Devolution: New politics for old?

Politics and public policy In the devolved institutions of Scotland, Wales and Northern ireland in the year 2000 are assessed against initial 'new pol itics' aspirations for more consensual government and policy change. The el ectoral system, the first elections, institutional design and the first yea r of operation are discussed. Some evidence of 'new politics' is clear. In the main, however, devolution in Scotland and Wales has witnessed the emerg ence of the normal politics of decentralised political systems and a phase of public policy most notable for its learning focus and the difficulties o f innovation. Devolution in Northern Ireland continues to be threatened by interparty animosities and severe limits on the normalisation of policy-mak ing.