North deserves better than political impasse

IN THE bleak history of the Troubles, blame games have always been preferable to picking up the pieces in the aftermath of another fine mess. One has to ask what is it about the North that condemns it to being used and abused by so many elected to serve in its highest offices? What other part of these islands has been so consistently failed and sold short? Politicians will never miss a good photo opportunity, but the people of this island, North and south, deserve better than this.

Last Monday a mood of excited expectation was stoked as British Prime Minister Theresa May and our Taoiseach took to the skies to be sure to be on hand to capture the moment when a deal was done. Had they been listening more intently, and done their homework, they would have known to avoid the embarrassment of another spectacular disappointment.

The DUP and Sinn Féin are shamelessly exploiting the situation for different reasons. The institutions of democracy so tortuously built after decades of bloodshed are now just cheap bargaining chips in a deeply cynical game. Suspicions are hardening that just as Sinn Féin sees Brexit as a chance to go for bust on a United Ireland, the DUP sees an opportunity to press home its advantage in Mrs May being dependent on their votes.

The Good Friday Agreement (GFA), and the principle of consent by which it was engineered, could be consigned to history’s dustbin if things continue to slide.

The DUP may seek to exert more control with the prospect of direct rule, but the Irish Government says this cannot happen under the terms of the GFA.

It sees the establishment of either an inter-governmental conference or new elections as the next step if the deadlock cannot be broken. We are within weeks of marking the 20th anniversary of the GFA. Was the optimism of that landmark deal just a flicker, or can a sense of purpose, direction and conviction be restored?

The answers will not be found in recriminations.