04/02/2025
SDLP Calls For Executive To 'Achieve More'
The one-year anniversary of the return of the Stormont institutions is "marked by a lack of achievement from the Executive", SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole MLA has said.
Marking the anniversary, South Belfast MLA Mr O'Toole said: "The public did not expect miracles from the return of Stormont and the Executive, but they did expect focus, clear prioritisation and plans with targets. They have seen virtually none of that over the past year.
"The Executive needs to be clear how and when it plans to reduce health waiting lists, deal with our crumbling water infrastructure and the list of other urgent challenges facing Northern Ireland." The SDLP used their Opposition Day on the Stormont anniversary to bring forward a number of motions highlighting positive solutions to the pressures facing people across Northern Ireland.
Mr O'Toole continued: "As part of our Opposition Day, the SDLP will be bringing forward proposals for long overdue reform of the institutions, including overhauling the Ministerial Code to ensure accountability so that no party can block Stormont from functioning. We will once again ask the First and deputy First Minister in good faith to commit to not resigning their position for the rest of the current mandate.
"As a constructive Opposition we have always recognised the limitations and challenges facing the Executive but they cannot continue to simply mark time and expect the public to accept crumbling public services and be grateful for the mere presence of devolution. 2025 must be a year of accountability and delivery or trust in our politics will fall even further."
Marking the anniversary, South Belfast MLA Mr O'Toole said: "The public did not expect miracles from the return of Stormont and the Executive, but they did expect focus, clear prioritisation and plans with targets. They have seen virtually none of that over the past year.
"The Executive needs to be clear how and when it plans to reduce health waiting lists, deal with our crumbling water infrastructure and the list of other urgent challenges facing Northern Ireland." The SDLP used their Opposition Day on the Stormont anniversary to bring forward a number of motions highlighting positive solutions to the pressures facing people across Northern Ireland.
Mr O'Toole continued: "As part of our Opposition Day, the SDLP will be bringing forward proposals for long overdue reform of the institutions, including overhauling the Ministerial Code to ensure accountability so that no party can block Stormont from functioning. We will once again ask the First and deputy First Minister in good faith to commit to not resigning their position for the rest of the current mandate.
"As a constructive Opposition we have always recognised the limitations and challenges facing the Executive but they cannot continue to simply mark time and expect the public to accept crumbling public services and be grateful for the mere presence of devolution. 2025 must be a year of accountability and delivery or trust in our politics will fall even further."
Latest Northern Ireland News
06 February 2025
Woman Intimidated In Bangor Home Invasion
Detectives are investigating a report of intimidation towards a woman at her home in the Carrickmannin Gardens area of Bangor last night, Tuesday 4th February. The incident occurred around 7.45pm when a number of masked men entered the woman's home while she was present with her five young children.
Woman Intimidated In Bangor Home Invasion
Detectives are investigating a report of intimidation towards a woman at her home in the Carrickmannin Gardens area of Bangor last night, Tuesday 4th February. The incident occurred around 7.45pm when a number of masked men entered the woman's home while she was present with her five young children.
06 February 2025
Apprenticeships More Popular Than Ever – Economy Minister
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has highlighted the growing popularity of apprenticeships in Northern Ireland, stating that more people than ever are taking advantage of these valuable training opportunities.
Apprenticeships More Popular Than Ever – Economy Minister
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has highlighted the growing popularity of apprenticeships in Northern Ireland, stating that more people than ever are taking advantage of these valuable training opportunities.
06 February 2025
Last Chance To Top Up National Insurance Record To Boost State Pension
People have contributed a total of 68,673 years to their State Pension through an online service since April last year, according to HMRC. The service allows individuals to check their National Insurance record and top up any gaps to increase their State Pension entitlement.
Last Chance To Top Up National Insurance Record To Boost State Pension
People have contributed a total of 68,673 years to their State Pension through an online service since April last year, according to HMRC. The service allows individuals to check their National Insurance record and top up any gaps to increase their State Pension entitlement.
06 February 2025
SDLP Slams Executive Failure To Reform Public Services
The Executive cannot hide from its failure to reform public services in Northern Ireland, the leader of the SDLP has said. Claire Hanna made the comments following a speech by Secretary of State Hilary Benn in Belfast on Tuesday.
SDLP Slams Executive Failure To Reform Public Services
The Executive cannot hide from its failure to reform public services in Northern Ireland, the leader of the SDLP has said. Claire Hanna made the comments following a speech by Secretary of State Hilary Benn in Belfast on Tuesday.
06 February 2025
Alliance Welcomes New Legal Scheme For Child Abuse Victims
Alliance Justice spokesperson Connie Egan MLA has welcomed the launch of the Children's Sexual Offences Legal Adviser (CSOLA) scheme, a new initiative designed to provide free legal advice to child victims of sexual offences.
Alliance Welcomes New Legal Scheme For Child Abuse Victims
Alliance Justice spokesperson Connie Egan MLA has welcomed the launch of the Children's Sexual Offences Legal Adviser (CSOLA) scheme, a new initiative designed to provide free legal advice to child victims of sexual offences.
06 February 2025
Wrightbus Creates 60 New Apprenticeships In Company Expansion
Wrightbus, the pioneering zero-emission transport manufacturer, plans to recruit 60 new apprentices as the company continues to expand its operations in the UK and Europe.
Wrightbus Creates 60 New Apprenticeships In Company Expansion
Wrightbus, the pioneering zero-emission transport manufacturer, plans to recruit 60 new apprentices as the company continues to expand its operations in the UK and Europe.
06 February 2025
Study Reveals High Levels Of Childhood Trauma In NI
A groundbreaking study has revealed significant levels of childhood trauma among the adult population in Northern Ireland, with 60% reporting at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE).
Study Reveals High Levels Of Childhood Trauma In NI
A groundbreaking study has revealed significant levels of childhood trauma among the adult population in Northern Ireland, with 60% reporting at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE).
06 February 2025
Man Arrested In East Belfast Following Cannabis Seizure
Police in East Belfast arrested a man and seized suspected cannabis with an estimated street value of £12,000 on Wednesday 5th February. The discovery was made after a number of packages addressed to an individual were received at a business premises in the east of the city. Upon inspection, suspected cannabis was found within the packages.
Man Arrested In East Belfast Following Cannabis Seizure
Police in East Belfast arrested a man and seized suspected cannabis with an estimated street value of £12,000 on Wednesday 5th February. The discovery was made after a number of packages addressed to an individual were received at a business premises in the east of the city. Upon inspection, suspected cannabis was found within the packages.
06 February 2025
The Most Popular Sports in Wales
For many years, Rugby was the number one sport in Wales, but this has recently shifted with more sports fans taking an interest in football. There are several reasons for this, including the relative success of the men's international team and the emergence of world-class talents.
The Most Popular Sports in Wales
For many years, Rugby was the number one sport in Wales, but this has recently shifted with more sports fans taking an interest in football. There are several reasons for this, including the relative success of the men's international team and the emergence of world-class talents.
06 February 2025
Other News In Brief
'Unbelievable' For Stormont Funding To Support Israeli Planes In Gaza – SDLP Stormont funding being used to support the building of Israeli planes used in Gaza has been described as "unbelievable", SDLP Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone has said.
Other News In Brief
'Unbelievable' For Stormont Funding To Support Israeli Planes In Gaza – SDLP Stormont funding being used to support the building of Israeli planes used in Gaza has been described as "unbelievable", SDLP Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone has said.