How to ensure MLA's act responsibly
- Learning for Life and Work
- Jan 31, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 13
When MLAs (Members of the Legislative Assembly) are elected to take their seats in Parliament Buildings, at Stormont, in Belfast, they are expected to:
Take a Pledge of Office
Adhere to the Code of Conduct at all times.
What is the Pledge of Office?
Ministers pledge to fulfill their responsibilities in good faith, with a commitment to non-violence and peaceful means.
They also agree to support the decisions made by the Executive Committee and the Assembly.
Additionally, ministers must vow to serve all the people of Northern Ireland fairly and to actively promote equality.
This is important as politicians have to commit to working for the interests of all the people that they represent.
What is the Code of Conduct?
The Code of Conduct is a set of ethical standards and outlines how MLAs are expected to behave and conduct themselves so that the public can trust them and have confidence in the work that they do.
Within the guidelines of the Code of Conduct, MLAs must:
never undertake any action which would bring the Assembly into disrepute. This encourages MLAs to act responsibly.
always act in the interest of the public rather than personal interests. This ensures that they act responsibly.
to resolve any conflict at once in favour of the public interest. This encourages them to take action and behave responsibly.
uphold the criminal law and equality law. This places a responsibility on MLAs to act within the law.
declare any financial interests. This encourages MLAs to act in the public interests and not for their own financial gain.
act responsibly by declaring other employment and earnings. This encourages them to be open and transparent about their earnings and the work they do.
MLAs in breach of the Code of Conduct may be investigated (by the Northern Ireland Assembly Commissioner for Standards). If the MLA is found to be in breach of the Code of Conduct they face sanctions. This helps to encourage MLAs to act responsibly.
QUESTIONS YOU COULD BE ASKED ON THIS
Explain two reasons why Ministers take a Pledge of Office (4marks)
Ministers take a pledge of office to show they will carry out their duties in good faith, using peaceful and non-violent methods. (2marks)
They also pledge to serve everyone in Northern Ireland fairly and promote equality, which is important to ensure they work for the benefit of all communities. (2marks)
Explain two ways the Code of Conduct helps to ensure that MLAs act responsibly (4marks)
The Code of Conduct helps ensure MLAs act responsibly by requiring them to declare any financial interests, which encourages transparency and acting in the public interest. (2marks)
It also states that MLAs must not bring the Assembly into disrepute and must follow the law, helping maintain public trust and confidence in their behaviour. (2marks)
Explain two ways the Code of Conduct helps to ensure that Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) act responsibly (4marks)
The Code of Conduct helps ensure MLAs act responsibly by placing a duty on them to always act in the public interest rather than personal interest, which builds public trust. (2marks)
It also requires MLAs to declare any financial interests or other earnings, which encourages transparency and prevents conflicts of interest. (2marks)
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