On a related theme, The Tele reports: Browns free cancer drugs wont apply to Northern Ireland.
Yet another case of Executive paralysis. Even so, why do the masses ranks of the Stormont PR people have to appear so inept?
Quote from Executive spokesperson:
Asked if Mr Brown’s crucial speech this afternoon will include proposals that will reach out to the devolved assemblies, an aide said he was sure it would, although it is not clear what they might include..
Oh, brilliant!
Under devolution, we have still to get used to the fact that lots of decisions are now in local hands, whereas under direct rule they still might have been different but were certainly opaque. The whole point of having a local administration is accountability, that we all know what s going on. My impression is that so far the politicians know less about whats going on than large chunks of the public. Remember the recent shambles over fuel subsidies and a mortgage rescue scheme? If there is a GB or England -only piece of government delivery, the Northern Ireland public should know straight away if theyre getting it; if not why not; and if theres a better or at least different local equivalent.
Former BBC journalist and manager in Belfast, Manchester and London, Editor Spolight; Political Editor BBC NI; Current Affairs Commissioning editor BBC Radio 4; Editor Political and Parliamentary Programmes, BBC Westminster; former London Editor Belfast Telegraph. Hon Senior Research Fellow, The Constitution Unit, Univ Coll. London