`Yes Minister' row hits Assembly
BY LAURA FRIEL
A row between Assembly members and Stormont civil servants,
reminiscent of the 1980's television series ``Yes Minister'', which
dramatised the power struggle between elected politicians and
their officials, surfaced last week after a memo by a senior
civil servant complaining about political interference was
leaked.
The memo written by a senior Stormont civil servant, the
Department of Regional Development Permanent Secretary Ronnie
Spence, and circulated to high ranking colleagues, complained
that ``conventions'' that kept politicians at bay were being
flouted by Assembly members and committees.
In his letter dated 12 January, Spence said permanent secretaries
had been discussing ``emerging difficulties'' since the transfer of
powers to the Assembly over the absence of ``conventions'' similar
to those in Westminster to determine the demarcation lines
between ministers, officials, the assembly and committees.
The senior civil servant called on each department to compile a
list of instances where Assembly members or committees raised
issues which officials felt were the exclusive preserve of the
civil service. The permanent secretary cited a number of recent
incursions.
Highlighting the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure's wish
to get involved in an industrial relations issue, Spence admitted
in his memo that ``they probably have the legal right to get
involved. However, in Westminster and in local government,
conventions have been established which leave such issues to
officers.''
Citing a further example, Spence complains about the Department
of the Environment committee's wish to see discussion papers at
draft stage. Acknowledging the committee's right to access all
documents, the civil servant complains that the equivalent body
at Westminster would not take such steps.
Some committees, objects Spence, are inclined to get involved in
``detailed casework'' and questioning of officials about
``operational matters.'' [They'll be wanting democratic
accountability next - Ed.]
gry Assembly members hit back, describing the permanent
secretary's memo as a threat to open government and the promise
of the Good Friday Agreement. Sinn Féin Chief Whip, Alex Maskey,
said the document backed suspicions that civil servants have
effectively been running all government departments.
Unionists were equally incensed. Alan McFarland of the UUP said
it showed ``old guard civil servants circling the wagons'' under
the scrutiny of Assembly committees. Even Willie McCrea of the
DUP warned that the days of civil servants being in control of
ministers were ``finished''. Civil servants were facing something
that they haven't faced for many years, said McCrea, being held
to account for the decisions they make.
Demanding a full explanation, Alex Maskey said it had been over
72 hours since the memo had come to light and there was still no
official response. ``I'm sure there is the belief that if there is
no official response the matter will disappear,'' said Maskey.
``The time is fast approaching when we should consider asking for
those senior civil servants to resign. It is the only option
unless they come forward and offer an explanation,'' he said.
Clearly, Ronnie Spence could learn something from the fictional
Sir Humphrey. There was a man who would never have been foolhardy
enough to commit his thoughts to paper.
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