Northern Ireland's political instability is harming ordinary people, according to voluntary organisations.
With a scheduled return to powersharing in March, the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA), an umbrella organisation for the voluntary sector, emphasised the need for political stability at the launch of its manifesto for 2007. It also put forward proposals for a devolved government at a meeting held in Belfast yesterday.
Séamus McAleavey, director of NICVA, said "key decisions are being deferred" because of Northern Ireland's transitory political state.
He warned that if the current round of negotiations for a devolved government fail, the consequences for Northern Ireland will be profound.
"We need a government that is going to plan for the long term," he said.
Duane Farrell, head of policy, research and communications at Help the Aged, said the elderly were directly affected by the absence of a devolved government.
Northern Ireland needed an independent commissioner to represent the 14 per cent of the population who are over 65, she said.
"Older people strongly believe that the devolved assembly delivered for them with the introduction of free transport and nursing care."
Siobhán Fitzpatrick, chief executive of Nippa, the early years organisation, said investment was needed for accessible, affordable childcare for all parents.
Nicola McCrudden, of Housing Rights Service, said a devolved government is needed to tackle the 20 per cent increase in homelessness.