Following a really weak efficiency on the latest Meeting Elections, the SDLP have determined to do one thing dramatic to reverse their ailing fortunes.
In the present day I’ve written to the Speaker of the Meeting to substantiate that the SDLP will now be the Official Opposition to the impasse and division of the Stormont administration.
Folks have been promised change in Could’s election. As an Opposition, that’s what our workforce will ship. pic.twitter.com/EOZs2JKpaj
— Colum Eastwood 🇺🇦 (@columeastwood) July 25, 2022
From the BBC report:
Occasion chief Colum Eastwood mentioned he has formally nominated South Belfast meeting member Matthew O’Toole to guide the opposition.
Mr O’Toole has inspired different events, significantly the Alliance Occasion and Ulster Unionist Occasion (UUP), to affix the SDLP in forming an opposition.
“Our opposition to the politics of division and impasse which has contaminated Stormont is about remodeling this place and the lives of all its residents. And my enchantment to others is that should you’ve had sufficient of the failure, then be a part of us. We are able to construct one thing significantly better collectively,” he mentioned.
Below provisions agreed by the Stormont events for an official opposition the SDLP can count on to obtain about £60,000 to be spent on analysis plus £20,000 for the operation of a whips’ workplace.
The get together may also acquire further talking rights within the Meeting chamber and would be the first in line to query ministers.
It’ll even be entitled to carry the chair of the important thing scrutiny physique the Public Accounts Committee and will probably be in a position to set the agenda within the Meeting for 10 days per yr.
On the face of it, it seems like a wise transfer. It provides them a transparent place on which to assault the DUP/Sinn Fein. It’ll additionally push the DUP/Sinn Fein nearer collectively within the eyes of the general public.
However then will it make Sir Jeff even much less more likely to wish to be a part of Michelle?
We’re heading into unsure occasions. I’d quite be the opposition kicking the sh*te out of the federal government than being on the receiving finish of the kicks.
I assist hold the nice ship Slugger afloat by managing the enterprise and techy stuff.
