01/03/2013
Former Minister Says SDLP Should Leave Executive
The SDLP should leave the Northern Ireland Executive, as it is not doing enough to bring people together, former SDLP Minister Brid Rodgers.
Appearing on BBC Northern Ireland’s The View on Thursday, she said the SDLP should become part of the opposition.
However, it is a move that is contrary to party policy.
But Ms Rodgers, who was agriculture minister from 1999 - 2002, thinks her party's sole minister Alex Atwood should leave the Executive.
"I think we would be better to be in real opposition," she said.
"I know it wouldn't be an official opposition, but it would be an opposition which would give us the freedom to become, in a sense, a real opposition."
(H)
Appearing on BBC Northern Ireland’s The View on Thursday, she said the SDLP should become part of the opposition.
However, it is a move that is contrary to party policy.
But Ms Rodgers, who was agriculture minister from 1999 - 2002, thinks her party's sole minister Alex Atwood should leave the Executive.
"I think we would be better to be in real opposition," she said.
"I know it wouldn't be an official opposition, but it would be an opposition which would give us the freedom to become, in a sense, a real opposition."
(H)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 March 2024
Richard Pengelly Appointment 'Raises A Number Of Questions' – SDLP
The SDLP Opposition at Stormont has said that the appointment of Richard Pengelly as Chief Executive of the Education Authority "raised a number of questions". Mr Pengelly, who has been working as Permanent Secretary at the Department of Justice, was appointed to the new role on Thursday 21 March, by Education Minister Paul Givan.
Richard Pengelly Appointment 'Raises A Number Of Questions' – SDLP
The SDLP Opposition at Stormont has said that the appointment of Richard Pengelly as Chief Executive of the Education Authority "raised a number of questions". Mr Pengelly, who has been working as Permanent Secretary at the Department of Justice, was appointed to the new role on Thursday 21 March, by Education Minister Paul Givan.
30 November 2023
New Executive Must Prioritise Fuel Poverty Strategy – SDLP
Any new Executive must prioritise an updated fuel poverty strategy, SDLP West Belfast councillor Paul Doherty has said as he marked Fuel Poverty Awareness Day.
New Executive Must Prioritise Fuel Poverty Strategy – SDLP
Any new Executive must prioritise an updated fuel poverty strategy, SDLP West Belfast councillor Paul Doherty has said as he marked Fuel Poverty Awareness Day.
13 February 2026
SDLP Opposition Leader Calls for Urgent Stormont Reform
The SDLP Leader of the Opposition, Matthew O'Toole MLA, has stated that the UK and Irish Governments must act on the Northern Ireland Assembly's call for a comprehensive reform programme.
SDLP Opposition Leader Calls for Urgent Stormont Reform
The SDLP Leader of the Opposition, Matthew O'Toole MLA, has stated that the UK and Irish Governments must act on the Northern Ireland Assembly's call for a comprehensive reform programme.
02 February 2026
SDLP Opposition Welcomes Pause In Business Rates Revaluation
The SDLP Leader of the Opposition, Matthew O'Toole MLA, has expressed his support for the Finance Minister's decision to halt the controversial Reval 2026 process. The move comes following a significant outcry from the hospitality and retail sectors over proposed spikes in business rates.
SDLP Opposition Welcomes Pause In Business Rates Revaluation
The SDLP Leader of the Opposition, Matthew O'Toole MLA, has expressed his support for the Finance Minister's decision to halt the controversial Reval 2026 process. The move comes following a significant outcry from the hospitality and retail sectors over proposed spikes in business rates.
10 May 2022
SDLP To Form 'Constructive Opposition' At Stormont
The SDLP will form a "constructive opposition" at Stormont following the results of the Assembly election, party leader Colum Eastwood has said.
SDLP To Form 'Constructive Opposition' At Stormont
The SDLP will form a "constructive opposition" at Stormont following the results of the Assembly election, party leader Colum Eastwood has said.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.