Government of Northern Ireland (1921–1972) facts for kids
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.svg) Ulster Banner |
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| Government overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 1922 |
| Dissolved | 1972 |
| Superseding agency | |
| Jurisdiction | Northern Ireland |
| Headquarters | Stormont Castle, Stormont Estate, Belfast, Northern Ireland |
| Minister responsible | |
The Executive Committee or the Executive Committee for Northern Ireland was the main government body for Northern Ireland. It was created under a law called the Government of Ireland Act 1920. People usually called it the Cabinet or the Government. This committee was in charge from 1922 until 1972.
The Executive Committee had the power to make decisions and run things for Northern Ireland. This power was officially given to them by the British monarch. They handled matters that were "devolved," meaning powers given to the local Northern Ireland government instead of being kept by the main UK government.
At first, the committee was part of the Privy Council of Ireland. This was a group of advisors to the King or Queen. Ministers, who were like department heads, were chosen by the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. This person was the King or Queen's representative in Ireland. In December 1922, a new law changed things. The Lord Lieutenant and the Irish Privy Council were replaced. Instead, Northern Ireland got its own Governor of Northern Ireland and Privy Council of Northern Ireland.
Even though the 1920 law didn't specifically mention it, the Executive Committee was always led by a Prime Minister of Northern Ireland. In theory, the committee members held their jobs "during the pleasure of the Lord Lieutenant" (or later, the Governor). This meant they could be removed by the King's representative. However, in real life, the committee had to answer to the elected House of Commons of Northern Ireland. This was similar to how the UK's Cabinet works with the UK Parliament. So, the Executive Committee played a very important role in running Northern Ireland.
The way Northern Ireland was governed changed in 1972. The system was first paused by a law called the Northern Ireland (Temporary Provisions) Act 1972. Then, the Government of the United Kingdom completely ended it the next year. This happened under the Northern Ireland Constitution Act 1973.
The Executive Committee worked from the Stormont Parliament Buildings. They also used the nearby Stormont Castle. The Governor lived at Hillsborough Castle. There were plans to build a separate building for the Executive. But these plans were stopped in the 1920s. This was because of money problems after the Wall Street Crash.
Leaders of Northern Ireland's Government
This section lists the different leaders, called Prime Ministers, who headed the Executive Committee. It also shows the years they were in charge.
Prime Ministers and Their Terms
- Craigavon ministry – led by James Craig, 1st Viscount Craigavon – 1922–1940.
- Andrews ministry – led by J. M. Andrews – 1940–1943.
- Brookeborough ministry – led by Basil Brooke, 1st Viscount Brookeborough – 1943–1963.
- O'Neill ministry – led by Terence O'Neill – 1963–1969.
- Chichester-Clark ministry – led by James Chichester-Clark – 1969–1971.
- Faulkner ministry – led by Brian Faulkner – 1971–1972.
Symbols
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Ulster Banner, the Executive Committee's flag
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Coat of arms of Northern Ireland, the Executive Committee's arms
