18 August 2026

SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole MLA has said the resignation of Health Minister Mike Nesbitt underlines the need for a more serious and responsible approach to government in Northern Ireland.

He said continued political instability and internal party disputes were undermining public services and would frustrate healthcare workers and patients who had been promised serious reform of the health service.

Matthew O'Toole MLA said:

"Mike Nesbitt’s resignation as Health Minister is an indictment of our Executive and underlines the need for a serious and honest approach to government in Northern Ireland, which is something that has been lacking throughout this shortened and sadly wasted mandate.

"This news tonight will come as an insult to healthcare workers and patients who had been promised a serious approach to reforming our broken system.

"Once again, our public services are undermined by irresponsibility, short-termism and political game-playing.

"This Executive's failure to take responsibility for improving people's lives was already exemplified by the failure to agree a Budget - now we have ministers walking away from their jobs amid internal party squabbles.

"We have seen other parties fly kites about the prospect of collapsing the Assembly in recent weeks, but people are fed up with the drama and just want an Executive that seeks to make their lives better.

"The SDLP will continue our essential work as the official Opposition to this shambolic Executive and illustrate to the public that it does not have to be like this."