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Analysis: Gloomy January attracts Northern Ireland, but no surprise to many
By Stephen Murphy, Ireland Correspondent
Robin Swann wasn’t kidding. The Health Minister of Northern Ireland used the words “extreme” and “robust” yesterday when describing the set of proposals that he would present to the Executive today, and the new six-week blockade fits perfectly.
Essentially it is a return to the first spring lock, “deeper and longer” than the last circuit breaker lock, according to Deputy Prime Minister Michelle O’Neill.
And yet the news has hardly surprised anyone here. Having a quick lunch at Oliver’s restaurant, just minutes from Stormont, at least two neighboring tables were discussing the upcoming closing and how difficult it will be.
Northern Ireland hospitals are operating at 104% capacity.
Today there were 12 more deaths and 656 new cases in Northern Ireland; per capita, that’s roughly four times the rate across the border in the Republic of Ireland, which has the lowest infection rates in the EU right now.
Clearly something had to be done. Even Hospitality Ulster, which represents bars and hotels in Northern Ireland, called for a closure before the Executive meeting.
And so, after too short a holiday break, businesses across Northern Ireland must close their doors once again as a particularly bleak January approaches.
Northern Ireland’s political leaders will expect a weary public to heed the message of personal responsibility as they go through these dark times.
