Blueprint for Reform: A Good Thing

The memo leaked intentionally to the Belfast Telegraph was another move in the game of political poker that the British government is playing with the DUP and Sinn Fein.

A reduction from eleven departments to six could mean less ministerial posts to go around. The present system was designed so that the four main parties would all play a part in governing. That said, having six departments doesn’t mean there only has to be six ministers. It is perfectly plausible for one department that combines Agriculture, Environment and Regional Development to have several ministers. After all in the UK model there are several ministers per department, but only one Secretary of State.

We already know that if Policing and Justice is devolved there will be more than one minister leading that department.

These proposals come on the back of the Review of Public Administration (RPA) which has cut the current 26 district councils to 7 super councils. Today’s document, drafted by Peter Hain’s special adviser, reveals further much needed streamlining and modernisation.

The RPA also gives the new councils increased responsibilities and creates new schooling and NHS authorities, replacing the current boards. This, in theory at least, means some of the existing departments would have had a reduced remit.

Change of this sort is inevitable and in my opinion a good thing. Northern Ireland has been dependent on public sector jobs for too long. This reliance has given people a false sense of security, but the unpleasant truth is that if these changes are implemented unemployment is going to rise in the short term.