14 October 2025
SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole MLA has labelled the Executive "tinpot" for its failure to deliver a long-promised Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland, accusing Ministers of being "more interested in petty rows than getting the basics right for people and businesses here."
Speaking ahead of the SDLP's Opposition Day in Stormont, O'Toole said that despite repeated commitments in the Programme for Government, the Executive has failed to produce the Investment Strategy which should be driving long-term infrastructure, economic growth and job creation.
He further warned that without a credible plan to guide capital investment and deliver major projects, Northern Ireland's economy is being left behind, opportunities are being squandered and public confidence in the Executive's ability to deliver is collapsing.
Matthew O'Toole MLA said:
"The absence of an agreed and published Executive Investment Strategy is making Northern Ireland look tinpot to potential investors and squandering opportunities for vital cross-border development.
"With just 18 months left in this mandate, there's no plan, no timeline, and no delivery. Instead, we have a lacklustre Executive more interested in petty rows than getting the basics right for people and businesses here.
"The consequences of this failure are clear: the A5 Western Transport Corridor is still stuck on the starting line, wastewater infrastructure is creaking at capacity, and the all-island rail review sits gathering dust on a shelf. Every day of delay costs jobs, growth and opportunity.
"Sinn Féin Ministers in particular have immense power to drive strategic investment that could transform this region and forge stronger connections across the island.
"If this Executive is serious about delivering investment for the people of the North, with good jobs and improved standard of life, it must deliver on the potential of this region, rather than constantly talking us down.
"The Executive has quite simply failed to give a clear vision of how it wants to invest in our future. It doesn't have to be this way. The SDLP Opposition is calling for the immediate publication of a credible Investment Strategy, with clear timelines, delivery milestones, and real accountability."