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Information About

Direct Rule




Direct rule is objected to by many in Northern Ireland. This includes Unionist politicians who regard it as undemocratic. Nationalists disagree in basic principle with Northern Ireland's inclusion in the United Kingdom.

Since the Good Friday Agreement , the Assembly has been suspended (and thus Direct Rule re-imposed) on at least three occasions, 1999, 2001 and at the time of writing (2005), the Assembly remains suspended for the indefinite future.

Direct Rule Ministers are appointed by the British Cabinet . Currently, none are Irish .

The implementation of Direct Rule is the prerogative of the Secretary Of State For Northern Ireland who decides if and when to do so.