The South Belfast MLA was commenting on analysis published today by University College London, which blames recent Assembly collapses for the failure to progress long-term solutions to the problems facing Northern Ireland’s economy, health system and other public services.
The report assesses the options for reforming the power-sharing structures at Stormont and says removing veto powers within the Executive could speed up decision-making and improve the implementation of key policy priorities.
“This independent analysis reinforces what Alliance has been saying for years – ransom politics and vetoes over government are damaging our communities and blocking the reform of key public services”, Ms Bradshaw said.
“Whether it is the transformation of the health system, investment in critical infrastructure or long-term budget setting to put public services on a sustainable footing, stop-start government takes a wrecking ball to these priorities and families in every corner of Northern Ireland suffer the consequences.
“We need to recognise, while the Good Friday Agreement provided a necessary mechanism to manage community divisions in Northern Ireland in 1998, it wasn’t the end of the story, and now needs to evolve to deliver full normalisation and reconciliation.
“I hope today’s report therefore provides fresh impetus to other parties and the UK and Irish Governments to engage meaningfully in a conversation about institutional reform ahead of the next Assembly election. Removing vetoes and ensuring those who want to govern are allowed to are the only ways to future-proof our politics and provide the fit-for-purpose government local people deserve.”