Why the Northern Ireland Assembly Was Suspended (2002–2007)

The Assembly was suspended 14 Oct 2002 – 8 May 2007 after the Northern Ireland Executive collapsed.

Core Causes

• Spy Ring Allegation: Police raided Sinn Féin offices at Stormont (Oct 2002), alleging an IRA intelligence operation. Unionists (DUP, UUP) demanded Sinn Féin's exclusion.
• Trust Deficit: DUP refused to share power with Sinn Féin while IRA remained armed/active.
• Decommissioning Deadlock: IRA decommissioning verified only in 2005 (Gen. de Chastelain).

Restoration

St Andrews Agreement (Oct 2006) paved the way: DUP–Sinn Féin pact on policing/justice devolution + IRA disbandment. Assembly reconvened May 2007 with Ian Paisley (DUP) as First Minister and Martin McGuinness (SF) as Deputy FM.

Since 2007, Assembly has functioned (with periodic crises) under mandatory power-sharing (d'Hondt).