2nd Dec 1999

Devolution

Power is passed from Westminster to Belfast for the first time. Devolution gives the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive Committee full legislative and executive authority over Transferred Matters,including Agriculture, Economic Development, Education, the Environment, Health and Social Services.

14th Oct 2002

Suspension of the Assembly

The police raid on Sinn Féin’s Stormont offices leads to a breakdown in trust between the political parties. The IRA is accused of spying on the Northern Ireland Office; Sinn Féin claims that the raid is a political stunt. As a consequence, John Reid, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, suspends the Assembly.

13th Oct 2006

St Andrews Agreement

After talks involving the British and Irish Governments and the political parties of Northern Ireland, the St. Andrews Agreement is reached. This sets out a timetable for the restoration of the Assembly.

8th May 2007

Restoration of Assembly

Northern Ireland has a new power-sharing government. Democratic Unionist leader, Ian Paisley, and Sinn Féin’s Martin McGuinness take office as First and deputy First Ministers. The return of devolved government follows a meeting between Ian Paisley and Gerry Adams in March, at which they agreed to share power.

5th Feb 2010

Hillsborough Agreement

After ten days of intense negotiations, the Democratic Unionist Party says it has agreed a deal with Sinn Féin over the devolution of policing and justice powers from Westminster to Northern Ireland. The agreement also addresses controversial parades, improving Executive delivery and outstanding issues from the St. Andrews Agreement.

Dec 2014 & Nov 2015

The Stormont House Agreements

Talks at Stormont House sought to address political, social and economic issues still causing political disagreement, including paramilitary activity, the flying of flags and language. Following the agreements, the number of government departments was reduced from 12 to 9 (2016) and the number of MLAs was reduced from 108 to 90 (2017).

Jan 9th 2020

New Decade, New Approach

On 9 January 2020, the NDNA deal restored the Executive and Assembly after 3 years. It would result in: new codes for ministers, civil servants and special advisers; reform of the ‘petition of concern’; a stronger official opposition; consideration of a bill of rights; new posts of Mental Health and Veterans Commissioners; more time (24 weeks) to form the executive after an election.