17 June 2025 

SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O’Toole MLA has endorsed comments from the Assembly Speaker criticising the standard of Assembly debate.

Speaker Edwin Poots issued a rebuke to MLAs on Tuesday reminding them of their role and responsibilities.

South Belfast MLA Mr O’Toole said:

“The comments from the Speaker today echo concerns the SDLP Opposition has raised for some time. Repeatedly we’ve seen Executive parties and their MLAs treat the Assembly Chamber as an inconvenience, rather than a core part of their role.

“Since the return of devolution, we’ve seen too much time wasted on meaningless motions, Ministers avoiding scrutiny, and MLAs using debates to drive their social media channels instead of focusing on the job of governing.

“Even at today’s Opposition Day, Sinn Féin failed to vote and other parties failed to show up. In contrast, the SDLP continues to ask tough questions and push for higher standards in debate and democratic scrutiny because we believe the current Executive performance is not good enough and hasn’t delivered for people in Northern Ireland.

“The Speaker’s intervention underlines the importance of a constructive Opposition to hold the Executive accountable and ensure Assembly time is treated with the seriousness it deserves.”