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Matthew O'Toole MLA

@otoolematthew.bsky.social
1.7K followers 196 following 69 posts

Now: SDLP MLA for South Belfast | Leader of the Opposition Former: civil servant & journalist. Future: A social democratic new Ireland

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Reposted by Matthew O'Toole MLA
The Irish Times @irishtimes.com · 05/09/2026
irishtimes.com
Matthew O'Toole: By celebrating Irishness and Britishness, Belfast’s Fleadh proved something important
Belfast can be a claustrophobic place, but not last week, as what was once the most bombed hotel in Europe was booked out with ceilidhs
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Reposted by Matthew O'Toole MLA
Jim Pickard @pickardje.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Undercover footage verified by Channel 4 News reveals a secret plot by senior Reform UK figures to break the law on party donations. A leading legal expert is now calling for a criminal investigation. www.channel4.com/news/exclusi...
channel4.com
Exclusive: Nigel Farage filmed undercover celebrating secret new foreign donations
Undercover footage verified by Channel 4 News reveals a secret plot by senior Reform UK figures to break the law on party donations. A leading legal expert is now calling for a criminal investigation.
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Matthew O'Toole MLA @otoolematthew.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Anywhere else in these islands the dominant story would be the political and public service crisis of a Government refusing to set a Budget. Sadly in NI media - including public service media - are happy to allow unelected agitators to dominate discourse for days on end. Grim.
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Reposted by Matthew O'Toole MLA
The Irish Times @irishtimes.com · 12/08/2026
Matthew O'Toole: By celebrating Irishness and Britishness, Belfast’s Fleadh proved something important
irishtimes.com
Matthew O'Toole: By celebrating Irishness and Britishness, Belfast’s Fleadh proved something important
Belfast can be a claustrophobic place, but not last week, as what was once the most bombed hotel in Europe was booked out with ceilidhs
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Matthew O'Toole MLA @otoolematthew.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
I am just about old enough to remember the notorious 'ring of steel' in Belfast city centre. To see it become itself this week, a European city exploding with culture, is joyful. More than that: its seminal. People now know what it can be, they won't accept less.
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Reposted by Matthew O'Toole MLA
MacGill Summer School @macgillschool.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Matthew O’Toole, @otoolematthew.bsky.social, SDLP MLA and Leader of the Opposition at Stormont, will join Europe’s Future in a Fractured World, bringing experience from politics, journalism and public service. @notredame.bsky.social macgillsummerschool.com
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Reposted by Matthew O'Toole MLA
Centre for European Reform @centreeuropeanref.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Thank you to @otoolematthew.bsky.social and @adampayne26.bsky.social for speaking at our event in London yesterday on 'Brexit ten years on: Northern Ireland and its future' Watch the recording here:
buff.ly
Hybrid discussion on 'Brexit ten years on: Northern Ireland and its future'
Speakers: Matthew O'Toole, Leader of the Opposition & Member of the Legislative Assembly for South Belfast, Northern Ireland Assembly Adam Payne, Editor, PoliticsHome Chair: Anton Spisak, Senior…
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Matthew O'Toole MLA @otoolematthew.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
The Donaldson revelations go to the heart of the arrogant hypocrisy the DUP has demonstrated for decades. An in-house review isn't enough: the party must now accept they will never again be allowed to impose their will on the public while behaving with wild impunity in private.
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Matthew O'Toole MLA @otoolematthew.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
If you're in London, and want to hear me talk Brexit, Northern Ireland and my own journey from No 10 to Stormont... do come along at 2pm on Wednesday. If you're not, sign up and watch on Zoom. Really looking forward to it.
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Reposted by Matthew O'Toole MLA
Centre for European Reform @centreeuropeanref.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
📅 Join us – 1/7/26: Hybrid discussion on 'Brexit ten years on: Northern Ireland and its future' with @otoolematthew.bsky.social and @adampayne26.bsky.social Email events@cer.eu for info & registration
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Reposted by Matthew O'Toole MLA
Ian Bond @cerianbond.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
In 2016 hardly anyone in the Leave campaign paid any attention to Brexit's possible effects on Northern Ireland, despite warnings from John Major and Tony Blair. Where do things stand ten years later? Hear from @otoolematthew.bsky.social & @adampayne26.bsky.social at @centreeuropeanref.bsky.social.
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Reposted by Matthew O'Toole MLA
Centre for European Reform @centreeuropeanref.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
📅 Join us – 1/7/26: Hybrid discussion on 'Brexit ten years on: Northern Ireland and its future' with @otoolematthew.bsky.social and @adampayne26.bsky.social Email events@cer.eu for info & registration
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Matthew O'Toole MLA @otoolematthew.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Hard to believe its ten years since referendum day. A pivotal moment, including for me personally - I'm only a politician because of it. It was clear it would make the UK poorer and less relevant, and it has. And also that it would change the island of Ireland, and it has.
