Closest matches to “Lagan Valley deserves better”
From other parties, ranked by how close their text is in meaning. Close in meaning is not the same as agreeing. Include TUV · Back to the release
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Hanna: Donaldson’s refusal to take Assembly seat insult to voters
SDLP MP Claire Hanna says DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson's decision to resign his Assembly seat one week after the election shows contempt for Lagan Valley voters, and warns it raises serious questions about the institutions.
Constitutional affairs Issue: Jeffrey Donaldson resignation of Assembly seat and Emma Little Pengelly co-option Original release: Hanna: Donaldson’s refusal to take Assembly seat insult to voters (opens in a new tab)
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SDLP urges DUP to get back to work
SDLP Chief Whip Colin McGrath MLA says his party has signed a petition to recall the Assembly so a Speaker and Ministers can be nominated. He urges the DUP to end its boycott of the institutions and cites hospital waiting times, energy costs and inflation.
Constitutional affairs Economy and employment Issue: SDLP petition to recall Stormont Assembly for Speaker and Ministers nominations Original release: SDLP urges DUP to get back to work (opens in a new tab)
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SDLP seeks recall of the Assembly challenging DUP to get back to work
SDLP MLAs have lodged a petition to recall the Assembly this evening, timed to the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill's third reading, and say it will test the DUP's commitment to restoring devolved government. Their motion would focus on cost of living pressures and let MLAs nominate a Speaker.
Constitutional affairs Economy and employment Issue: SDLP Assembly recall petition as Northern Ireland Protocol Bill passes Commons third reading Original release: SDLP seeks recall of the Assembly challenging DUP to get back to work (opens in a new tab)
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DUP Statement
The DUP's officers say Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP has been charged with historical allegations and is stepping down as party leader with immediate effect. They announce he is suspended from membership pending a judicial process, and that Gavin Robinson MP has been appointed Interim Party Leader.
Other Issue: Jeffrey Donaldson resignation as DUP leader after charges Original release: DUP Statement (opens in a new tab)
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'Not Fit for Office’ - Deputy First Minister Should Step Aside
People Before Profit's Gerry Carroll calls on Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly to step aside after reports she was allegedly warned that Jeffrey Donaldson was a danger to a young woman, claiming the DUP closed ranks around him.
Justice and policing Disability and equality Issue: Belfast Telegraph reports on DUP handling of Jeffrey Donaldson allegations Original release: 'Not Fit for Office’ - Deputy First Minister Should Step Aside (opens in a new tab)Archived copy, Internet Archive capture of 13 July 2026 (opens in a new tab)
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Ennis calls on Assembly Speaker to stand aside
Sinn Féin MLA Sinéad Ennis urges Assembly Speaker Edwin Poots to step back while the DUP fully discloses what it knew about Jeffrey Donaldson's inappropriate conduct before and during his time as leader. The party says the revelations raise serious questions for Poots.
Justice and policing Issue: BBC Spotlight programme on Jeffrey Donaldson allegations Original release: Ennis calls on Assembly Speaker to stand aside (opens in a new tab)Archived copy (captured later), Internet Archive capture of 13 November 2026 (opens in a new tab)
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Sir Jeffrey - “Help us finish the job”
DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP, canvassing in Causeway Coast & Glens, urges voters to back DUP candidates in the 18 May council elections, saying a strong mandate is needed to finish the job on the Windsor Framework and secure a return to the Executive.
Constitutional affairs Local government Issue: Windsor Framework DUP assessment ahead of 2023 council elections Original release: Sir Jeffrey - “Help us finish the job” (opens in a new tab)
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Statement by Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP
DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP says he has written to the Assembly Speaker that a basis now exists for the Assembly to meet, elect a Speaker and fill the First and deputy First Minister and Executive posts. He expects the Assembly to meet on Saturday.
Constitutional affairs Issue: Safeguarding the Union agreement and Assembly restoration letter to Speaker Original release: Statement by Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP (opens in a new tab)
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Time for DUP delays and excuses over – Murphy
Sinn Féin MLA Conor Murphy says the DUP's delay in restoring the Executive has gone on too long and urges party leader Jeffrey Donaldson to end the boycott of power-sharing, citing rising household costs and health service problems.
Constitutional affairs Issue: DUP leader's Westminster committee remarks on collapsing the Executive Original release: Time for DUP delays and excuses over – Murphy (opens in a new tab)
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UUP should step back in FST
DUP Leader Gavin Robinson urges the UUP to step back in Fermanagh & South Tyrone and back a non-party aligned pro-union candidate, saying the DUP has not contested the Westminster seat since 2005. He disputes a UUP statement about past talks on an agreed unionist candidate.
