Political News
First Minister criticised for not attending UK security briefings on situation in Middle East
First Minister Michelle O’Neill has been criticised for not attending security briefings held by the UK Government on the situation in the Middle East. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly has been attending with other ministers from devolved governments.
Independent board proposes pay rise of 26.8% for Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs)
Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) will see a pay rise of £14,000 if the draft determination by the Independent Remuneration Board goes ahead.
Sinn Féin: Foyle MLA Pádraig Delargy not standing for re-election in 2027
Pádraig Delargy will not stand for re-election next year, he announced on Friday. The Sinn Féin MLA for Foyle was first co-opted in 2021 and subsequently re-elected in 2022. He is moving away from the constituency.
Your Representatives
Councils are responsible for local services such as waste collection, leisure centres, parks, planning, environmental health and community development. They cannot make laws. Councillors are elected using Single Transferable Vote (STV) every four years.
The Assembly is the devolved legislature for Northern Ireland, based at Parliament Buildings, Stormont. There are 90 members that are elected from 18 constituencies. The MLAs make laws on devolved matters such as health, education, justice, infrastructure and agriculture. MLAs are elected every five years using STV.
The UK Parliament is the highest legislative authority and NI is represented by 18 Members of Parliament. MPs make decision on reserved and excepted matters, which include defence, foreign policy, immigration and taxation and welfare. MPs are elected every five years in a general election using First Past the Post (FPTP).