13/04/2015

SDLP Supports Assembly Commission Proposals

The SDLP has endorsed a 3% cut to party financing by the Assembly commission.

Mr Pat Ramsey said that it's important that parties share the pain of cuts.

He said: "In the context of devastating cuts to public services as a result of the Sinn Féin/DUP austerity budget, it's important that political parties share in the pain being inflicted on countless organisations across the North.

"That's why the SDLP is backing the cut to party financing proposed by the Assembly commission. Financial Assistance for political parties must be regulated, transparent and open to scrutiny. The Assembly should facilitate this, offering an accurate picture of party activities. People have been let down by parties channelling public funds into their own research companies or through murky cultural societies."

(CD/MH)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

22 November 2024
SDLP Calls For Action On Food Bank Crisis
The SDLP has called on the Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, to outline how he intends to tackle food bank reliance across Northern Ireland.
09 December 2024
SDLP Describes Irish Sea Border Bill As 'Detached From Reality'
An Irish Sea Border Bill, presented to the House of Commons by the TUV's Jim Allister, has been described as "detached from reality", by SDLP Leader Claire Hanna. South Belfast and Mid Down MP Ms Hanna said: "The Irish Sea Border Bill before the Commons today is the stuff of fantasy, detached from the reality of Brexit and the present day.
27 November 2024
SDLP Backs Calls For Maternity and Children's Hospital Inquiry
The SDLP has backed calls for a full independent inquiry into a new Maternity and Children's Hospital in Belfast. Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA said it was key to understanding the reasons for spiralling costs on the project.
25 November 2024
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
13 March 2013
NI Abortion Amendment Fails
A proposed amendment which would ban abortions in private clinics has failed in the Northern Ireland Assembly. The proposal, which was put forward by the DUP and SDLP, was lost after 40 politicians voted against it. Sinn Fein, Alliance and the Green Party managed to block the move.