Menu
09/02/2023
Focus Must Be On Restoring Stormont – Eastwood
SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has said that the focus must be on restoring the Stormont institutions to tackle the challenges facing people in the North.
He was speaking after reports NI Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris will introduce legislation delaying the obligation to call an Assembly election until next year.
Mr Eastwood said the focus must turn to finding solutions so that MLAs can get back to work and tackle the multiple issues impacting people here.
Colum Eastwood MP said: "The proposed legislation will, at least, put an end to the meaningless series of deadlines that have come and gone with no progress on restoring democratic governance in the North. But the British Government cannot take this as an opportunity to take their foot off the pedal or back down on the pressure needed to reform and restore the Assembly.
"People here deserve a government that will address hospital waiting lists, workers pay, the energy costs crisis and the growing list of crises in public services. Families across Northern Ireland won’t be breathing easier at this news and neither should political leaders.
"The SDLP is again putting our proposals to reform the process for appointing an Assembly Speaker to other parties and to the British Government today. We are creating the path back to work for politicians. They should all take it."
He was speaking after reports NI Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris will introduce legislation delaying the obligation to call an Assembly election until next year.
Mr Eastwood said the focus must turn to finding solutions so that MLAs can get back to work and tackle the multiple issues impacting people here.
Colum Eastwood MP said: "The proposed legislation will, at least, put an end to the meaningless series of deadlines that have come and gone with no progress on restoring democratic governance in the North. But the British Government cannot take this as an opportunity to take their foot off the pedal or back down on the pressure needed to reform and restore the Assembly.
"People here deserve a government that will address hospital waiting lists, workers pay, the energy costs crisis and the growing list of crises in public services. Families across Northern Ireland won’t be breathing easier at this news and neither should political leaders.
"The SDLP is again putting our proposals to reform the process for appointing an Assembly Speaker to other parties and to the British Government today. We are creating the path back to work for politicians. They should all take it."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
10 January 2018
Secretary Of State Committed To Restoring Devolution In NI
The new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has said she is committed to restoring devolution in NI, during her first official visit. Mrs Karen Bradley also said she was "delighted to be in Belfast".
Secretary Of State Committed To Restoring Devolution In NI
The new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has said she is committed to restoring devolution in NI, during her first official visit. Mrs Karen Bradley also said she was "delighted to be in Belfast".
21 November 2024
Work Underway For Free Hospital Parking In Northern Ireland
Work has begun at several hospital sites across Northern Ireland as part of the preparations for the introduction of free car parking in May 2026. Health and Social Care Trusts have been actively preparing for the implementation of a new traffic management system since the Hospital Parking Charges Act was passed in 2022.
Work Underway For Free Hospital Parking In Northern Ireland
Work has begun at several hospital sites across Northern Ireland as part of the preparations for the introduction of free car parking in May 2026. Health and Social Care Trusts have been actively preparing for the implementation of a new traffic management system since the Hospital Parking Charges Act was passed in 2022.
14 November 2024
Ministers Recognise Work Of US Special Envoy Joe Kennedy
The First Minister and deputy First Minister has thanked U.S. Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs, Joe Kennedy III, for his contribution to furthering economic links with the U.S. The Special Envoy is in Belfast for a series of events marking his term in office.
Ministers Recognise Work Of US Special Envoy Joe Kennedy
The First Minister and deputy First Minister has thanked U.S. Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs, Joe Kennedy III, for his contribution to furthering economic links with the U.S. The Special Envoy is in Belfast for a series of events marking his term in office.
15 November 2022
DUP Calls For Focus On Restoring Stormont Over Joint Authority
DUP Lagan Valley MLA, Paul Givan, has said that those pursing joint authority would be better to harness their energy and replace the Protocol with arrangements that unionists can support so devolution can be restored.
DUP Calls For Focus On Restoring Stormont Over Joint Authority
DUP Lagan Valley MLA, Paul Givan, has said that those pursing joint authority would be better to harness their energy and replace the Protocol with arrangements that unionists can support so devolution can be restored.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