Constitutional affairs Issue: UUP candidate selection in Fermanagh & South Tyrone Westminster election Original release: UUP should step back in FST (opens in a new tab)
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People of Northern Ireland are in dire situation due to DUP's dishonesty, says Tennyson
Alliance MLA Eóin Tennyson accuses the DUP of dishonesty after energy support payments promised for November had not arrived, leaving constituents worse off. He calls on the DUP to accept responsibility and return to the Assembly after the failed attempt to restore it.
Constitutional affairs Economy and employment Issue: Failed Assembly restoration attempt over Speaker nominations December 2022 Original release: People of Northern Ireland are in dire situation due to DUP's dishonesty, says Tennyson (opens in a new tab)
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REMARKS BY SINN FÉIN VICE-PRESIDENT MICHELLE O’NEILL MLA, ASSEMBLY SITTING 17 JANUARY 2024
Sinn Féin Vice-President Michelle O'Neill MLA says the DUP's boycott is jeopardising public services and a 170,000-worker strike, and calls on the DUP to join Executive formation, warning the Assembly may be near its final sitting.
Constitutional affairs Economy and employment Issue: Assembly sitting to elect Speaker and form Executive, 17 January 2024 Original release: REMARKS BY SINN FÉIN VICE-PRESIDENT MICHELLE O’NEILL MLA, ASSEMBLY SITTING 17 JANUARY 2024 (opens in a new tab)
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Sir Jeffrey – Government needs to focus on replacing the Protocol
DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP says the Government must focus on replacing the Protocol with arrangements unionists can support before meeting the Secretary of State, warning there can be no stable Executive or Assembly until Northern Ireland's place in the UK internal market is restored. He…
Constitutional affairs International affairs Original release: Sir Jeffrey – Government needs to focus on replacing the Protocol (opens in a new tab)
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Sir Jeffrey wishes Leo Varadkar well as he steps down
DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP offers best wishes to Leo Varadkar on his departure from the Taoiseach's office, noting past sharp differences on the Protocol, legacy and Northern Ireland's constitutional future, but also areas of cooperation.
Constitutional affairs International affairs Issue: Leo Varadkar resignation as Taoiseach announcement Original release: Sir Jeffrey wishes Leo Varadkar well as he steps down (opens in a new tab)
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Sir Jeffrey - "Protocol rubble needs removed"
DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP says the Northern Ireland Protocol must be removed for devolved government to be stabilised, and calls on any new Prime Minister to deal with it fully rather than through short-term fixes. He cites impacts on medicines supply, steel tariffs, transport costs and…
Constitutional affairs Economy and employment Original release: Sir Jeffrey - "Protocol rubble needs removed" (opens in a new tab)
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Time for DUP to accept Brexit reality and work together to maximise economic opportunities – Kearney
Sinn Féin MLA Declan Kearney calls on the DUP to accept the Windsor Framework and work with other Assembly parties to maximise economic opportunities, after a DUP motion calling for its dismantling. He claims the motion reflects DUP electoral pressure from the TUV.
Constitutional affairs Economy and employment Issue: DUP Assembly motion calling for dismantling of Windsor Framework Original release: Time for DUP to accept Brexit reality and work together to maximise economic opportunities – Kearney (opens in a new tab)
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Donaldson & DUP Are A Waste Of Space In Westminster If They Can’t Challenge Tory Economic Vandalism
People Before Profit Cllr Shaun Harkin criticises the DUP for not challenging the Truss government's budget, which he says will deepen inequality and harm public services, and calls for escalated protests and industrial action.
Economy and employment Public finance and taxation Issue: Liz Truss 2022 budget announcement Original release: Donaldson & DUP Are A Waste Of Space In Westminster If They Can’t Challenge Tory Economic Vandalism (opens in a new tab)
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Reports claiming senior DUP members were aware of allegations against Jeffrey Donaldson deeply concerning and raises questions, says Tennyson
Alliance Deputy Leader Eóin Tennyson MLA says reports that senior DUP figures knew of a new alleged sexual assault by Jeffrey Donaldson are deeply troubling and raise further questions. He calls for openness about who knew what and when, and about whether chances to protect people were missed.
Justice and policing Issue: Belfast Telegraph reports on new allegation against Jeffrey Donaldson and DUP knowledge Original release: Reports claiming senior DUP members were aware of allegations against Jeffrey Donaldson deeply concerning and raises questions, says Tennyson (opens in a new tab)Archived copy, Internet Archive capture of 7 July 2026 (opens in a new tab)
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Sir Jeffrey - "Time for Treasury Rethink on Public Sector Pay"
DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP calls for a Treasury rethink on public sector pay, arguing the Barnett funding model needs re-examining so public services can recruit and retain staff lost to agencies or other countries.
