What is the purpose of the 'd'Hondt' system in Northern Ireland politics?

The d'Hondt system is designed specifically for the allocation of ministerial positions within the Executive in Northern Ireland. This proportional representation formula helps to ensure that the distribution of power among political parties reflects their overall share of the vote in the Assembly elections. Each party's share of the available ministerial positions is calculated based on the number of votes they receive, thereby promoting fairness and inclusivity in the political process.

By using this system, Northern Ireland aims to accommodate its diverse political landscape, allowing for representation from various parties, reflecting the electorate's preferences in governance. This is particularly important in a post-conflict society, where creating a stable and representative government can contribute to ongoing peace and cooperation among different communities.

The other options relate to different political or governmental functions that do not pertain to the specific role of the d'Hondt system. For instance, calculating tax revenues is more about fiscal policy, determining voting districts is related to electoral geography, and establishing public opinion polls focuses on gauging public sentiment rather than the internal workings of political power-sharing arrangements.