29 October 2026

SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O’Toole MLA has said that the contrast in our politics has never been clearer.  While the DUP is once again manufacturing crisis, the SDLP is focused on building a new Ireland that offers hope, opportunity and a shared future for everyone who calls this island home.

Matthew O'Toole MLA said:

“Today was a petulant and preposterous stunt from the DUP, who increasingly seem to have given up on offering any serious vision for the future or the common good.

“While our health service, schools and other vital public services are being left in limbo because the Executive has failed to agree a Budget, the largest unionist party is once again consumed by petty stunts and playground politics.

“The DUP needs to understand that making Northern Ireland unworkable is not a political strategy. Threatening the institutions every time they encounter a difficulty simply reinforces the conclusion that they have no positive vision for Northern Ireland and no idea how to make it work.

“People deserve much better than being trapped indefinitely in this cycle of petulance and manufactured crisis. People deserve functioning public services, economic opportunity and leadership capable of offering opportunity and hope for the future.

“The SDLP is clear: it doesn’t have to be like this. We want to build a new Ireland founded on the common good of all our people - one that respects different traditions, creates opportunity for our young people and gives everyone who shares this island a stake in its future.

“The contrast is becoming increasingly clear: while some retreat further into tantrums and pettiness, the SDLP’s focus is on building something better. A new Ireland should be about hope, opportunity and the confidence that we can create a better future together.”