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✍️ @andrewgmccormick.bsky.social explains the political and historical reasons why the European Convention on Human Rights is an integral part of the peace settlement in Northern Ireland

"Hence, however strong and clear British legislation on human rights might be, it would require only one general election to make it null and void, if a majority in a new parliament was to so decide."

✍️ Andrew McCormick explains the role ECHR membership plays in the Belfast / Good Friday Agreement.

So where do we go from here? Devolution is a work in progress – need to build relationships and trust. Strong leadership is vital, including a full commitment to continued operation of the institutions. Must have a joint focus on improving the big issues that affect people’s lives day to day 7/

Devolution of justice in 2010 including cross-community support for policing was big milestone. Otherwise difficult to name significant successes. Some strong sectors e.g. screen, IT, tourism. Some welfare mitigations. NI politicians good at getting extra funding from UK Govt 6/

When has devolution worked well? Leadership, trust, courage and relationships have all been important, as is a constructive and business-like attitude to getting on with the job. Probably the most effective period was 2007-11, which was Paisley/McGuinness then Robinson/McGuinness 5/

Unstable govt does not make for good govt. Parties have struggled to work with common purpose or to make strategic decisions for the long-term. Unpopular choices have been avoided e.g. health reform, water funding, public finances. Big challenges remain e.g. productivity, housing, reconciliation 4/

The institutions have been very unstable – absent for more than 40% of the time since 1999, including 5 out of last 8 years. Power-sharing between parties who have hugely different views has not surprisingly been very difficult to sustain. The threat of collapse is never far away 3/

Devolution was a momentous time with high expectations. Local Ministers taking decisions about local issues was and remains the preferred form of government here, rather than the direct rule that preceded it. It may be difficult, but for now it’s the best option available 2/