No one can deny we are facing serious problems - in health, education, the economy - that need urgent attention from politicians elected to work on behalf of the public.
For almost three years we have had no devolved administration taking the important decisions that can have a real impact on people's lives.
It is also true that in the months and years leading up to the collapse of the institutions, there was widespread disenchantment at what was seen to be an increasingly dysfunctional executive.
We await the verdict of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) inquiry but the public does not need a written report to know that things had gone very badly wrong at Stormont.
This scandal and subsequent inquiry laid bare the arrogance, poor governance and lack of transparency and accountability that existed at the highest levels of government.
Over the past three years, public services have been kept going by civil servants but that is no substitute for a properly run, well organised and fully scrutinised government with ministers providing direction and taking decisions.
That is the least we deserve - elected representatives doing their best on behalf of all the citizens of Northern Ireland.
While various attempts to get Stormont back to work have stalled, it is important that efforts continue.
A general election is hardly the best backdrop for a renewed round of talks and this campaign has been particularly depressing in a number of respects.
But that has not stopped secretary of state Julian Smith announcing a fresh push for a deal beginning on December 16, just days after the Westminster poll.
Mr Smith, whose position is said to hang in the balance, has shown a quiet determination to progress matters. He has been praised for his pro-active approach to the compensation issue for victims of institutional abuse.
As we know, an Irish language act has been a key stumbling block but this should not prove insurmountable.
We have overcome much more challenging obstacles in the past.
This week, Arlene Foster said she believed there was a way forward, 'because there are people in Northern Ireland who love the Irish language.'
Of course, problems can be resolved, if the political will is there.
As the atrocious waiting lists show, the absence of an assembly has not served us well.
However, any restored administration must be of a higher standard than before.
