17/12/2014
Calls For Stormont Opposition Unveiled
A government paper given to the Northern Ireland Assembly last week, reveals that a Stormont opposition could be in place by March of next year.
According to a report by the BBC, the paper calls for official recognition of opposition parties, who would be "entitled to ministerial positions in the executive, but choose not to take them up".
These opposition parties would be entitled to financial and research assistance, which would be provided from the existing assembly budget, the report reveals.
The proposal of opposition parties is one of a number of proposals contained in the Heads of Agreement document that was distributed to Assembly parties at the close of a meeting held last Thursday with the Prime Minister, and Ireland's Taoiseach Enda Kenny.
(MH/JP)
According to a report by the BBC, the paper calls for official recognition of opposition parties, who would be "entitled to ministerial positions in the executive, but choose not to take them up".
These opposition parties would be entitled to financial and research assistance, which would be provided from the existing assembly budget, the report reveals.
The proposal of opposition parties is one of a number of proposals contained in the Heads of Agreement document that was distributed to Assembly parties at the close of a meeting held last Thursday with the Prime Minister, and Ireland's Taoiseach Enda Kenny.
(MH/JP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 May 2024
Executive Urged To Publish Programme For Govt
The SDLP has called on the Executive to publish a Programme for Government, after the Assembly backed an Opposition Day motion calling for publication before the summer recess. SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole MLA said that the public were concerned by the lack of delivery or plan since the Assembly's return.
Executive Urged To Publish Programme For Govt
The SDLP has called on the Executive to publish a Programme for Government, after the Assembly backed an Opposition Day motion calling for publication before the summer recess. SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole MLA said that the public were concerned by the lack of delivery or plan since the Assembly's return.
13 April 2015
SDLP Supports Assembly Commission Proposals
The SDLP has endorsed a 3% cut to party financing by the Assembly commission. Mr Pat Ramsey said that it's important that parties share the pain of cuts.
SDLP Supports Assembly Commission Proposals
The SDLP has endorsed a 3% cut to party financing by the Assembly commission. Mr Pat Ramsey said that it's important that parties share the pain of cuts.
07 May 2026
SDLP Opposition Criticises Sinn Féin and DUP Over Scrutiny Measures
SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole MLA has issued a sharp rebuke to Sinn Féin and the DUP after the two parties voted down a series of amendments to the Fiscal Council Bill.
SDLP Opposition Criticises Sinn Féin and DUP Over Scrutiny Measures
SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole MLA has issued a sharp rebuke to Sinn Féin and the DUP after the two parties voted down a series of amendments to the Fiscal Council Bill.
10 September 2025
SDLP Accuses Executive Parties Of Abandoning Lough Neagh
Matthew O'Toole, SDLP Leader of the Opposition, has urged Sinn Féin, the DUP, and the UUP to "re-think their abandonment" of Lough Neagh. His comments come ahead of an SDLP Opposition motion on Tuesday, which will call on the parties to support "anything necessary to safeguard the lough.
SDLP Accuses Executive Parties Of Abandoning Lough Neagh
Matthew O'Toole, SDLP Leader of the Opposition, has urged Sinn Féin, the DUP, and the UUP to "re-think their abandonment" of Lough Neagh. His comments come ahead of an SDLP Opposition motion on Tuesday, which will call on the parties to support "anything necessary to safeguard the lough.
25 April 2024
Executive Must Use Budget To 'Front Up On Billion Pound Promises'
The four Executive parties must use their budget to "front up on billion pound promises made in Assembly motions", SDLP Opposition Leader, Matthew O'Toole, has said.
Executive Must Use Budget To 'Front Up On Billion Pound Promises'
The four Executive parties must use their budget to "front up on billion pound promises made in Assembly motions", SDLP Opposition Leader, Matthew O'Toole, has said.
-




Northern Ireland WeatherToday:This morning will be cloudy with some rain, heavy at times. This afternoon will be drier with some brightness breaking through along with few showers. Maximum temperature 19 °C.Tonight:This evening and the first part of the night will see showers or some longer spells of rain. Becoming drier and clearer later in the night. Minimum temperature 12 °C.
