Crisis-engulfed politics in North demands new opposition party, Aontú leader says

Peadar Tóibín contended no other country in the world would allow the political and economic chaos that Northern Ireland faces.
Crisis-engulfed politics in North demands new opposition party, Aontú leader says

By Rebecca Black, PA

The crisis-engulfed politics of Northern Ireland demands a new opposition party, the leader of Aontú has said.

Peadar Tóibín blasted the ongoing political crisis in the North as he launched his party’s council election campaign at the Devenish in west Belfast.

He said both politics and economics in the region are in “severe crisis” amid the ongoing collapse of the Stormont Assembly.

NI Council Elections 2023
Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín during the party’s local government manifesto launch at the Devenish Complex in Belfast. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA

“There is no other country in the world that would allow for its political system to grind to a halt for well over a year, there is no other country in the world that would allow for so much economic pain and suffering to be experienced by people and still have the political system not functioning – there would be literally demonstrations on the streets if this was being experienced in any other country,” he said.

“Never before has politics in the north of Ireland demanded a new opposition party to face down the political system that is not working for the people.”

Mr Tóibín said his party is “gaining momentum and traction”.

He criticised recent rates increases voted in by several councils, and described his party as one of reform, bringing “ideas and reforms” that no other party is.

The party proposes to reform the legislation underpinning Stormont to prevent future collapses of the institutions as well as stopping MLAs getting paid “while they are not doing their job”.

The party won one council seat at the last local government election in Northern Ireland in 2019, and gained one more council seat a few months later.

Aontú is running 19 candidates – its largest election showing yet – in the election to 11 councils that will take place on May 18th.

More in this section

Two men arrested as part of burglary investigations in Tipperary, Limerick, and Wexford Two men arrested as part of burglary investigations in Tipperary, Limerick, and Wexford
The Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin, Ireland, 2015 Man who raped teen girl while lodging in her home given eight-year sentence
‘Failure’ in care of girl allegedly assaulted in west Dublin, Taoiseach says ‘Failure’ in care of girl allegedly assaulted in west Dublin, Taoiseach says

Sponsored Content

Every stone tells a story Every stone tells a story
Absolute Property – Over a quarter century of property expertise Absolute Property – Over a quarter century of property expertise
Stay Radisson: Stay Sligo, Limerick, Athlone and Cork Stay Radisson: Stay Sligo, Limerick, Athlone and Cork
Contact Us Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited

Add Echolive.ie to your home screen - easy access to Cork news, views, sport and more