Since the collapse of the Northern Ireland Executive nineteen months ago, the Province has been run by civil servants. They are accountable to no one. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has no power over matters that have been devolved from Westminster.
Alistair Lexden has repeatedly pressed the government for action to end this state of affairs. He did so again in an oral question on 4 September—to be told once again that nothing can be done until the local political parties end their disagreements. Meanwhile the people of Northern Ireland have to put up with deteriorating public services. Follow the link to read the exchanges in the Lords… theyworkforyou