Q&A: A breakthrough in Northern Ireland?
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(CNN) -- Elections for Northern Ireland's Assembly are due to take place on November 26, more than a year after the power-sharing body was suspended.
Q. When was the assembly formed?
A. It was set up by the 1998 Good Friday agreement as a body for devolved government in Northern Ireland. The cross-party elected assembly meets at Stormont, on the outskirts of Belfast. It has 108 members and a 14-seat executive which has powers over economic development, education, agriculture, the environment, finance and personnel, health and social services.
Q. Why was the assembly suspended last year?
A. This was done by the British government and took effect on October 15, 2002, amid allegations of espionage by the Irish Republican Army (IRA). London and Dublin said they regretted the suspension but felt it was necessary to try to save the assembly in the long-term.
It was fourth the time the assembly had been suspended.
Q. What has happened since?
A. Republican party Sinn Fein has been pressing London to give Belfast control of Northern Ireland's justice system and security forces. The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP), which favors rule from London, wants assurances that the IRA has given up its weapons. Talks have been taking place to break the deadlock and pave the way for elections.
Q. Who is expected to do well at the elections?
A. The SDLP and UUP have been the leading parties, with Sinn Fein gaining an increased showing. But a strong showing by the hard line Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) could split the unionist vote. If the DUP becomes the biggest unionist party, it could make the assembly impossible to run since DUP leaders have refused to sit in the assembly with Sinn Fein.
