• UK
  • World
    • USA
  • Entertainment
    • Celeb
    • Showbiz
    • Magazine
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Gaming
  • Tech
  • Science
    • Education
  • Insurance
  • Business
  • Auto
  • ToS/Contact
    • ToS
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
NewsExplored
  • UK
  • World
    • USA
  • Entertainment
    • Celeb
    • Showbiz
    • Magazine
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Gaming
  • Tech
  • Science
    • Education
  • Insurance
  • Business
  • Auto
  • ToS/Contact
    • ToS
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
  • Facebook

  • Twitter

  • LinkedIn

  • Tumblr

  • RSS

Politics

Arlene Foster: Senior DUP figures warned her over Stormont bill

Arlene Foster: Senior DUP figures warned her over Stormont bill
Newsexplored
29th July 2020
5
SHARES
ShareTweet
SubscribeRedditGoogleWhatsappStumbleuponPinterestDiggLinkedinTumblrTelegram
Views:
0
Arlene FosterImage copyright PA Media
Image caption Arlene Foster was advised against the Executive Committee Functions Bill

Senior DUP figures warned Arlene Foster not to proceed with a controversial bill which led to a rebellion among the party’s assembly team.

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, Sammy Wilson and Nigel Dodds cautioned her against the Executive Committee Functions Bill.

It followed a warning from a former adviser who said it effectively removed the DUP’s veto over ministers taking decisions the party disagreed with.

The bill passed its final stage on Tuesday but 11 DUP MLAs abstained.

Two more failed to turn up to vote.

It is an unprecedented move and has thrown First Minister Arlene Foster’s authority into the spotlight.

  • Major planning calls ‘can be taken’ with new bill

The intervention by the senior DUP figures over the bill was first reported by Radio Ulster’s Stephen Nolan show.

But well-placed sources deny there is any immediate threat to her leadership of the DUP.

DUP MLA Peter Weir said that the party remained united despite the split.

The decision of 11 DUP MLAs to abstain on the Executive Committee Functions Bill, coupled with reports that senior figures in the Westminster group counselled caution, puts a question mark over the authority of Arlene Foster and her current advisers.

It also illustrates the continuing respect commanded within DUP ranks for the analysis of Peter Robinson’s former adviser Richard Bullick.

data-ad-format="auto">

It seems unlikely, given the pressures of tackling a pandemic, that any of Mrs Foster’s internal critics want to make any more of this in the short term.

However, if a future minister from another party was able to utilise the latest legal changes to push through a policy which is anathema to the DUP grassroots, then those who abstained or argued for delay may raise more questions about their leader’s judgment.

He told BBC News NI: “From time to time there will always be some kinds of disagreements on individual issues but we’ve got to make sure that these things are not blown out of proportion.

“The DUP is united in wanting to deliver for all the people in Northern Ireland and I think people admire the strong leadership Arlene Foster has given, particularly over the last few months with the Covid virus.”


Warning

The rebellion came after former DUP adviser Richard Bullick warned that the bill overturned safeguards negotiated in the 2006 St Andrews agreement to stop ministers taking decisions without referral.

He cited the example of Sinn Féin’s Martin McGuinness abolishing the 11-plus exam on his last day in office as education minister in 2002.

Image caption A former DUP adviser has warned the party it is “sleepwalking” into profound constitutional change

During Tuesday’s debate on the bill’s final stage, DUP MLA Christopher Stalford – who voted in favour – said his party fully supported the change, which he said would ensure the continuation of “collective government in the spirit of co-operation”.

But former DUP MLA Jim Wells said many backbenchers were extremely concerned and were only voting for it because they had been whipped by the leadership.

Those who abstained from voting included former ministers Mervyn Storey and Michelle McIlveen.

  • Infrastructure department says ‘planning decisions can be made with Stormont bill’
  • Bill to give ministers more power to become law

The Executive Committee (Functions) Bill, which was fast tracked through the assembly before Stormont went into recess on Tuesday, seeks to strengthen the power of individual ministers and was introduced after a court judgement two years ago over a waste incinerator raised questions about the way executive decisions were made.

Defending the need to fast track the bill, Sinn Féin Junior Minister Declan Kearney said it was to allow decisions to be made on key planning applications.

He said the legislation would provide the clarity needed to increase co-operation within Stormont’s five-party coalition.

The bill was passed by 58 votes to 13 with 11 abstentions and will now go forward for Royal Assent.

