What is it with Sinn Fein and accountability?
Posted on January 23rd, 2009 Conall McDevitt 3 comments Yesterday’s news that a cross community group of Antrim grammar schools are to create a common entrance exam is yet another indictment of Caitriona Ruane’s performance as Minister for Education. It also raises an important issue about government accountability in Northern Ireland. We have a system which makes it practically impossible for Minister to be removed from office, no matter how poor their performance. If Barack Obama were looking in, he would likely ask whether this minister is working for the people or simply upholding the vested interests of a few ideologues. Which brings me to a further point about accountability. Today’s Irish News has a piece about MLA’s attendance at committee meetings where they are meant to be scrutinising the work of the Executive. Full marks to the DUP. They are the top attendees with nine out of the top ten from that party. Sinn Fein gets a fail. Seven out of the ten worst attendees at statuto
