Why was the opposition viewed as ineffective before 2016?

The view of the opposition as ineffective before 2016 can primarily be attributed to a lack of opposition that significantly diminished governmental accountability. In the context of Northern Ireland politics, the absence of a structured and functional opposition meant that there were few checks on the actions and policies of the government. A weak or non-existent opposition creates an environment where government decisions can be made without sufficient scrutiny, leading to a lack of accountability for their actions.

The other choices highlight relevant aspects of political dynamics, but they do not capture the core issue as effectively. For instance, while having overwhelming majority power might suggest dominance, it doesn't inherently relate to opposition effectiveness or accountability. Similarly, claims about the inexperience of opposition representatives or efforts to unite all parties are more about the qualities or strategies of the opposition rather than the structural limitations that hinder their ability to challenge the government effectively.

The crux of the matter rests on the absence of a vigorous opposition, which is essential for a healthy democracy, as it fosters debate, provides alternative viewpoints, and holds the government accountable to its policies and actions. This absence allowed for governmental decisions to proceed without adequate challenge or debate until the political landscape began to change post-2016.