With the deadlock at Stormont finally broken after three long years, MLAs are finally back down to business in trying to make Northern Ireland work for all. The deal, New Decade, New Approach, brokered by the Irish and British governments has given political parties enough to go on to work together in the Assembly.

But what do people really think? Claire Quinn from Enniskillen believes it is time to do away with the old and get some fresh faces into the Assembly to make it work.

Claire says she does not think that the current politicians are able to work together to better society.

“They really need to work together. And you know what get some of them out because they are dinosaurs. Get some young people in.

“What are they going to do? They are just like playground children fighting al the time amongst each other never moving forward for the people. It’s just a load of crap.

“Then you have got Boris Johnson saying there is no more money but then he was talking about spending half a million on Big Ben for the bell to ring. Like seriously what is going on?”

Boho businessman, Dessie McKenzie and Belcoo man Dominic Kerrigan looked at it more positively and both agreed that the MLAs getting back to work was long overdue.

Dessie says it now depends on what money Stormont gets to deal with the issues which have grown over the last three years.

“I suppose it depends what amount of money we are going to get. I suspect we are not going to get enough by the looks of it to fix the problems that have existed over the last three years that have arisen since the closure of it,” said Dessie.

He would like to see investment in the mental health sector.

“The health service in general is a major one and without those kind of services the country is going to struggle big time. And there are so many aspects in the health services and one of them I would be particularly aware of would be mental health issues.

“Lots of people of all ages have problems there and if you can’t access help and there isn’t seemingly enough money to pay for those types of services and counselling and immediate one to one services and definitely it’s going to cost lives.”

Dominic was happy to see the Irish language acknowledged in the New Decade, New Approach deal and says the restoration of government can only be a good thing for the country.

“It is good for the health service and the way it has been underfunded. You are then going to look at roads and broadband services but they are minor things compared to health care but they are important to people as well and they are things that are going to need to be addressed.

“It’s good to have an Irish Language Commissioner to step up and to get that acknowledgement and that protection.”

He also says MLAs cannot forget about Brexit and believes there is still plenty of work to be done to protect Northern Ireland and in particular Border counties.

“They are going to have to work on Brexit and make sure we aren’t left behind here and we are treated with the respect we deserve. The impact of Brexit is going to be massive on border areas, like Belcoo.”

Damian McCabe, a student from Newtownbutler also said that after three years it was good to see the politicians back doing what they are paid for.

“Honestly, I’m glad that they actually started working again, As if I didn’t show up to work or university for three years I’d lose my job or be removed from my course. I am thankful to both An Tánaiste and the secretary of state for coming together as we needed an executive.”

Now he says it is time for the MLAs to work together for all.

“All MLAs need to put party politics aside and start focusing on the issues affecting our society and to deliver on the agreement that was accepted by all five main parties in early January.

“I would like see all MLAs focusing on health, education and infrastructure more. I would also ask the first and deputy first minister to deliver on the agreement and approve all proposals in the future from both the Commissioner for Irish Language and Ulster Scots.

“As a Gaeilgeoir, I am glad to see the introduction of some protective legislation for An Ghaeilge however, I would not accept a unionist veto over any proposals made.”

He says there has been a welcome return to government in Stormont after three long years, but a lot of work to be done to make the New Decade, New Approach deal work for the betterment of everyone.