Opinion

Analysis: Spad code of conduct could go further still

Parliament Buildings, Stormont
Parliament Buildings, Stormont Parliament Buildings, Stormont

THE urgency with which the Stormont executive moved to introduce a new code of conduct for special advisers suggests either a strong desire to usher in a new era of transparency and accountability, or the strong arm of the two governments insisting these measures are necessary if they want to see any of the money pledged as part of the recent New Decade, New Approach agreement.

It's difficult not to be cynical when discussing Stormont spads, as some of their past behaviour does not reflect well on the devolved institutions.

That said, dozens of aides have worked at Stormont over the past 20 years and the conduct of all but a handful has never been called into question.

However, there were always shortcomings with a system that allowed non-elected people whose first loyalty was often to their party to make key policy decisions.

Read More: New approach, new code of conduct for spads – but critics complain it lacks bite

Nobody realistically expects ministers to successfully juggle their constituency and portfolio responsibilities, while also negotiating and developing sound policy.

The problem with previous Stormont administrations was that in many cases spads had a free rein, while in some instances the minister was bypassed in favour of some similarly shadowy figure elsewhere in the party hierarchy.

The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) inquiry exposed the flaws in this approach and highlighted how it was also open to abuse.

Read More: Greater accountability and salary cut for special advisers at Stormont under new code

Sir Patrick Coghlin's forthcoming report into RHI is expected to dedicate many thousands of words to this aspect of Stormont governance and we can easily assume it will be overwhelmingly critical, singling out everything from the recruitment process to ministers' failure to feel accountable for their aides' conduct.

The code unveiled yesterday is seen as a pre-emptive move against the negative light in which spads will be cast by Sir Patrick but there's a sense that these new measures don't go far enough. The salaries for some remain high, while the appointment process is now less open than it was previously.

The increased transparency around meetings and hospitality is certainly a move in the right direction but arguably it is the amorphous culture itself rather than personal obligations that are most in need of review.