Opinion

Harmony reigns at the Stormont executive after Hilary Benn hits a nerve on public service reform - Newton Emerson on the week that was

Ministers can’t use lack of money as an excuse

Newton Emerson

Newton Emerson

Newton Emerson writes a twice-weekly column for The Irish News and is a regular commentator on current affairs on radio and television.

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 4th February 2025 - The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn MP pictured at the Ulster University in Belfast meeting students where he made a keynote speech marking the first anniversary of the restoration of the Stormont Executive, and devolved government in Northern Ireland. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
Hilary Benn has drawn criticism from the executive parties after telling them to get on with reforming public service reform The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn MP pictured at the Ulster University in Belfast meeting students where he made a keynote speech marking the first anniversary of the restoration of the Stormont Executive, and devolved government in Northern Ireland. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye. (Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye/Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye )
By Newton Emerson