Now:
SDLP MLA for South Belfast | Leader of the Opposition
Former: civil servant & journalist.
Future: A social democratic new Ireland
Matthew O'Toole MLA
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Why does no one want to govern Northern Ireland?
A piece I wrote on my substack outlining the frustrations of a region that nobody wants responsibility for.
open.substack.com/pub/matthewo...
Grim new episode open to all.
@otoolematthew.bsky.social describes sheltering families fleeing their burning homes in his constituency office during the horrific riots in Belfast last week.
We discuss the broader societal and historical context:
www.patreon.com/theirishpass...
Matthew O'Toole MLA
Last week's election results leave no doubt: the UK state is destabilised and Nigel Farage is sadly likely to become Prime Minister.
In these circumstances, a responsible Irish government must be planning for change here.
My piece in yesterday's Irish Times.
Trying to find new ideas on improving politics in the north now, and a new Ireland in the future?
I've launched a substack - 'The Broader Ground' - subscribe and engage if you're interested 👇
open.substack.com/pub/matthewo...
The issue of the bonfire at Donegall Road exposes the democratic scandal of how this place works.
There is a credible risk to public health but neither the responsible Alliance environment minister, UUP health minister nor any Executive party will say anything.
Why not?
In case you missed my article for the @financialtimes.com on last week's race hate in Belfast.
Including a night i won't forget, and not in a good way.
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
Really striking going through Epstein disclosures just how often British defamation lawyers are referred to: Schillings; Paul Tweed; oblique suggestions to sue to silence
Why? Because our libel laws let rich and powerful buy silence
Why I signed this last week pressgazette.co.uk/media_law/an...
Matthew O'Toole MLA
the mad thing is that when Mandelson went on the BBC earlier this month for a grand Sunday geopolitical interview, he knew that the FT knew about the Epstein payments to his husband, and that they were about to come out
Deposited Paper: Information provided by the Minister for Infrastructure in response to @otoolematthew.bsky.social MLA detailing the scale and design of proposed road surfacing scheme on the Ormeau Road scheduled for Summer 2026 including any drawings or maps. www.niassembly.gov.uk/globalassets...
Halfpint: Racist riots in Belfast by The Irish Passport Podcast on Patreon. Join The Irish Passport Podcast's community for exclusive content and updates.
