5 May 2026
SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O’Toole MLA has slammed Sinn Féin and the DUP after they teamed up to thwart greater scrutiny at Stormont.
The parties voted against SDLP Opposition amendments to the Fiscal Council Bill, including substantial new powers to allow the Northern Ireland Fiscal Council to assess how well the Executive is delivering its Programme for Government.
Other amendments would also allow the Fiscal Council to assess the economic impacts of Executive decisions and require the council to examine the cost of duplicating public services.
Every other MLA supported the SDLP Opposition amendments.
South Belfast MLA Matthew O’Toole said:
“Today’s amendments were reasonable and supported by all parties in the Assembly other than Sinn Féin and the DUP. They may fall out for the cameras and engage in sham fights, but they are unified in wanting to avoid proper scrutiny - which is why they united to kill off our proposals today.
“The truth is the status quo suits these parties, they would rather focus on poking each other in the eye and polarising our society than delivering. People will draw their own conclusions about how serious either of these parties are about reform or improving our politics.
“This Executive has failed to deliver a multi-year Budget or any Budget and are now in breach of the law. The A5 and Casement Park remain unbuilt, our housing and health waiting lists continue to grow, Lough Neagh is polluted and our wastewater infrastructure is crumbling. Sinn Féin and the DUP will always put party interests ahead of what’s best for the people of Northern Ireland and we are all the worse for it.”