Matthew O'Toole MLA
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otoolematthew.bsky.social
Matthew O'Toole MLA
@otoolematthew.bsky.social
Now:
SDLP MLA for South Belfast | Leader of the Opposition

Former: civil servant & journalist.

Future: A social democratic new Ireland
The Executive is defined by inaction, so is happy with the distraction of daily rows on signs or statues.

If we want to give young people a reason not to get on a plane to Australia, we need to offer more them more than one never-ending Old Firm game.
May 10, 2025 at 12:16 PM
We desperately need to devolve more fiscal power away from London.

But under four successive Sinn Féin finance ministers barely anything has happened other than empty talk.

When I asked John O'Dowd how he planned to fulfil SF manifesto pledges in this area, he just dismissed the question.
February 21, 2025 at 4:09 PM
All our SDLP Opposition Day motions on tackling violence against women passed yesterday, but now we need to see action from the Executive.

As I said yesterday, we can no longer tolerate women feeling unsafe as they live their lives.
January 15, 2025 at 5:03 PM
The Assembly has voted to extend the protections of the Protocol.

Now, as well as continued efforts to smooth goods movement, we need a focus on maximising the immense opportunities from our unique relationship with Europe.

My words in the Assembly on Tuesday.
December 11, 2024 at 11:11 PM
Ahead of this week's vote, you'll hear negativity about our relationship to Europe.

Not from the SDLP.

We are NI's most pro-European party and passionate about the opportunities awaiting our people from a truly European future 🇪🇺

We were in Brussels this week making that case.
December 7, 2024 at 9:03 PM
Stormont's shameful go-slow on climate and the environment continues.

I asked the dFM to confirm the DUP wouldn't block an independent Environmental Protection Agency or ambitious climate action plans (if either are ever brought forward).

Her answer was not encouraging.
November 25, 2024 at 5:41 PM
After the horrors of Mobouy and Lough Neagh, despite a promise in his party's manifesto, the Environment Minister has kicked an independent Environmental Protection Agency into the long grass with another review.

Will anything shame Stormont into protecting the environment?
November 19, 2024 at 4:29 PM