SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O’Toole MLA has challenged Sinn Féin to back up to their support for Assembly reform with action.
He was speaking after an SDLP Opposition Day motion calling for a programme for reform including an accountability mechanism for Executive Ministers.
It passed with the support of Sinn Féin and the Alliance Party.
South Belfast MLA Matthew O’Toole said:
“It has been clear for some time that if the Stormont institutions are to deliver for the people of Northern Ireland then there would need to be serious reforms. Despite repeated challenge from the SDLP Opposition, Sinn Féin and the DUP have refused to engage meaningfully on reform, while Alliance have been unable to secure progress despite their place at the Executive table.
“Today Sinn Féin backed our motion calling for a programme of reform and proposals from the First and deputy First Minister. They must back up that support with action, it’s no good paying lip service to this issue and then balking when things get serious.
“The Education Minister’s use of his department has brought the need for reform back into focus and the public will not accept nothing less than moving to ensure no Minister can escape scrutiny after losing the support of the public and MLAs.
“The unedifying scenes in the Assembly chamber today will have left many people disillusioned at the state of politics in this place. People deserve better and the SDLP Opposition are determined to do everything within our power to give it to them.”
ENDS
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