Assembly Opposition
3Timing of formation of the Opposition
1
Standing orders must make provision for the timing of the formation of the Opposition in accordance with this section.
2
The Opposition may be formed by one or more qualifying parties at the time when a Ministerial office is to be filled by applying section 18(2) to (6) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 following—
a
the first meeting of the Assembly in accordance with section 16A of the Northern Ireland Act 1998,
b
all Ministers ceasing to hold office in accordance with section 18(1) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998,
c
the application of section 18(10) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 where a Ministerial office is vacant for any other reason but the nominating officer of the party on whose behalf the previous incumbent was nominated does not nominate a person to hold that office, or
3
The Opposition may also be formed by one or more of the qualifying parties before the 30th June 2016.