The leader of the opposition at Stormont has said a new Ireland offers an alternative to the possibility of a Reform-led UK. Matthew O'Toole was speaking after Reform surged in recent local elections in Britain and amid turmoil at the top of the Labour government.
Mr O'Toole warned the Assembly of a “rise of a dark and destructive political force” and said a government led by Nigel Farage would have a “seismic consequence” for Northern Ireland. He argued that Irish unity would also allow Northern Ireland to return to the European Union.
“Decisions made in Britain, specifically in Whitehall and Westminster, have an impact here,” he told MLAs, citing the Brexit vote as an example. He noted that polls have suggested Reform could lead the next UK government, adding: “Those decisions by English voters will have a seismic consequence on the public in Northern Ireland.”
The SDLP representative said he did not want to “live in a country run by Nigel Farage”, describing him as a “charlatan”. He said the only way for those in Northern Ireland who want a future back in the EU is to “opt for a new Ireland back inside Europe”.
Sinn Fein MLA Declan Kearney said the recent election results in England, Scotland and Wales represented “really significant political change” and should be a “wake-up call” for the British Government. He argued that Irish unity is “more possible now than at any stage before”. However, DUP MLA Jonathan Buckley criticised the Opposition motion, saying families are struggling with the cost of living, waiting lists are dire, and businesses face enormous pressure. UUP MLA Steve Aiken dismissed it as an “ill-disguised motion” attempting to make the case for a united Ireland.
The motion was defeated by 34 votes to 33, with 16 MLAs voting in both lobbies.
