19 January 2026
SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O’Toole MLA has said Sinn Féin voting on a motion criticising the Executive’s failure to deliver underlines the ongoing farce at Stormont.
Sinn Féin MLAs supported the Alliance amendment to the SDLP Opposition Day motion.
The party’s members did not vote against the amended motion in an oral vote. It was then carried.
South Belfast MLA Matthew O’Toole said:
“It was surreal in the Assembly today seeing Sinn Féin members failing to oppose an SDLP Opposition Day motion criticising the continued failure of the Executive they head up. This underlines the continued farce from a government that paints itself as all things to all people and struggles to be honest with the public.
“Executive parties were clearly rattled today by the Opposition pointing out their continued failure. Despite attempts to celebrate their meagre achievements, people across Northern Ireland know that their public services are failing, that they can’t get a GP or hospital appointment, that our environment is polluted and that housing waiting lists, rents, deposits and mortgage payments are only climbing higher.
“Alliance and Sinn Féin MLAs have acknowledged the Executive's failings in the Assembly, and I would ask what they are planning to do about it. We are no closer to agreement on a multi-year budget, key infrastructure projects remain stalled and public trust in politicians and Stormont is continually being eroded.”