Business as usual in Stormont canteen
It is exactly a week since Northern Ireland’s power-sharing Assembly was put on hold but judging by the numbers in the Stormont canteen today someone had forgotten to tell the members.
Despite the return to direct rule from Westminster the restaurant was full of politicians tucking into the subsidised food.
The parties have been permitted to continue using their offices at Parliament Buildings and, even in the absence of Assembly business, are sticking with the routine of weekly meetings.
Eileen Bell, a member of the moderate Alliance Party said she was busier than ever dealing with constituency work and meeting various pressure groups.
However, with power switching back to the Northern Ireland Office, she wondered how long Assembly members could maintain their influence.
“I think they (lobby groups) have established a relationship with us and they hope we can get through to the new ministers.
“But if suspension goes on there may be a change in attitude.”
Another member confided to PA News that with the Assembly gone, much of the work could be carried out by members of the 26 district councils.
“The atmosphere is so unreal but people will continue to come here to try to keep the ball rolling.”
As politicians reflected on their lack of powers, Stormont staff were treading water, waiting as Northern Ireland Secretary John Reid decides how long to keep the place afloat.
Dr Reid has spoken of his determination to keep devolution alive but is expected to review the situation at the end of December.
One senior Stormont source said it was a question of keeping people “match fit” for the return of the institutions.
“The (British) government’s intention is to seek the re-establishment of the Agreement in all its forms. Everything we are doing is about ensuring that we are ready when it comes back.”
However, with republicans indicating there is no prospect of the IRA disbanding, Dr Reid could be faced with the painful decision pull the plug.
Despite all the uncertainty, there was a feeling of “business as usual” in some areas of Parliament Buildings.
The events office was as busy as ever, organising tours, while functions were continuing to take place in the first floor Long Gallery.
Catering manager Caitriona Lennox said: “The level of business doesn’t seem to have dropped that much.
“In terms of future events and functions we are still taking bookings and Assembly members are still here despite suspension.”
Mrs Lennox said morale among the 80 or so catering and cleaning staff had remained quite high.
“People are naturally worried about the future but we have all been told that everything is to continue as normal until we are told otherwise by the Secretary of State.”
Jim Wells of the hardline Democratic Unionists said that politicians too were insecure about the future.
The anti-Agreement representative said: “I think they will find it very hard getting work because of the stigma of being politically involved in Northern Ireland.
“Unfortunately, some of them don’t realise how difficult it is to return to other employment.”
But this did change his view that the current political institutions had to be brought down.
“At the end of the day we all walked in with our eyes open. You can’t make any decision on the future of your country on the basis of your own personal circumstances.”
