SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP Visits Portaferry

South Belfast MP Claire Hanna attended a public meeting in the Market House, Portaferry, where SDLP representatives discussed local issues with residents

On Friday 20th February (2026) SDLP leader Claire Hanna attended a public meeting to address local residents about what the SDLP is doing at a political level and also to listen to their issues and concerns.

Having served as a councillor on Belfast City Council then becoming a MLA for South Belfast, Claire Hanna went on to become an MP in December 2019 and has subsequently risen further through the ranks and became party leader uncontested in October 2024.

Cllr Joe Boyle, who sits on Ards and North Down Borough Council, opened the meeting and introduced the party leader and also young SDLP member Will Poland who is aspiring to become an SDLP councillor also on Ards and North Down Borough Council.

The packed meeting in the Market House in the Square in Porteferry listened intently to Claire Hanna’s opening remarks.

Speaking to the residents, she said that “the UK was changing. We are quite low down the political pecking order and it makes’s sense to look at what is best for us here.

“Then we need to take the best of what is in Ireland and link it to what we have here. It involves a process of reconciliation.

“We strongly recommend the path to a New Ireland.

“Our society here in the North is complicated and there is still a lot of trauma. Building a New Ireland is a way of understanding where everyone is coming from. It’s about building a political system that works. At the moment here there is no real sense in planning for our society beyond the next election.”

Claire Hanna discussed the idea of short-termism in politics in the North and how it is not conducive to long-term management of resources.

“Thinking this through and planning ahead is crucial. Unionism and nationalism are manifestations of who we are. Northern Ireland therefore needs to work better as we move forward.

When questions were opened to the floor, the first contributor asked if Claire Hanna supported the idea of a bridge between Strangford and Porteferry.

The discussion touched on the current traffic build-ups in Strangford affecting local businesses and quality of life and the difficulties Portaferry residents have in early morning crossings.

Cllr Joe Boyle said: “I spoke to the Department for Infrastructure 10 days ago about this idea and they seem to be refusing to even do a preliminary study on a bridge.

“We have got to keep pressing this idea forward. We just can’t sit on our hands and allow the current state of affairs with the ferry continue.”

Claire Hanna added: “I understand the issues. Ambulances too have to come across on the ferry and it is difficult for people in upper Ards to access medical care at the Downe Hospital. I think it is a classic case of build it and they will come. This part of County Down has a lot of great assets and it would certainly help draw people to the area more.”

Discussion followed on the difficulties people in Porteferry face in even applying for jobs as they may not be able to get across the Lough in time to start work given the early ferry is often crowded. This raised the question of why the reserve ferry is sitting idle while people need to cross over. Many school pupils have to cross every morning to access schools on the Strangford side of the Lough.

A local resident said: “People in Portaferry might not get on to the 8.15am ferry if it is busy. This is unacceptable.

And Cllr Joe Boyle added that the DfI argues that is is too costly and “they don’t have the staff to run two ferries”. He added that even agricultural vehicles are much larger now and a tractor and trailer could take up the space of several cars saying it needs clearer thinking to sort this out in the long-term.

SDLP representative Will Poland said: “Party Leader Matthew O’Toole has spoken about these issues and has even raised the question of freezing rates.

“I know when I was electioneering recently and knocking on doors, the issues with the ferry and the need for a bridge always came up. It is a very pressing issue for the people of upper Ards and Portraferry.

“The conversation in Portaferry showed that people want ambition for this area, not managed decline. Whether it’s better connectivity through a bridge proposal, investment in local services, or support for small businesses and tourism, the SDLP is determined to put forward practical ideas that grow Portaferry’s potential.

“We know building support here will take time, but we’re committed to doing the work on the ground and earning that trust. Cllr Joe Boyle has been on the ground for a number of years and we need to build on his good work.”

One resident cautioned about proceeding too quickly into the idea of a bridge and cited the Kyle of Lochalsh bridge in the west of Scotland which has by-passed a community causing passing trade and footfall to drop drastically, therefore necessitating a full and detailed study about the impacts.

Discussion then arose following a question from Portavogie fisherman Philip McMullan who owns the Aspire trawler.

He said: “Fishermen and boat owners are losing a fortune because of the restrictions of migrant labour… fishermen have in years past have come from other countries to crew boats. And it’s not just fishing but other sectors such as processing that are affected. Is there anything more that can be done to ease this situation”.

Claire Hanna said: “Many young people are leaving Northern Ireland because of the lack of opportunity. We have been very engaged on this issue of work visas at a regional and Westminster level and we will keep pushing. We have even proposed a special NI visa but that has not been accepted yet.

“In London they are changing many rules around immigration and migrant workers. We have an Economy Minister here and everyone should be banging on her door too to keep the pressure up.

“I understand this is a very pressing issue. Other sectors such as the mushroom growers are also impacted. You could have a groiwere struggling this side of the border and a few miles away another grower is operating with business as normal with little or no migrant worker issues.”

Discussion followed on lowering the voting age to 16 years.

Often in elections it is hard for parties to ‘get the vote’ out and sometimes voter apathy is a significant factor among older voters. “So what’s your vision for garnering suppoprt from young voters?” asked one local resident.

Claire Hanna said: “I understand that is is a difficult job for people to feel that they are well represented. The SDLP has a plan for this and it’s on our roadmap.

“Stormont is not a great example for young people interested in politics as it can be slow and political opinions can be challenging. We certainly need to be doing more on social media reaching out to young people and touching issues in their lives including them in the big discussions.

“Polling shows we are engaging more now. There have been boundary changes recently and it’s our job to convince people that voting SDLP will help change their lives.

“But compared to the bigger parties, we have more limited resources but do what we can. The issue is bridgeable.”

Will Poland added that after the next Assembly election young people will then be voting at 16. He said: “I’ve done a lot of work with young people and it is all really frustrating getting them aboard – we are in opposition in the Assembly and try and hold the bigger parties to account.”

Inevitably, discussion turned to the health care system and a question posed to Claire Hanna said that the Ulster Hospital A@E area was like a ‘war zone’ sometimes with many people waiting long periods to be seen while the Downe Hospial A@E remains closed but operates an OOH service and minor injuries unit adding that it is a 50 mile drive round the Strangford Lough to get to the OOH doctor with is only 8 miles from Strangford.

Claire Hanna added: “The single biggest failure lies at Stormont. The health budget is huge and it is spending over 50% over the top of the total budget while budgets are being set for a year at a time.

“South Down MLA Colin McGrath is health spokesperson for the party and is the Opposition Health spokesperson. He is constantly battling against these inefficiencies. The system must change.”

Cllr Joe Boyle in summing up thanked Claire Hanna MP for attending the meeting, and all those who contributed to the discussion and said that the SDLP will continue to fight for people in upper Ards and Portaferry, addressing their many issues and looks forward to the next election and increasing the SDLP vote and representation.