It’s now been over a 1,000 days since we have had an Executive in Northern Ireland and we have broken the world record for the longest number of days without a sitting government. That’s not a record we should be proud of.
Significant legislation has stalled, such as the Addressing Bullying in Schools (Northern Ireland) Act and the Adoption and Children Bill. Key strategies have not been launched never mind implemented, including the first NI Online Safety Strategy, the Family and Parenting Support strategy and the 10-year strategy for Children and Young people.
We know this is the tip of the iceberg.
During this period of inertia, major systemic issues are not being addressed as civil servants can only do what they feel is within their current remit without political leadership. Our Programme for Government (2016-2021) is still in draft form with delivery plans developed with and for civil servants completely contradicting the original vision “to engage outside government and maximise what we can achieve collectively”.
In this political vacuum, families and communities continue to live day to day with no choice but to accept the status quo.
It’s not right that 1 in 4 children here are living in families increasingly stuck in a cycle of poverty, struggling to make ends meet.
It’s not right that food banks and charities are increasingly seen as the first not the last resort. The grip of poverty can shape children’s life chances and we need to see action now, not in an uncertain future when our government is restored. This is bigger than political parties. The voluntary sector is continuing to pick up the pieces and maintain a focus on outcomes.
This month our Children’s Commissioner led the #ChildPovertyIsHere campaign to raise awareness of child poverty in Northern Ireland. Partners in the children’s sector have supported that campaign because our children and families deserve more, it is not good enough. But when or how are things going to change?
Our babies born when the Executive fell are now 2½ years old. They should be looking forward to a supported childcare system, a modern education system, an outcomes focused children’s strategy and more. Instead we have been unable to introduce positive change, we have held back from being ambitious for our children and we are settling for the bare minimum, if that.
This is not a call for the return of any government but a call for a government that is willing to show leadership, make real changes quickly and understand the understands the ramifications of neglect and acts of omission.
Enough is enough.