ABSTRACT
This chapter summarises the books main findings and discusses their implications. Noting the ‘least worst’ argument that has recently been offered in support of the restoration of devolution in Northern Ireland, the chapter argues that a more positive case for the Assembly can be made. Close inspection of the Assembly at work reveals a legislature that is busier than its critics would probably care to admit. Whilst the Assembly lives up to its reputations in some respects, such as the ‘party animal’ tendencies of its MLAs, in other respects, such as the ‘rubber stamp’ legislature charge, reputations are defied by empirical realities.
