Executive Urged To Bring Forward Anti-Poverty Strategy

The SDLP has urged the Executive to bring forward an anti-poverty strategy, with West Belfast councillor Paul Doherty accusing the institution of "failing people across the North".

Last year Doherty introduced a motion to Belfast City Council calling on Communities Minister Gordon Lyons to introduce the strategy.

Councillor Doherty said: "The Executive's failure to bring forward or even prioritise an anti-poverty strategy sends a clear message to those who are struggling or crying out for support. The Executive is well aware that they are in breach of their legal obligation to have this strategy in place, but even then did not include it in their Programme for Government.

"I see the poverty that people are living with every day. Parents who are struggling to put food on the table for their kids, older people living in cold and mouldy homes, this is the reality for many people living not only in my community, but right across the North. How can this not be a priority for our political leaders?

"When I passed my council motion we requested a meeting with Minister Lyons to discuss the strategy, this was refused. The Minister apparently has no time to meet Belfast City Council to discuss poverty but has ample time for the LCC. This shows the blatant disregard that this issue is treated with and it's time for the Executive as a whole to live up to their obligations and finally bring forward this strategy to address long-standing issues around the poverty that blights families and entire communities."

'Functioning Political Institutions Should Be The Norm' – Long

Functioning political institutions should be the norm, not the exception, Alliance Party leader and Justice Minister, Naomi Long has said.

The East Belfast MLA was speaking ahead of the first anniversary of the restoration of the Assembly and Executive following the most recent political impasse. She said that despite the last year, the threat of collapse remained in our politics.

"The fact that the institutions remain functioning after a year is, of course, welcome but it speaks to how dysfunctional the institutions are that it's treated as a notable occasion, rather than the norm, as it would be in most other parts of the world,” said Mrs Long.

"Over the last year, Alliance has been leading change. Our Ministers have introduced two significant pieces of legislation and have shaped and delivered major policy interventions on key issues like Domestic and Sexual Abuse and tacking pollution and climate change.

"Alliance MLAs have also been bringing forward Private Members' legislation on animal welfare, flag regulation, improving services for disabled people, supporting social economy and much more.

"All of that is welcome progress, but the sad reality is the institutions are as stable today as they were the day before the last collapse. That ongoing instability has caused immeasurable damage, not only to public confidence, but also to our public services, finances, and right across our community, and much of the last year has been about trying to catch up and repair the damage.

"People here deserve better than having their politics and their future held to ransom. Alliance will continue to advocate for reform of our institutions to end ransom politics and the harmful cycle of crisis and collapse for good."

Conor Murphy Elected To Seanad, Stepping Down As MLA And Economy Minister

Sinn Féin's Conor Murhpy has been elected to the Seanad in the Republic of Ireland, stepping down from his role as an MLA and Northern Ireland's Economy Minister.

Mr Murphy said his experience as a Minister in the Northern Executive and his 35 years' service as an elected representative in the North will "help advance the debate around Irish Unity in the Oireachtas".

Seanadóir Murphy said: "Northern voices are needed in the Oireachtas to give an all-Ireland perspective and I believe that my election to the Seanad underscores Sinn Féin's commitment to representing the entire island of Ireland, promoting the all-Ireland economy and advancing the Irish unity debate.

"Throughout my time in politics, I have worked to ensure that the voices of ordinary people across Ireland are heard. Representing a border county, I have been consistent in championing the All-Ireland economy, our infrastructure and our connectivity. That work will continue during my time in Leinster House.

"As the island prepares and plans for constitutional change, Sinn Féin is committed to playing our part in driving a mature, inclusive dialogue across Ireland and in Britain.

"Both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael were elected on manifestos that gave strong commitments on preparing for Irish Unity, and I intend to hold them to those commitments.

"Our proposals and the work of the Sinn Féin Commission on the Future of Ireland reflect our dedication to achieving reunification and a peaceful, prosperous, and shared future for everyone who shares this island.

"Sinn Féin will work with all parties to realise that aim, ensuring that momentum continues to grow and that the necessary preparations are put in place, and I believe that my experience as a Minister in Stormont and as a negotiator will bring a positive influence to the debate."