: Analysis

Monday, December 19th, 2011
After a disappointing start, devolution has to deliver in this Assembly term. Peter Cheney scrutinises the draft Programme for Government. Ministers have insisted they will deliver on the new Programme for Government, after a poor track record over the last four years. However, the process has already been dominated by delay with the draft published six months after the May election. A final version will only be ready after 22 February 2012, when consultation ends. Northern Ireland’s grindingly slow political system compares badly with direct rule. Furthermore, the province risks being...[full story]

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: Stephen Farry – skills and study

Monday, December 19th, 2011
Skills are vital for economic success, emphasises Stephen Farry as he discusses his brief with Peter Cheney. The Employment and Learning Minister stands by his decision on tuition fees and wants to see more students gaining work experience. Stephen Farry sees his brief as a “huge opportunity” despite DEL being the last department handed out under d’Hondt. “It was very much something that was in our minds because we regarded DEL as being a major economic department,” the Alliance Party Minister comments, “and indeed a department that’s actually central to the long-term economic...[full story]

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: Michelle O’Neill’s rural priorities

Monday, October 10th, 2011
Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle O’Neill shares her priorities with Owen McQuade as reform proposals for the Common Agricultural Policy are finalised. She also wants the rural white paper to make a real difference in the countryside. Getting the best deal out of CAP reform for local farmers is Michelle O’Neill’s main priority as the European Commission prepares to publish its proposals. In addition, she wants to encourage more growth in the prospering agri-food sector at a time when the rest of the economy is stalling. The plans will be announced on 12 October,...[full story]

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: Irish presidential election preview

Monday, October 10th, 2011
Peter Cheney considers the consequences of the Irish presidential election. Ireland will be gripped by a lively and intense presidential race in the run-up to polling day on 27 October. The first presidential poll since 1997 sees the widest field of candidates to date (seven) aiming for high office, among them Martin McGuinness. His success is far from guaranteed. David Norris also appeals to the protest vote, Gay Mitchell and Michael D Higgins have party machines. Mary Davis, Seán Gallagher and Dana Rosemary Scallon (a Derry woman) can claim to be independent outsiders. Close scrutiny...[full story]

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: The future of education

Monday, October 10th, 2011
Educationalists and other key stakeholders come together to discuss the main challenges for a system in need of change. How should the education sector cope with a reduced budget? Seamus Searson There needs to be more money in education, regardless of where the cuts are made elsewhere. This year, we’ve had 300 redundancies of teachers and that’s with potentially some protection for schools that won’t be there in the coming years. We need to change the way that we organise education to focus on the young person and build a system that supports the young person. The employees are...[full story]

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: A photographic tour of Stormont

Monday, October 10th, 2011
Peter Cheney looks behind the scenes at Parliament Buildings, where the work of today’s politicians is surrounded by history. As the new Assembly session got under way, agendaNi explored some of the better and lesser known parts of Parliament Buildings. Built between 1928 and 1932, the Assembly’s home initially symbolised unionist rule over Northern Ireland and has witnessed the shifts in political power throughout the province’s troubled history. With brief interruptions, it was vacated by politicians during the Troubles with civil servants replacing them for the best part of...[full story]

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: Time for change – Edwin Poots interview

Friday, September 2nd, 2011
Health Minister Edwin Poots shares his vision for the service with Owen McQuade: more primary care, listening to front-line staff and separating emergency and elective services. The new Minister expects to make difficult decisions but believes better results are achievable. “I want to see a Health Service that is responsive to the needs of the people that are using it,” Edwin Poots states. “I want to see a Health Service that is local and therefore I want to see an enhancement of primary care and the availability of more services at that primary care level. And I want to see a...[full story]

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: Owen Paterson – a team effort to grow business

Friday, September 2nd, 2011
Secretary of State Owen Paterson explains the Government’s approach to growing the private sector, points to Northern Ireland’s economic strengths and suggests how lower corporation tax could make them stronger. I’m delighted to have been asked to write this introduction to the annual agendaNi economy report. When I was appointed as Secretary of State in May 2010, I knew that rebalancing the Northern Ireland economy was one of our key priorities. Our goal is to help create a peaceful, stable and prosperous Northern Ireland with jobs and opportunities available for people right...[full story]

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: Delivering in the regions – Johannes Hahn

Friday, September 2nd, 2011
Europe’s Regional Commissioner, Johannes Hahn, shares his vision for the regions. A focus on results is essential as policy takes a more economic turn and urban areas need special attention. In June, I was granted the great privilege to officially open the Peace Bridge over the River Foyle in Northern Ireland. This bridge is a perfect example of what regional policy in my view stands for: improving the life of citizens, bringing communities together, giving them more economic opportunities and revitalising urban areas. As Commissioner for Europe’s regions, I want to deliver a policy...[full story]

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: all-island economy

Friday, September 2nd, 2011
Business leaders consider the future of the all-island economy and how Northern Ireland can learn from the Republic as it recovers. How is the all-island economy faring? Hugh Crossey In the UK in general and Northern Ireland in particular, there hasn’t been much good news recently. Consumer confidence is falling, bank lending into businesses has plummeted, the trade deficit has widened and inflation remains high. The challenge in Northern Ireland remains very significant. If you look at the Republic of Ireland, exports have remained very high and in fact are growing. Obviously, the...[full story]

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