Which body is responsible for the governing of Northern Ireland?

The body responsible for the governing of Northern Ireland is the Executive Committee. This committee operates under the Northern Ireland Assembly and is composed of ministers from different political parties who have been elected to represent various constituencies. The Executive Committee has the authority to develop and implement policies, manage public services, and make decisions related to devolved matters like health and education, which are distinct from those managed at the UK Parliament level.

While the Northern Ireland Office plays a role in the governance structure, it primarily focuses on constitutional and administrative functions and is seen as a liaison between the UK government and the Northern Ireland Assembly, rather than the governing body itself. The Parliament of the UK holds sovereignty and ultimately oversees UK-wide legislation, but it is not directly responsible for the day-to-day governance of Northern Ireland, which has its own devolved institutions. The Council of Europe is an international organization focused on promoting human rights and democracy across Europe, but it does not govern Northern Ireland. Thus, the correct answer highlights the importance of the Executive Committee as the active governing body within the framework of Northern Ireland's devolved government.