While it is obviously unfair to directly compare the performance of politicians on opposite sides of the border, it will still be noted that it was possible to publish a draft programme for government in Dublin yesterday well in advance of the official launch of the incoming Irish administration.
The basic shape of the new coalition will not differ much from its predecessor, although Micheál Martin will return as taoiseach for at least half of its term of office before handing over to Simon Harris on a date to be confirmed.
Finalising a programme for government (PfG) has proved a much more difficult exercise over the years in the volatile circumstances at Stormont, with the latest version only unveiled in September more than seven months after the restoration of the executive.
This represented major progress when contrasted with the previous PfG, which went out for public consultation back in 2016 but was never taken forward after the resignation of the late Martin McGuinness as deputy first minister.
The last Stormont PfG to be actually implemented was way back in 2011, demonstrating why so many people are cynical about the ability of northern ministers from all parties to deliver progress on behalf of the entire community.
It will be accepted that upheavals and suspensions have been part of the culture at Parliament Buildings almost ever since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, but there will be a firm expectation that a majority of the proposals outlined in September will be fully delivered within a reasonable timescale.
All the indications are that, barring entirely unexpected developments, the deal between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael is likely to remain in place at Leinster House for the next five years.
The understandings which have been reached with a number of independent TDs should provide both a prolonged working majority and the ability to maintain a stable administration in what could be turbulent economic times.
It is essential that full scrutiny is applied to all those in government, and it would be wrong if any of the independents were able to exercise a disproportionate influence on the overall proceedings.
Among the most significant measures in yesterday’s PfG announcement was the commitment to advance the Occupied Territories Bill, which is intended to ban all forms of trade with settlements deemed to be illegal under international law.
It is especially aimed at Israel, and, although it may well have a symbolic rather than a practical impact, it is more important than ever to stand with the anguished citizens of Palestine as a long-awaited Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal finally appears as though it is about to become a reality.
