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Northern Ireland Power-Sharing Deal Urgently Needed

  //business-finance.news-articles.net/content/202 .. -ireland-power-sharing-deal-urgently-needed.html
  Published in Business and Finance on Monday, February 9th 2026 at 22:05 GMT by London Evening Standard
      Locales: Northern Ireland, England, UNITED KINGDOM

Tuesday, February 10th, 2026 - The ongoing political impasse in Northern Ireland continues to draw scrutiny and concern, with prominent figures like Hilary Benn, former Shadow Foreign Secretary, publicly urging Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to actively revive the power-sharing deal at Stormont. Benn's comments, made during a BBC Broadcasting House interview, highlight the increasingly urgent need for a resolution, not just for the benefit of Northern Ireland itself, but also for the United Kingdom's broader international standing.

The core of the problem lies with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), who have maintained a steadfast refusal to nominate a deputy first minister until substantive changes are made to the Northern Ireland Protocol. This protocol, a direct consequence of the Brexit agreement, aims to prevent a hard border on the island of Ireland. However, it achieves this by keeping Northern Ireland aligned with certain EU rules and, crucially, establishing a de facto customs border in the Irish Sea.

This arrangement has sparked significant opposition from unionists, who contend it erodes Northern Ireland's position within the United Kingdom and disrupts internal trade. The EU, however, maintains that the Protocol is vital for safeguarding the Good Friday Agreement - the cornerstone of peace in Northern Ireland - and preventing a return to the politically and economically damaging border of the past. The situation has created a paradoxical challenge: a measure designed to preserve peace is actively hindering stable governance.

Benn's appeal isn't simply a plea for domestic stability. He argues that the lack of a functioning government in Belfast sends a damaging signal to the world. "It's absolutely crucial," Benn stated, "because the fact that we don't have a functioning government in Northern Ireland is a really difficult message to convey to the rest of the world. It's not just about Northern Ireland, it's about our reputation, our credibility, our ability to stand up for ourselves and influence events on the world stage." In an increasingly complex global landscape, perceived internal weakness can significantly diminish a nation's diplomatic leverage.

Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Dutton echoes these concerns, emphasizing the need for a "clear plan" from Sunak's administration to restore power-sharing. Dutton described the current situation as "unsustainable" and pointed to the negative impact on Northern Ireland's economy and its overall political health. The prolonged absence of an executive is hindering crucial decision-making processes, delaying investment, and exacerbating existing socio-economic challenges.

The calls for flexibility are directed at both London and Brussels. Benn stresses that a "sustainable solution" requires compromise from all sides, acknowledging the legitimate concerns held by unionists regarding trade, sovereignty, and the ability to make independent decisions. The issue isn't simply about technical adjustments to the Protocol; it's about addressing deeply held principles and anxieties concerning Northern Ireland's constitutional status and economic future.

Beyond the Protocol: A Deeper Dive into the Issues

The current impasse isn't a new phenomenon. The Northern Ireland Protocol has been a source of contention since its inception, and various attempts to resolve the issues have fallen short. The fundamental problem is that the Protocol attempts to reconcile two inherently conflicting objectives: maintaining frictionless trade between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland (an EU member state) while simultaneously upholding the UK's newly defined post-Brexit relationship with the EU.

Unionist concerns extend beyond trade disruptions. They argue that the Protocol creates a sense of separation between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, fostering a feeling of divergence and undermining the unionist identity. The perceived erosion of sovereignty is a particularly sensitive issue, resonating deeply with a community that has historically valued its ties to the United Kingdom.

The EU, however, views the Protocol as a necessary safeguard against the re-emergence of a hard border, which could potentially unravel the Good Friday Agreement and reignite sectarian violence. They argue that maintaining peace and stability on the island of Ireland is paramount, and the Protocol is the most effective way to achieve this goal.

The situation is further complicated by the ongoing political dynamics within Northern Ireland. The DUP's stance is also influenced by internal political pressures and the need to maintain its base of support. Finding a solution that is acceptable to all stakeholders - the DUP, Sinn Fein, the UK government, and the EU - requires a delicate balancing act and a willingness to compromise on all sides. The longer the stalemate continues, the greater the risk of further polarization and the erosion of trust between communities.