SDLP Leader Claire Hanna launches the Common Good paper aiming to create a new vision for New Ireland and the political system
Yesterday, the SDLP launched Politics for the Common Good: Beyond Constant Crisis, a major new report setting out our plan to reform politics, strengthen our institutions and build the foundations for a New Ireland.
SDLP Leader Claire Hanna said: “Almost thirty years after the Good Friday Agreement, we have political institutions that remain vulnerable to collapse, an Executive unable to agree a Budget and public services under enormous strain.
“People are tired of the constant crises, political brinkmanship and arguments about who holds power rather than what they intend to do with it.
“The SDLP believes Northern Ireland deserves better. And we have a plan to deliver it.
“Our report sets out practical proposals to:
- End the cycle of collapse by preventing any single party from bringing down the Executive.
- Make government work through an agreed Programme for Government, greater cooperation and the removal of unnecessary vetoes.
- Bring politics closer to people by making the Assembly more accessible and giving communities greater influence over decisions that affect them.
- Build for the future through wider reform of power-sharing to create more effective and accountable government.
“The SDLP is already making progress. We have relentlessly pressed the Secretary of State for reform, secured Assembly support for change and engaged with both Governments to build momentum for delivery.
“We also hosted a launch event in Dublin yesterday evening, where we reinforced our message that making Northern Ireland work and preparing for a New Ireland are not competing ambitions, but part of the same project.
“We want to change the narrative about Northern Ireland — from a problem to be managed to an asset with enormous potential.
“And we want to build a New Ireland through persuasion, inclusion and respect for everyone who calls this place home.
“Next May’s election presents a choice: five more years of dysfunction and division, or a different kind of politics focused on delivery, cooperation and progress.
“We encourage everyone to read and share our report and help us take this message into communities across Northern Ireland.”