Public finance and taxation Economy and employment Original release: Sir Jeffrey - "Time for Treasury Rethink on Public Sector Pay" (opens in a new tab)
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UUP should withdraw misleading ‘poll’ advert – Lyons
DUP director of elections Gordon Lyons MLA urges UUP Lagan Valley candidate Robbie Butler to pull a social media advert he calls misleading, arguing its polling figures ignore the DUP's decision not to stand in North Down. He says the campaign is desperate and backs Jonathan Buckley as the…
Constitutional affairs Issue: UUP Lagan Valley social media poll advert Original release: UUP should withdraw misleading ‘poll’ advert – Lyons (opens in a new tab)
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Matter of the Day Speech - Michelle McIlveen MLA
DUP Deputy Leader Michelle McIlveen MLA welcomes the jury’s guilty verdict against Jeffrey Donaldson, saying justice has been done, expressing sympathy for victims and stressing that no one is above the law.
Justice and policing Issue: Jeffrey Donaldson guilty verdict on historic sex abuse charges Original release: Matter of the Day Speech - Michelle McIlveen MLA (opens in a new tab)
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Sir Jeffrey: Strengthen our hand to finish the job
DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP urges pro-Union voters to unite behind the DUP and elect more unionist councillors across the 11 councils, warning that continued unionist fracturing could let Sinn Féin lead Northern Ireland.
Constitutional affairs Local government Original release: Sir Jeffrey: Strengthen our hand to finish the job (opens in a new tab)
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DUP will meet Secretary of State in Hillsborough
DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP says the party will meet the Secretary of State in Hillsborough on Monday, and calls on the Treasury to release public sector pay funds immediately rather than use them as leverage. He says talks have progressed but will continue until arrangements unionists can…
Public finance and taxation Economy and employment Original release: DUP will meet Secretary of State in Hillsborough (opens in a new tab)
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Mallaghan calls for full investigation into Donaldson’s activities as MP
Sinn Féin MP Cathal Mallaghan calls on the Speaker of the House of Commons to launch a full, independent inquiry into former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson’s parliamentary work, including his overseas trips and involvement in children’s‑rights bodies, after Sunday Times revelations.
Justice and policing Issue: Sunday Times revelations on Jeffrey Donaldson’s children’s‑rights roles Original release: Mallaghan calls for full investigation into Donaldson’s activities as MP (opens in a new tab)Archived copy (captured later), Internet Archive capture of 10 November 2026 (opens in a new tab)
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Powersharing can only be restored on the basis of consensus
DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson says DUP MLAs cannot back today's Speaker election, arguing that power‑sharing can only be restored on a basis of consensus.
Constitutional affairs Issue: DUP blocking of Assembly Speaker election May 2022 Original release: Powersharing can only be restored on the basis of consensus (opens in a new tab)
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Sir Jeffrey – Protocol needs replaced & Stormont needs a solid…
DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, with MLAs Emma Little Pengelly and Gordon Lyons, says there can be no Executive or Assembly until the Protocol is replaced, after meeting the Secretary of State in Belfast. He also says the DUP is ready for an election.
Constitutional affairs Issue: DUP meeting with Secretary of State in Belfast on Protocol and election speculation Original release: Sir Jeffrey – Protocol needs replaced & Stormont needs a solid… (opens in a new tab)
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Statement from the Democratic Unionist Party
DUP leader Gavin Robinson MP welcomes the guilty verdict against former party member Jeffrey Donaldson on historic sex abuse charges, saying the party backs the victims and that no one is above the law.
Justice and policing Issue: Jeffrey Donaldson guilty verdict on historic sex abuse charges Original release: Statement from the Democratic Unionist Party (opens in a new tab)
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SDLP secures Assembly recall challenging DUP to restore institutions
SDLP MLA Matthew O'Toole says the party has secured enough support to recall the Assembly from summer recess next week to debate the cost of living crisis. He challenges the DUP to back a Speaker nomination and restore the institutions at Stormont.
Constitutional affairs Economy and employment Issue: SDLP Assembly recall petition as Northern Ireland Protocol Bill passes Commons third reading Original release: SDLP secures Assembly recall challenging DUP to restore institutions (opens in a new tab)
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Statement by Jon Burrows MLA, Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party on Donaldson guilty verdict
UUP leader Jon Burrows MLA welcomes the jury's guilty verdict on all charges against Jeffrey Donaldson, pays tribute to the women who gave evidence, and calls for Donaldson to be removed from all state honours immediately.
Justice and policing Issue: Jeffrey Donaldson guilty verdict on historic sex abuse charges Original release: Statement by Jon Burrows MLA, Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party on Donaldson guilty verdict (opens in a new tab)
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Sir Jeffrey: leadership needed for strong message on terrorism
DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP expressed support for two officers injured by a bomb in Strabane, condemned the attack and urged political leadership to denounce such violence. DUP Lead Policing Board representative Trevor Clarke MLA called for a fresh threat‑level review in Northern Ireland.
Justice and policing Issue: Strabane bomb attack on police officers Original release: Sir Jeffrey: leadership needed for strong message on terrorism (opens in a new tab)