Is the lack of devolved government having a negative impact on Northern Ireland?
This has ensured that necessary action has been taken against the UK’s longest NHS waiting list and the cost of living crisis in the UK’s poorest regions.
In January, Northern Ireland endured the biggest public sector strike in 50 years, with up to 170,000 workers destroying tools, which could have been avoided had Parliament been in session.
A financial package includes funds to settle payment claims.
Boycotts undermine trust in politicians, who are regularly accused of receiving paychecks without doing any work.
Westminster imposed painful budget cuts on Northern Ireland in the absence of a devolved government.
The long impasse coincides with growing debate over a referendum on Irish unity, an issue given new impetus by Britain’s exit from the European Union.
What happens next?
The DUP’s support is conditional on the government bringing forward the promised legislation, which is expected to happen soon.
The draft agreement was published on Wednesday and the bill is expected to be passed in Westminster on Thursday.
Northern Ireland’s parliament will convene on Friday or Saturday and could elect a new speaker.
The next step is to appoint a prime minister and deputy prime minister. The two roles have equal weight, but different titles, and neither can act without the support of the other.
For the first time in Northern Ireland’s history, Sinn Féin will be eligible to nominate the Prime Minister, and that candidate will be Michelle O’Neill.
The DUP plans to name a deputy first minister, but has not said who that person will be. Despite winning his seat in the parliamentary election, Sir Geoffrey remained a Westminster MP during the boycott, so his ally Emma Little-Pengery may be elected instead. .
Ministers in Stormont’s other nine counties are decentralized to parties in Northern Ireland using the Dhondt mechanism.