14 September 2026

SDLP North Belfast Councillor Carl Whyte has said the success of the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann demonstrates what Belfast and the North can achieve when ambition replaces drift and division.

Cllr Whyte's comments come as the SDLP brings an Opposition Day motion to the Assembly calling for the Fleadh to leave a lasting legacy through greater investment in culture, regeneration, pedestrianisation and reform of licensing laws.

Cllr Carl Whyte said:

"This summer, the Fleadh gave us a glimpse of what Belfast can be.  We saw a city confident in itself, proud of its culture and ready to welcome people from across this island and beyond. Belfast City Council, cultural organisations, public bodies and the many volunteers involved deserve huge credit for what was achieved.

"It also proves that culture does not have to be another source of division in our politics. We can celebrate Irish traditional culture proudly while respecting and embracing the traditions of others. The participation of bands from the unionist tradition showed that pride in one identity does not diminish another. We should have the confidence to celebrate our differences and recognise that they can enrich our shared society.

"The bigger political question is why that same ambition is so often absent from the Executive. Ministers at Stormont have presided over a struggling city centre, an arts sector crying out for support and licensing laws that hold back our hospitality industry. They cannot praise what the Fleadh has brought to Belfast while being content with stagnation elsewhere.

"The SDLP wants to see that change. We want more people in our city centre, more life on our streets, proper investment in arts and culture and an Executive willing to back Belfast rather than manage its decline.

"The Fleadh showed what can be achieved when we match ambition with action. Ministers now need to bring that same energy to government and deliver better for people and communities across the North."