Government of Northern Ireland facts for kids

The government of Northern Ireland refers to the political groups and systems that have held power in Northern Ireland. Over time, different ways of governing have been used.

Northern Ireland became a separate area under the British Crown on 3 May 1921. This happened because of a law called the Government of Ireland Act 1920. The new Northern Ireland was made up of six of the nine counties in Ulster. Four of these counties had more people who supported staying with the UK (called unionists). The other two, Fermanagh and Tyrone, had more people who wanted to join an independent Ireland (called nationalists). Many unionists, especially in the northeast, liked this new arrangement. However, nationalists were generally against it.

Later, on 6 December 1922, the rest of Ireland became an independent country called the Irish Free State. But Northern Ireland immediately chose to opt out, meaning it decided not to join the new Free State.

How Northern Ireland Has Been Governed

Northern Ireland has been governed in several ways throughout its history. Understanding these different systems helps explain its unique political journey.

Early Government: 1922-1972

The first government of Northern Ireland was called the Executive Committee of the Privy Council of Northern Ireland. This group was in charge from 1922 until 1972. During this time, Northern Ireland had its own parliament and government, similar to how a state or province might operate within a larger country.

Power-Sharing and Direct Rule

After 1972, there were attempts to create new ways of governing Northern Ireland.

The 1974 Executive

A new government, known as the Northern Ireland Executive, was set up in 1974. This happened after an agreement called the Sunningdale Agreement. This agreement aimed to share power between different political groups. However, this government did not last long.

Direct Rule from London

When local governments in Northern Ireland were not working, the country was sometimes governed directly by ministers from the UK government in London. This period is known as Direct Rule. During Direct Rule, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland was the main person in charge.

The Current Executive

The current Northern Ireland Executive was created after the Belfast Agreement (also known as the Good Friday Agreement). This important agreement was signed in 1998. Since 1999, this Executive has been in power off and on. It is led by a First Minister and a Deputy First Minister, who share power. This system is designed to make sure that both unionist and nationalist communities are part of the government.