The assembly has been adjourned until 7 September.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Share on Skype (Opens in new window)

Related

Related Itemsarlenefiguresfosterseniorstormontwarned
Politics
29th July 2020
Newsexplored @newsexploredweb

Related Itemsarlenefiguresfosterseniorstormontwarned

More in Politics

  • Read More
    Covid: What is universal credit – and what other benefits are available?

    Views:0 image copyrightGetty Images Labour and some Conservative MPs are calling on the government to keep a...

    Newsexplored 29th July 2020
  • Read More
    Covid-19: Northern Ireland’s R-rate ‘falls significantly’

    Views:0 image copyrightPA Media image captionMichelle O’Neill and Arlene Foster appeared at their first joint press conference...

    Newsexplored 29th July 2020
  • Read More
    Brexit: ‘Problems’ in first week of post-deal GB-NI trade

    Views:0 By Conor MacauleyBBC NI Agriculture & Environment Correspondent image copyrightReuters image captionThe first lorries to cross...

    Newsexplored 29th July 2020
  • Read More
    Covid-19: Stormont to give clarity on restrictions and exams

    Views:0 image copyrightReuters Ministers are to explain their decision to tighten Covid-19 restrictions in Northern Ireland at...

    Newsexplored 29th July 2020
  • Read More
    Brexit: Boris Johnson’s claims about its benefits fact-checked

    Views:0 By Reality Check teamBBC News Published 1 hour ago Related Topics image copyrightReuters Boris Johnson was...

    Newsexplored 29th July 2020
  • Read More
    Brexit: How European leaders reacted to EU-UK trade deal

    Views:0 media captionEuropean Commission announces ‘fair’ post-Brexit trade deal A post-Brexit trade deal has been agreed between...

    Newsexplored 29th July 2020
  • Read More
    Brexit: Five steps that led to an Irish Sea border

    Views:0 By John CampbellBBC News NI Economics & Business Editor image captionBorder control posts have been set...

    Newsexplored 29th July 2020
  • Read More
    Brexit: Will the borders be ready?

    Views:0 By Chris MorrisReality Check correspondent, BBC News image copyrightReuters With only days left until the end...

    Newsexplored 29th July 2020
  • Read More
    Covid: Alcohol ban for Welsh pubs and restaurants from Friday

    Views:0 Published 14 minutes ago Related Topics image copyrightGetty Images image captionPubs will have to close to...

    Newsexplored 29th July 2020
  • Read More
    What’s going on with Scottish independence?

    Views:0 By Nick EardleyBBC political correspondent image copyrightPA Media Scottish independence is back in the headlines and...

    Newsexplored 29th July 2020
  • Read More
    Spending Review: Key points from Rishi Sunak’s statement

    Views:0 image copyrightReuters Chancellor Rishi Sunak has set out what the UK government will spend on health,...

    Newsexplored 29th July 2020
  • Read More
    Fans at sporting events: Maximum of 4,000 set to be allowed in England

    Views:0 A crowd of 1,060 supporters watched Northern Ireland play Slovakia in their Euro 2020 play-off final...

    Newsexplored 29th July 2020
Scroll for more
Tap
data-ad-format="auto">
NewsExplored

NewsExplored - Making sure all the latest news is explored?

Contact us for help

  • Popular

  • Latest

  • Comments

  • Trump pardons two convicted by Russia investigation
    USA23rd December 2020
  • Kieran Trippier suspended for 10 weeks over breaches of betting rules
    Sports23rd December 2020
  • The Papers: UK and EU on ‘verge’ of Brexit trade deal
    UK23rd December 2020
  • Former BBC sports reporter Kevin Gearey dies
    Entertainment23rd December 2020
  • Biden inauguration: New president to be sworn in amid Trump snub
    USA20th January 2021
  • Biden inauguration: Democrat to be sworn in as Trump leaves office
    USA20th January 2021
  • Biden inauguration rehearsal paused amid US Capitol lockdown
    USA18th January 2021
  • Migrant caravan: Guatemala blocks thousands bound for US
    USA18th January 2021
  • Les Rehrer says:

    Hello Its me :P and thanks for this post

  • optumrx login says:

    Thank For News.

  • Kent Laatsch says:

    Please let me know if you're looking for a writer…

  • Bob says:

    RT News was where I learned that Erdogan controlled isis.…

Copyright © 2018 Top News Theme. Theme by MVP Themes, powered by Wordpress.

Boris Johnson seeks spokesperson to front White House-style briefings
Coronavirus: Labour warns of ‘perfect storm’ for working parents
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok