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Decentralization/Federalism – 1999

As agreed upon in the Good Friday Agreement, the assembly was elected in 1998. However, it was not until 29 November 1999 that Northern Ireland’s Executive was appointed, based on the strength of the parties in the assembly. The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) had three ministers, the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) had three ministers, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) had two ministers, and Sinn Fein had two ministers.¹ The committee members were also appointed on 29 November 1999 based on the power-sharing provision of the Good Friday Agreement.²

Thus, the decentralization provision of the accord was implemented in 1998.

1. Nicholas Whyte, “Who’s on the Executive?” ARK, January 12, 2005, accessed January 21, 2013, http://www.ark.ac.uk/elections/gwhoexec.htm.
2. Nicholas Whyte, “Northern Ireland Assembly Elections 1998,” ARK, January 12, 2005, January 21, 2013, http://www.ark.ac.uk/elections/fa98.htm.