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Gavin Robinson, leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), has openly criticised Baroness Heather Hallett, chair of the Covid-19 inquiry, following the release of a critical report. The report highlighted that decision-making during the pandemic was negatively affected by disputes between DUP and Sinn Féin ministers. Additionally, Baroness Hallett pointed to what she described as “inappropriate instigation” of cross-community votes by the DUP when disagreements arose around handling restrictions.
Robinson argued that the inquiry chair failed to sufficiently consider the unique context in Northern Ireland, where parties must operate within a mandatory power-sharing government. He emphasised that this requirement compels collaboration in a way unseen in other UK devolved administrations or national governments. Robinson said the report did not give enough recognition to this framework when drawing its conclusions, and suggested it largely repeated information already known to the public, such as the controversy surrounding then-Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill attending the funeral of Bobby Storey.
Speaking on the dynamics of power-sharing, Robinson acknowledged the challenges inherent in parties working together, but defended the system’s role in encouraging cooperation. He noted, “Nobody wants to be in a situation where one party blocks the aspiration of another community on either side, but it’s an important mechanism to encourage people to work together.” He also reminded that Baroness Hallett does not live in Northern Ireland and may not fully appreciate these political nuances.
The report’s findings have sparked debate among members of the Northern Ireland Assembly. Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) MLA Timothy Gaston criticised Sinn Féin, accusing some of its members of breaking the restrictions they helped set, calling them “rule-makers who in full view of TV cameras became rule-breakers.” Sinn Féin’s Philip McGuigan did not engage with this accusation but expressed that the report offers valuable lessons from a difficult period, which should inform future political actions. Meanwhile, both the Alliance Party and the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) emphasised that the findings underscore the urgent need for institutional reforms, particularly relating to the use of cross-community votes in executive meetings.
Paula Bradshaw, chair of Stormont’s executive office committee, stressed the necessity of restoring public trust, noting that incoherent messaging, unclear distinctions between guidance and law, along with political leaks and internal disputes, undermined confidence during the pandemic. The SDLP described the report as “painful” reading for those who lost loved ones to Covid-19. Mark H Durkan, speaking for the SDLP, lamented the ongoing “clear absence of leadership” despite the pandemic’s end and called for serious institutional reforms, urging political parties to take responsibility and commit to change as a mark of respect for those who died
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