Reform needed before Stormont reconvenes

YOUR recent correspondents, Roger Corder and Robert Andrews, both made interesting and useful comments on the RHI debacle and ongoing political stalemate.

From their respective analyses, it would appear that root-and-branch reform of the Civil Service and the Stormont apparatus is required to prevent a similar recurrence of scandal before the Assembly reconvenes (if at all).

One obvious problem in Northern Ireland is its politics closely resembles a goldfish bowl. This means nepotism is often lurking in the background. For example, there are too many family members and close relatives in politics.

If the Assembly and Executive are to reconvene at some later stage, the following need urgent reform and attention. This will requires extensive legislative changes, in particular at Westminster:

1. Ministerial accountability.

2. Northern Ireland Civil Service recruitment — competency-based recruitment does not work. The way departments are run needs urgent reform.

3. Role of Spads — these are nebulous political appointments, paid out of the public purse. They should be abolished and replaced by hiring industry/business experts as and when needed and paid accordingly for their specific advice. They should not be on the payroll.

4. Consultants should not be used because they only steal your watch to tell you the time.

5. To reduce nepotism, relatives and family members should be barred from holding positions within the Civil Service and Executive.

LANGDALE PIKE By email