Delaying action only stores up bigger problems - View from the Foyle

Juncker’s famous observation captures one of the central challenges of political leadership: making difficult decisions that deliver long-term benefits, even when they invite short-term criticism.

Most politicians tell me that governing is hard. Choices have consequences. But leadership means recognising that those choices cannot be avoided.

In Northern Ireland, with our unique system of mandatory coalition, the challenge is even greater. Before a decision can even be made, agreement must be reached between partners who have very different political, economic and social priorities.

We are also caught in a seemingly endless election cycle. Politicians are constantly on doorsteps, and opportunities to make necessary, but potentially unpopular, decisions are few and far between.

Ministers do have the power to act within their budgets and departmental responsibilities. Yet with public finances stretched and budgets effectively rationed, their ability to drive meaningful change is constrained. Money and energy is spent running and funding statutory obligations, leaving little room to invest in the changes they want to make.

At times, getting things done can feel almost impossible.

But progress can and should be made. Whatever constitutional future people aspire to, progress must be delivered. Leadership and good government are not about avoiding difficult decisions; they are about avoiding short-termism. Delaying action only stores up bigger problems, higher costs and worse outcomes for the future.

Promising benefits voters like while avoiding the costs, trade-offs and decisions required to deliver them may be politically attractive, but it leads to paralysis, not progress. Voters are often asked to trust politicians. Sometimes, meaningful progress requires politicians to trust voters with honesty about the choices ahead.

With perhaps six months remaining in the current Assembly mandate, can we see our hopes and ambitions they carried into office translated into action? Can we give political leaders the confidence and space to make difficult decisions now, so that outcomes improve not only for today, but for years to come?

- Stephen Kelly.