SDLP will be ‘constructive’ in opposition says MLA McGrath

SDLP will be ‘constructive’ in opposition says MLA McGrath

20 March 2024

THE strength of SDLP opposition in the new Northern Ireland Assembly has already been made known, despite the institutions only being restored three weeks ago, according to the party’s South Down MLA Colin McGrath.

He said his party vowed to be a constructive opposition, one that holds the Executive and individual ministers to account and that despite the institutions only being restored a few weeks ago, the SDLP has already made good on this promise.

Mr McGrath said the issue that affects people the length and breadth of South Down is the money in their pockets.

“We all know how expensive things have been getting over the past number of years and people are really feeling the squeeze on their finances,” he continued.

“That is why the SDLP opposed the disgraceful decision by Sinn Féin and the DUP on Newry Mourne and Down Council to increase rates by 6.4% and it was baffling Alliance did not vote on this issue.”

Mr McGrath said with over £3.3bn making its way to Northern Ireland from the UK Treasury, how the Executive spends that funding must be made clear. 

“As an opposition party, the SDLP was not part of the negotiations between the Secretary of State and the Executive parties,” he continued.

“To date, nobody has told the public what was agreed in those meetings, particularly in relation to revenue raising.  I don’t think that’s good enough.”

Mr McGrath said the public has a right to know how its money is spent and what is going to be imposed to cover the financial cost of previous political failures.

He added: “This is the clarity we are seeking from the Executive and the strength of the SDLP opposition.”