THE DUP is to propose a reduction in the number of ministries at Stormont.
A motion tabled by the DUP Assembly member Simon Hamilton due to be debated this afternoon cites a need for public spending to be “directed at frontline services” and calls on First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness “to bring forward proposals to reduce the number of government departments”.
The SDLP and Ulster Unionists voiced concerns last night that the proposal was linked to the DUP’s push to consolidate its position as the largest party with Sinn Féin compliance.One UUP representative said it was likely his party would support the move on principle while the SDLP said it was likely to try to amend the motion. Failure to do so would result in SDLP members voting against.
Sinn Féin said it was more important for partnership government to be underpinned, but did not voice opposition to the plan.
Mr Hamilton explained his motives for the proposition: “The current number of government departments was the product of a ‘jobs for the boys’ carve-up between the Ulster Unionists and the SDLP when they were the leading parties in Northern Ireland. It was they who arrived at the figure of 10 departments for governing Northern Ireland. The DUP opposed it at the time and we have continued to argue that the size and scale of the structures of government needs to be reduced.”
Sinn Féin said: “The structure of government negotiated and agreed upon in the Good Friday agreement was designed to guarantee inclusivity . . . The critical thing is to have a form of government in which all sections of society can have confidence in.”
A review of public administration that is under way could have implications for the number of departments, the statement added. “But we are not at that point yet . . . But we are coming at all of this with that objective in mind.”
SDLP deputy leader Alasdair McDonnell said the change in the number of departments and changes to the structure of the Stormont setup are matters for all parties “and not just the DUP”.
“It is inevitable that in time some adjustment and change will be necessary but . . . not in the context of the DUP trying to lever more power for a single party or two parties. The 10 ministries were originally designed that everyone was included and that inclusiveness still has not been secured.”
Basil McCrea, Ulster Unionist Assembly member Lagan Valley, said his party may chose to support the move.
Pointing to party colleagues, Health Minister Michael McGimpsey and Employment Minister Sir Reg Empey, he said they had to act as if in government when referring to their own departments and to act as if in opposition when referring to all others.