Back to Stormont: The New Decade, New Approach Agreement and What it Means for Northern Ireland. Issue 1 (28th February 2020) - Haughey, Sean
Abstract: The decision of the Democratic Unionist Party and Sinn Féin to once again share power in Northern Ireland has ended a three‐year hiatus in the region's devolved government. The deal which resurrects the devolved institutions— New Decade, New Approach —is not short of ambition. It introduces significant institutional reforms which place the institutions on a more sustainable footing and limit the potential for abuse of the Assembly's infamous Petition of Concern. Nettles have been grasped on issues to do with language, culture, and identity that have long vexed political parties in Northern Ireland. Tucked away in the deal's appendices are commitments to implement outstanding pledges made in previous agreements, plus ambitious plans for the new Northern Ireland Executive. However, as parties in the region were quick to discover, aspects of this deal are easier said than done. This article considers what New Decade, New Approach promises and, if fully implemented, what its implications are for politics and governance in Northern Ireland.