’ failure to agree on tackling division and it was also focusing on the much more serious crisis in the Ukraine.

Alex Attwood recalled that the First and deputy First Ministers had planned to decide on a new Attorney-General last autumn. “Of course, there comes a time when the issue has to be resolved,” Robinson replied, adding that they were still considering a review of the role. The review was submitted to OFMDFM in 2012, thus indicating a further delay.

Mark H Durkan noted that the BBC Spotlight investigation into illegal dumping “made for quite sombre viewing and threw up a lot of questions” although he expected answers in the near future. Durkan also confirmed that the Department of the Environment was investigating waste crime at 33 sites, including others in the north west.

On 10 March, members united to praise Paralympic gold medallist Kellie Armstrong. “This is a great day for everyone, but especially for people who live with a disability,” Seán Rogers said. “The message is simply that whatever the adversity, keep working through it and you will achieve your goals.”

In a timely debate, as the European elections approach, the House debated the drawing down of EU funding. Most members were supportive and Jim Allister was the only member to oppose EU membership, describing it as “a dreadful waste of our resources and our national sovereignty and independence.”

Speaker William Hay led tributes to Edward Haughey (Lord Ballyedmond) on 18 March, remembering him as “an entrepreneur who started from very humble beginnings.” An intense two-day debate on the Local Government Bill laid the groundwork for the new councils.

On the next OFMDFM question time, on 24 March, Martin McGuinness highlighted the Haass Hope conference organised by the main churches and attended by 250 young people.

“Through social media in past hours, they have encouraged political leaders in the House to sit down with each other to find solutions that will give them a future,” McGuinness added. “I am determined to do that.”

The month’s proceedings concluded with Danny Kennedy’s announcement that the Magherafelt by-pass will go ahead. Construction will start later this year and be completed in 2016. The news is a reminder that devolution is delivering results for the public although there is still a large amount of cynicism as election day approaches.

Stormont diary

Committees

3 April: Social Development: contracts inquiry

8 April: Agriculture: brucellosis legislation

9 April: Education: ministerial briefing on ESA

9 April: Employment: briefing on employment law

9 April: Finance: air connectivity study

10 April: Enterprise: EU Third Energy Package

29 April: Procedures: review of topical questions

30 April: Public Accounts: social housing fraud

Other

11 April: Easter recess starts

24 April: European nominations close

27 April: Easter recess finishes

29 April: Council nominations close

22 May: Polling day