Return of Stormont welcomed ‘to deliver for people’

Return of Stormont welcomed ‘to deliver for people’

7 February 2024

SOUTH Down MLA Sinead Ennis has welcomed the restoration of the political institutions at Stormont and the appointment of her party leader Michelle O’Neill as First Minister.

Ms Ennis has also reaffirmed her determination to deliver for people across the constituency.

She described last Saturday’s first sitting of the Assembly after two years as a “historic day” and one of significance for equality and progress. 

Ms Ennis said with MLAs back in the debating chamber, there’s a new opportunity to “work and build a better future together”.

She continued: “It is welcome that the DUP has decided to re-enter the democratic institutions and that the outcome of the Assembly election is now being respected. 

“The power-sharing coalition formed by the parties at the weekend must now dedicate itself to delivering an ambitious Agenda for Change.

“The public are relying on each of us to act in their best interests and to serve our whole community in good faith and I look forward to getting back around the table, working hard for people in South Down to deliver on the issues that matter most to them.”

Ms Ennis said there are also huge challenges ahead.

“The rising cost of living has been a heavy burden on many households and businesses. The crisis in our health system must be addressed, with too many patients waiting for treatment and support across our communities,” she continued.

“Our teachers, nurses and all public sector workers are being forced on to the picket line. This demands urgent action and we must see fair pay delivered immediately after a decade of Tory austerity which decimated our public services and caused real suffering.”

Ms Ennis said all  parties must unite and fight the corner of every citizen with one voice to ensure public services are funded properly and “communities protected against cruel Tory policies”.

She said while there are many things which this new Executive must do, last Saturday represented a new dawn.

“For the first time ever, a nationalist takes up the position of First Minister. Michelle O’Neill will lead an Executive as a First Minister for all, working together to deliver for workers and families and represent all our communities,” insisted Ms Ennis.

“This is a time of hope and opportunity. A time to build a better future for everyone.”