11/12/2023
SDLP Calls For 'Meaningful Dialogue' At Roundtable Talks
The SDLP has called for "meaningful dialogue" between NI's five political parties during roundtable talks with the British Government in Hillsborough.
The Foyle MP said that this should not be a simple briefing on the state of public finances but instead should form the basis of a final dialogue to restore the Executive to deal with the crisis in public services.
Speaking ahead of the roundtable taking place today, Monday 11 December, Party Leader Colum Eastwood MP said: "The SDLP is entering these discussions with three key priorities. They must generate the final momentum to restore the Executive, there must be a serious plan to rescue public services and we need to hear how a fair pay reward for public sector workers out on strike will be resourced. Anything else is a waste of time.
"People waiting years for hospital treatment deserve the respect of knowing what we're doing to help them. Nurses, teachers, public transport providers and everyone else forced to strike for a fair pay deal deserve to know that we are taking their needs seriously. Everyone who relies on core public services deserves to know there is a plan to get our society back on track.
"We aren't going to Hillsborough for a cosy catchup. It's time to get the deal done and restore the government."
The Foyle MP said that this should not be a simple briefing on the state of public finances but instead should form the basis of a final dialogue to restore the Executive to deal with the crisis in public services.
Speaking ahead of the roundtable taking place today, Monday 11 December, Party Leader Colum Eastwood MP said: "The SDLP is entering these discussions with three key priorities. They must generate the final momentum to restore the Executive, there must be a serious plan to rescue public services and we need to hear how a fair pay reward for public sector workers out on strike will be resourced. Anything else is a waste of time.
"People waiting years for hospital treatment deserve the respect of knowing what we're doing to help them. Nurses, teachers, public transport providers and everyone else forced to strike for a fair pay deal deserve to know that we are taking their needs seriously. Everyone who relies on core public services deserves to know there is a plan to get our society back on track.
"We aren't going to Hillsborough for a cosy catchup. It's time to get the deal done and restore the government."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 October 2013
SDLP 'Regrets' IRA Play Park Naming
SDLP leader Alistair McDonnell has said he "regrets" the decision to reaffirm the naming of a children's playground in Newry, County Down, after an IRA hunger striker.
SDLP 'Regrets' IRA Play Park Naming
SDLP leader Alistair McDonnell has said he "regrets" the decision to reaffirm the naming of a children's playground in Newry, County Down, after an IRA hunger striker.
13 February 2024
UK Govt Outlines Full Details Of £3.3bn NI Spending Settlement
The UK Government has outlined the full details of the £3.3 billion spending settlement for Northern Ireland in a letter sent to Minister for Finance, Dr Caoimhe Archibald.
UK Govt Outlines Full Details Of £3.3bn NI Spending Settlement
The UK Government has outlined the full details of the £3.3 billion spending settlement for Northern Ireland in a letter sent to Minister for Finance, Dr Caoimhe Archibald.
08 February 2024
Finance Minister Committed To Delivering Public Sector Pay Award
New Finance Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald, has committed to delivering a public sector pay award that will reflect "the vital role they play in delivering public services". The Minister has held her first official meeting with civil service trade unions – NIPSA, FDA, Unite and GMB – to discuss the issues affecting public services.
Finance Minister Committed To Delivering Public Sector Pay Award
New Finance Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald, has committed to delivering a public sector pay award that will reflect "the vital role they play in delivering public services". The Minister has held her first official meeting with civil service trade unions – NIPSA, FDA, Unite and GMB – to discuss the issues affecting public services.
24 November 2023
UK Govt Urged To 'Do More' To Support Public Sector Workers
Sinn Féin has called on the UK government to "do more" to fully support public sector workers and services. The party's economy spokesperson, MLA Conor Murphy, said: "Once again, the Tories have continued with their cruel agenda of austerity with more real term cuts to funding for public services and less money for pay.
UK Govt Urged To 'Do More' To Support Public Sector Workers
Sinn Féin has called on the UK government to "do more" to fully support public sector workers and services. The party's economy spokesperson, MLA Conor Murphy, said: "Once again, the Tories have continued with their cruel agenda of austerity with more real term cuts to funding for public services and less money for pay.
22 September 2017
Serious Concerns Raised Over Roads Maintenance Budget
The SDLP and Alliance have expressed serious concerns after it was revealed that the NI Roads Maintenance budget for this year is to run out next month. SDLP Infrastructure Spokesperson and West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan has called on political parties to forge an agreement.
Serious Concerns Raised Over Roads Maintenance Budget
The SDLP and Alliance have expressed serious concerns after it was revealed that the NI Roads Maintenance budget for this year is to run out next month. SDLP Infrastructure Spokesperson and West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan has called on political parties to forge an agreement.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.