The Stormont Executive needs to demonstrate greater co-operation and be honest with the public about the scale of the problems it faces, a thinktank’s latest report says. However, the areas where little or no headway has been made in tackling major issues far outweigh the positives. The report concludes that “priorities have to be identified and tough choices have to be made” in relation to spending, investment and reforms. On the upside, Pivotal says the Executive has made forward strides in relation to the likes of education reform, skills development and health waiting lists. “When more energy goes into party-political arguments rather than finding constructive common cause, opportunities to make policy progress are missed,” Pivotal’s report says.