Miscellaneous
Q. What identification do people need to vote in elections in Northern Ireland?
One of the four following forms of photographic identification is required when voting in Northern Ireland.
- A current Northern Ireland or Great Britain full driving licence or a Northern Ireland provisional licence, all of which must bear the photograph of the holder.
- A current passport issued by the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland.
- A current Senior SmartPass issued under the Northern Ireland Concessionary Fares Scheme.
- A current electoral identity card.
Q. What is the Electoral Fraud Act?
The Electoral Fraud Act 2002 was introduced to prevent personation at the polls and absent voting fraud.
In November 2004, the Government also announced the temporary reinstatement of the Electoral Register carry forward and a commitment to abolish the annual canvass.
Q. What are the rules regarding fundraising for political parties in Northern Ireland?
These are governed through the Review of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (Disapplication of Part IV for Northern Ireland Parties) Order 2001. In November 2004, the Government announced that the Disapplication will stay in place for a further two years.
Q. Where can I find out more about elections?
You can find out more about elections and the electoral process from the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland and the Electoral Commission.
Q. How many MPs does Northern Ireland have?
Northern Ireland has 18 MPs. Who they are and the areas they represent can be found at http://www.parliament.uk/directories/hciolists/clmnire.cfm
Q. How many MLAs are there?
There are 108 MLAs, six MLAs per Westminster constituency. They are elected on a PR basis and the last election was held in March 2007.
Legislation governing payment to MLA's include: Northern Ireland Assembly (Members' Salaries)(Amendment) (No.2) (Determination 2002) and Northern Ireland Assembly (Members' Salaries and Allowances) (Determination 2003)
Q. Who are Northern Ireland’s MEPs?
Jim Alister (DUP); Bairbre de Brun (SF) and Jim Nicholson (UUP) were elected to the European Parliament in June 2004.
Q. How many councils are there in Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland has 26 councils. For more information on council areas please contact the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA)
Q. Is it possible to stay in Hillsborough Castle or hire it for a function?
Hillsborough Castle is a late 18th century mansion house. The government owned property is home to the Secretary of State and is also the official residence of the Royal family when they are visiting Northern Ireland.
Hillsborough Castle does not offer overnight accommodation to the public and does not host weddings or corporate events.
Castle facilities can however be hired for functions by registered charities and local organisations. These functions should be of a fund raising nature or for the benefit of the local community.
For further details please contact the General Manager at Hillsborough Castle on 028 92682244.
Hillsborough Castle open days are also held during the months of May and June with guided tours of the Castle and gardens available for visitors.
Q. How are staff recruited to the NIO?
The majority of recruitment in the NIO is taken forward on behalf of the Department by Department of Finance and Personnel Recruitment Service although for a very limited number of posts recruitment is managed directly by the NIO. All posts are advertised in the local press.
Q. Is it possible to go on work placement in the NIO?
Work experience opportunities are available in the NIO. These are arranged by the student's school careers adviser.
