ABSTRACT
Direct Rule from Westminster was intended as a temporary measure, pending a political settlement. The British Government planned an early return to devolved local government involving some form of power sharing, but it has been unable to find a formula which would restore stability and allow it to extricate itself from direct responsibility for Northern Ireland. Direct Rule from Westminster has now continued for twenty-five years. The collapse of the IRA ceasefirewhich threatens the peace process begun in 1994-suggests that it will continue in some form for many more years.
