'Historic potential faces NI'

Delegates will discuss the speed of political change

The scale of opportunity now facing Northern Ireland is "truly historic and offers hugely positive opportunities", a conference will hear on Tuesday.

Experts are to gather in Belfast to examine the management of large scale change.

However, business analyst Richard Reeves said he had concerns about Northern Ireland's ability to work its way through the scale of change at hand.

"The world is waiting for the announcement of fundamental change in the political leadership of Northern Ireland, a development which is undoubtedly hugely significant," he said.

"But behind the scenes, Northern Ireland's public sector is already in the grip of change frenzy.

"At local, national and UK levels, the dynamic of change is acting at unprecedented speed and depth."

This included health reform, the possible return of the Northern Ireland Assembly, educational upheaval and "a revolution in policing".

Mr Reeves added: "If it works, then Northern Ireland's government and society will reap the benefits. If not, the house of cards may well tumble down, with serious consequences."

Speakers at the conference will include PSNI Deputy Chief Constable Paul Leighton and chairman of the Review of Public Administration, Tom Frawley.