7 May 2026
SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP has said the momentum for reforming the Stormont institutions must be seized.
She was speaking following a meeting with Taoiseach Micheál Martin at Stormont on Thursday.
The SDLP has called on the UK and Irish Governments to engage in a short process of talks with parties to deliver change before the next Assembly election.
South Belfast and Mid Down MP Claire Hanna said:
“The public have made clear that politics and the Executive here are not delivering for them. Failure to act now risks further undermining confidence in the institutions and continuing the cycle of stop-start politics at a time when people are crying out for leadership.
“All of the main parties at Stormont have indicated support for some form of reform and it’s now incumbent on the UK and Irish Government to convene talks so that we can have a series of short, sharp reforms in place by the next Assembly election. We made that clear to the Taoiseach today and we welcome his engagement.
“We also raised a number of other important issues during today’s meeting, including outstanding legacy matters and the need for the Irish Government to fully cooperate with the Omagh Bombing Inquiry. It is also vital that they ensure the UK Government upholds the commitments made in the Legacy Act and does not close down routes to truth and justice for victims and survivors.
“The SDLP also stressed the need for the Irish Government to take a greater role when it comes to planning for a New Ireland. The future is not set in stone, but we have learned from Brexit that we need to plan for the future so people can make an informed choice. The Irish Government has a leading role to play in planning and as conversations around a New Ireland intensify they must live up to that responsibility.”