3 March 2026
SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O’Toole MLA has said the public wants to see the First and deputy First Minister putting the Executive’s response to Iran ahead of party political interests.
He was speaking in the Assembly on Tuesday morning.
South Belfast MLA Matthew O’Toole said:
“The US and Israel’s attack on Iran and the involvement of the UK Government has prompted serious uncertainty for many people in Northern Ireland. The SDLP believes that this is a deeply destabilising, illegal act led by Donald Trump, that could lead to widespread suffering for innocent civilians.
"It is reasonable for the First Ministers to take entirely different political positions on Trump's actions, but the failure to provide even a pretence of coherent devolved governmental response is utterly unacceptable. There is no excuse for failing to show up, attend meetings and advocate on behalf of the people you represent.
“Many families in Northern Ireland have loved ones in the Middle East and they are worried about their safety. Others are concerned about the knock-on impact of rising energy and fuel prices on already stretched household budgets, especially given our reliance on cars and unregulated home heating oil which are already spiking in cost.
“Political disagreement is not an excuse for the abdication of leadership and the public have been failed yet again by parties who always put themselves first.”