The Northern Executive has published its Programme for Government, a year after being restored. ‘Our Plan – Doing What Matters Most’ has a nice cover showing children playing. All is very well-meaning. I couldn’t find anything I disagree with. That’s because nobody could really disagree. For a year’s work, the Programme is light on concrete proposals. All is well-meaning and wooly. The programme is the product of Sinn Féin and the DUP. The two other Executive Parties, Alliance and Ulster Unionists, had an input. Their job was to rubberstamp the decisions. We are now into the second year of the current Executive. Sinn Féin and the DUP have clearly decided they are there together for the long haul. Both have invested their prestige in Power Sharing and devolution. Both are also financially dependent on the institutions. Neither has a viable alternative. For many Assembly members, the alternative is the dole.
