waider | another possible outcome in NI

The DUP are, predictably, refusing to participate in powersharing with Sinn Féin. On one hand, they're claiming that the fact that they (the DUP) got into power means they have a mandate from the people to renegotiate the Good Friday Agreement. On the other hand, they're disregarding the fact that as the third biggest bloc of elected representatives, Sinn Féin have a pretty large mandate to continue with the agreement as is, and combined with the UUP - also pro-Agreement - the anti-Agreement guys are somewhat outnumbered. However. I don't know if the Agreement stipulates that the whole thing falls apart if any one party refuses to participate; certainly, the newspapers are talking about there being no speedy return to powersharing, which suggests that this may be the case. I'd still like to believe that the DUP's majority will ultimately drive the UUP and Sinn Féin closer together. As it stands, though, I think the DUP are simply going to angle for a no-compromise return to direct rule from the UK. They're supposed to be making "positive suggestions" in the House of Commons today - should be interesting to see what they consider "positive".