12 weeks into the new Executive, we have yet to see any meaningful interventions on childcare and the parents who were melted before are now furious! We need to see urgent support now. MeltedParentsNI

I'm proud to represent a shared constituency.

Symbols that matter to constituents and friends, including national flags, matter to me.

But too often they flutter in rags, used to mark territory or glorify paramilitaries.

A code of practice and enforcement is years overdue.

Our APG on Youth Participation commences in Parliament Bulldings, with the continuing theme of Youth Homelessness. Hearing from young people with lived experience and Grainia Long of Housing Executive
A terrific group to be a part of!✅
The SDLP | Cara Hunter MLA 🕊

Dogwhistle language about 'open borders' only emboldens the hard right and those who want to harden the open border we treasure on this island.

I challenged the First Minister today on her party's use of this rhetoric.

Warm vibes and photo-opps are one thing, but the public expects an actual plan fron the Executive.

They haven't got one yet.

My piece in the The Irish News👇
irishnews.com/news/northern-…

Out and about in Downpatrick with the team, connecting with the community and listening to the local issues. Essential to be on the ground and representing people all year round.
The SDLP | Claire Hanna #RepresentationMatters

Comhghairdeas Cllr. Lilian Seenoi Barr (MRS BARR)-SDLP!

This is a historic moment but we’re proud to make the nomination because Lilian is a fierce & compassionate advocate for everyone she meets, a committed human rights activist & relentlessly ambitious for our communities.

She will be an incredible Mayor.

Can confirm it is colder than it looks out there! Very worth the chilly fingers & toes to chat to residents around Martinville & Glenhugh about issues they care about & that we’re working inc, today inc FE /skills, childcare & the state of the roads. Thanks brilliant volunteers😍

Great to have the team out in Downpatrick yesterday updating people on some local issues and Claire Hanna joined us too. The SDLP

On your doorstep and on the case across South Belfast

This week the SDLP Opposition has been:

Challenging the Executive for transparency around civil service appointments.

Fighting for free hospital car parking for health service staff and patients.

Securing support to educate young people about consent and healthy relationships.

👪Free Childcare Advice Session👪
Want some advice? We have teamed up with Employers For Childcare to offer an advice session at my Consistency Office at 📍 1 Bellhouse Lane Coleraine on Thursday 23rd May 2024 between 10am and 15.30.

To book an appointment call:
028 7034 8933 📞

Some thoughts on a missed opportunity Budget.

While acknowledging the fiscal position the Executive is in, and the squeeze of high inflation and UK austerity, the Budget statement is abysmally weak on prioritisation, clarity and far short of Executive parties promised.

Thread..

📣 NEWRY EVENT 📣
7-9pm | Thursday 16.05.24 | Canal Court Hotel, Newry

Join us for an in-conversation event with Noelle O’Connell, CEO of European Movement Ireland European Movement Ireland

Register via:

eventbrite.com/e/towards-a-ne…

Today's budget shows the Executive has no idea what their priorities are or how to save our public services.

Health waiting lists, childcare, the cost of living - we are no clearer on how the Executive plans to solve these issues.

Matthew O'Toole

sdlp.ie/executive_budg…

🏗️🏙️ SDLP met again with Castlebrooke today about the 'Tribeca' site in the Enlightenment District. The status quo is not an option - we sought clarification on, and urged them to publish steps they’ve taken since February. Belfast City Council will continue to consider vesting.

If we don’t have a properly funded healthcare system people will die. People already are dying in waiting lists. That’s the evidence we have received from the sector. If the Executive don’t get it, then we are in a very worrying place.
The SDLP | Matthew O'Toole

⏱️💶

While we await ministers (hopefully) agreeing a Budget, SDLP Opposition has costed just some of the promises Exec parties have made in Assembly motions since Feb 👇

It's at least £1.5 bn...

Its time for the Executive to front up on priorities- and how they'll fund them

In Westminster today I raised the critical state of childcare & the March in Belfast at the weekend. One interim measure I have been pushing, until the NI Exec act, is a lift in the tax free threshold for NI parents - who are not able to access new measures available in England