A legislative loophole may let the DUP keep the first minister's post even if Sinn Féin wins the next election. Assembly authorities don't deny that the loophole - which some senior unionists have examined - exists. But it could be politically disastrous. belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opini…

Sam McBride: Loophole may give DUP unorthodox way to keep first minister post even if Sinn Fein...

Such is the depth of the intra-unionist divisions that it will now be a surprise if the next Assembly election — which will come no later than May, but perhaps earlier — does not see the historic...

belfasttelegraph.co.uk
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Replying to @SJAMcBride
Interesting analysis, but has anyone mentioned how they will deal with s. 16(5) in relation to the deputy First Minister if they are successful with the gambit outlined here?

Oct 9, 2021 · 7:53 PM UTC

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Replying to @DonalkCoffey @SJAMcBride
Wouldn't SF just straightforwardly get the deputy role? They'd be the largest party in the second largest designation, so they'd get the dFM role due to TUV's actions. As Sam points out, that's problematic for TUV.
Replying to @DonalkCoffey
I think you're referring to Section 16A (5), which is the normal way dFM is appointed. If so, it is effectively superseded in these circumstances by Section 16C (6) (below) - but the whole thing is constructed in an incredibly clumsy fashion.
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