SDLP Women

Campaigning to extend and defend women's rights.💪The women's group in @SDLPlive

[Darran Marshall @DarranMarshall]

"It was a very difficult time for everybody and a scary time when you are a child."

Adrian Dunbar reflects on growing up off the Garvaghy Road in Portadown in the late 1970s.

Listen to the full #BBCRedLines interview on @BBCSounds.

https://t.co/2IlvNkpCP3

[Matthew O'Toole @MatthewOToole2]

Anywhere else in these islands the dominant story would be the political and public service crisis of a Government refusing to set a Budget.

Sadly in NI media - including public service media - are happy to allow unelected agitators to dominate discourse for days on end.

Grim.

[Matthew O'Toole @MatthewOToole2]

Re Drumcree judgment: statutory bodies obviously need to follow their own procedures.

But this is 2026, not 1996.

The people of Garvaghy Rd and the vast majority of NI have moved on and don't want to reopen a dark chapter to suit online rabble rousers and a desperate DUP.

[Matthew O'Toole @MatthewOToole2]

The last week has proven this region can do extraordinary things.

Dysfunction and division are not inevitable but a choice.

If either SF or the DUP made a self-interested choice to collapse Government again it would only be an acknowledgement of their own failure.

[Marcella @cellah26bsky]

This fills my heart with joy & great hope for the next generation 👏👏👏👏👏

[SDLP Women @SDLP_Women]

Not that we’re biased but you know it makes sense! 😊

[Belfast Telegraph @BelTel]

EXCLUSIVE | Former UUP councillor @mclaren_linzi: ‘If my future is in politics, it will be with the SDLP’ https://t.co/EHpKpqPOPG

✍️ @kylefrazernews

[Matthew O'Toole @MatthewOToole2]

There are many reasonable questions about the quality of MLAs (generally poor), Stormont (failing) and pay.

But it is unfair to attack someone for employing temporary staff cover in their office while they are on mat leave.

Sorry if this non-populist disappoints anyone!

[Matthew O'Toole @MatthewOToole2]

Keep your urges to yourselves @TUVonline

[Belfast Telegraph @BelTel]

I’ve thought long and hard about commenting on the controversy over the cancellation of the Women’s Rights Network event at Féile an Phobail — it is a debate that attracts the most toxic elements, writes Allison Morris 🖋️
https://t.co/HIioJSfbqR

[Amanda Ferguson @AmandaFBelfast]

NEW: SDLP Leader comments following meeting with new Northern Ireland Secretary of State
Speaking following a meeting with the new Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Chris Bryant MP, SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP said:
“I congratulated Chris Bryant on his appointment and had a constructive discussion about the challenges facing Northern Ireland, and the urgent action needed to improve delivery for the people who live here.
"I made clear that there are two immediate priorities which cannot be ignored. The first is ensuring the Executive agrees a Budget before the 1 August deadline. Failure to do so would trigger an imposed 5% cut to departmental spending at a time when our public services are already under extraordinary pressure. That would mean difficult decisions that people would feel in their everyday lives – fewer buses, less mental health support, fewer homes being built and even greater pressures on special educational needs provision. That outcome would be a self-inflicted wound that we can ill afford and a real dereliction of duty by those parties who sought and won power to govern.
"I reminded the Secretary of State about appropriate and consistent funding for Northern Ireland which remains outstanding, delivered in a way that incentivises strategic decision making locally and not years of quick fix.
"We also discussed the urgent need for institutional reform and calling time on the decay and dysfunctional politics that have held Northern Ireland back for far too long. The SDLP had made substantial progress in encouraging the outgoing SOSNI and having written a book on reforming Westminster we hope Minister Bryant will pick up where he left off.
"People here face the longest health waiting lists, unacceptable delays in special educational needs provision, some of the highest childcare costs, a lack of affordable housing, and a lack of hope. That is not inevitable; it is the result of institutions that too often fail to deliver, and of a dearth of political leadership in the Executive that can no longer be allowed to limit the life outcomes for people here.
"I look forward to working constructively with the Secretary of State to secure the investment and reforms that Northern Ireland needs, and will continue to make the case for the wider changes that can unlock the potential of this place and its people.”

[Carl Whyte @CarlJWhyte]

Hilary Benn confirmed to @ClaireHanna in Commons this week that PSNI now have the power to remove paramilitary flags.

I’m told some have been removed in East Belfast.

However, the overall passive response of the PSNI to paramilitary displays is doing immense damage to public confidence in policing. It needs to change.

[Matthew O'Toole @MatthewOToole2]

NEW: I've written to ask the dFM provide urgent answers to the Assembly on the allegations of recent days.

Given the Executive Office is responsible for tackling violence against women, confidence in office holders is vital and an internal DUP inquiry is not enough.

(1/2)

[Matthew O'Toole @MatthewOToole2]

The Donaldson revelations go to the heart of the arrogant hypocrisy the DUP has demonstrated for decades.

An in-house review isn't enough: the party must now accept they will never again be allowed to impose their will on the public while behaving with wild impunity in private.

[Linzi McLaren former UUP councillor @mclaren_linzi]

A fantastic post from @ClaireHanna outlining the actions we must take to protect our vulnerable children from monsters seeking to do them harm. Give them the means & language they need to express their ordeal. Age appropriate education is essential
https://t.co/wTNPKLRgAG

[SDLP Women @SDLP_Women]

Incredible courage and strength from both victims. We stand in solidarity with them and all those who have suffered abuse

[Claire Hanna @ClaireHanna]

In deep admiration of Donaldson’s victims, who showed immense courage coming forward knowing the journey they would face. This case sends a clear message that no one is above the law.

I have contacted the Cabinet Office to ensure Donaldson’s knighthood is stripped immediately.

[SDLP Women @SDLP_Women]

@MatthewTaylorNI Congratulations Matthew!

[Alan Stout @AlanStout19]

A very important piece of good news

[Claire Hanna @ClaireHanna]

The images from Scarva are bleak and disturbing. Taunts at peaceful marchers, an MP surrounded by masked men in 2026. Weaponised slurry, for God’s sake.

Political leaders who won’t condemn bullying and intimidation, wherever it comes from, won’t take society anywhere good.

[Matthew O'Toole @MatthewOToole2]

I work constructively with DUP reps who are able and personally very decent people.

But the scenes from Scarva are a reminder of the unmistakable Paisleyite DNA which panders to and connives with thuggery, then plays dumb when called out.

Appalling behaviour.

[The Irish News @irish_news]

“Palliative care is not a charitable extra or a soft add on to the health service, it is an evidence-based intervention that improves outcomes for patients and families and reduces avoidable pressure on acute services.”

The Department of Health has been told that “warm words do not keep beds open” as the hospice sector struggles to maintain services.

Read more: https://t.co/apRXQO3x9r