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Matthew O'Toole MLA @otoolematthew.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
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/...
giftarticle.ft.com
The consequences of online race hatred are playing out on Belfast’s streets
Malign social media automates division — I saw the effects in our city this week
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Reposted by Matthew O'Toole MLA
Naomi O'Leary @naomiohreally.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
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...
patreon.com
Halfpint: Racist riots in Belfast | The Irish Passport Podcast
Halfpint: Racist riots in Belfast by The Irish Passport Podcast on Patreon. Join The Irish Passport Podcast's community for exclusive content and updates.
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Matthew O'Toole MLA @otoolematthew.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
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.
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Matthew O'Toole MLA @otoolematthew.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
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...
open.substack.com
Who governs?
Why does no one want to take responsibility for Northern Ireland?
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Reposted by Matthew O'Toole MLA
The John and Pat Hume Foundation @humefoundation.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
Speakers: 🔴Matthew O’Toole MLA (SDLP) @otoolematthew.bsky.social 🔴Former MLA John McAllister 🔴Paul O’Kane MSP (Scottish Labour Party) @pfokane.bsky.social 🔴Eoin Ó Broin TD (Sinn Féin) 🔴Final Speaker TBC. Tickets available here 👉 imaginebelfast.com/event/checks...
imaginebelfast.com
Checks and Balances: the Role of Opposition in UK and Ireland - Imagine! Belfast
This event will examine the role of the opposition across UK and Irish legislatures.
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Reposted by Matthew O'Toole MLA
NI Assembly Library @assemblylibrary.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
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...
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Reposted by Matthew O'Toole MLA
Peter Geoghegan @petergeoghegan.bsky.social · 01/02/2026
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...
pressgazette.co.uk
Editors unite to demand Parliament takes action on SLAPPs
Editors from national newspapers including The Guardian and The Times demand action on SLAPPs in next King's Speech.
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Reposted by Matthew O'Toole MLA
Jim Pickard @pickardje.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
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
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Matthew O'Toole MLA @otoolematthew.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
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...
open.substack.com
New Year, old us
a new substack from an Opposition leader, no new year resolutions from the Northern Ireland Executive
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Matthew O'Toole MLA @otoolematthew.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
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?
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Matthew O'Toole MLA @otoolematthew.bsky.social · 23/06/2025
I graduated 20 years ago (🤯) the same day a local laureate got an hon Degree. My dad insisted on introducing himself, convinced Heaney would welcome chat with a "fellow culchie". And he did! Back then I cringed, now as father myself, I think of my dad's pride and delight and am emotional.
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Matthew O'Toole MLA @otoolematthew.bsky.social · 21/06/2025
The Belfast Islamic Centre are literally my neighbours. My constituency office is yards away. The attack on them is cowardly and pathetic but sadly illustrates the real challenge of race hate we face. Solidarity with all affected - I and my party stand with you.
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Matthew O'Toole MLA @otoolematthew.bsky.social · 17/06/2025
The appalling scenes in Ballymena are a bleak illustration that the hard right of loyalism and unionism has little to offer working class communities but fear. My piece for the i inews.co.uk/opinion/ball...
inews.co.uk
Ballymena riots have exposed the unionist right: fear is all they have to offer
Violence has been concentrated in areas where loyalist paramilitaries still exist and exert malevolent control
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Matthew O'Toole MLA @otoolematthew.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
The actions of the Communities Minister cannot be ignored. He is the Minister responsible for the Housing Executive and lives are at stake. Tomorrow the Opposition will refer him to the standards commissioner and explore all other options for accountability.
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Matthew O'Toole MLA @otoolematthew.bsky.social · 02/06/2025
Today we brought the first substantive Assembly motion on NI re-entering the EU. Alliance abstained, after slurs and petty name calling. Disappointingly, barely half of SF MLAs bothered to vote for a new Ireland. We will keep making the case for a new Ireland back in Europe.
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Matthew O'Toole MLA @otoolematthew.bsky.social · 30/05/2025
Like anyone, Gerry Adams is entitled to petition a court and a jury has given its verdict. The BBC will have questions to consider after this. But today I'm thinking of the thousands of victims of the IRA, loyalists and the state who will never get a single day in court, let alone justice.
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Reposted by Matthew O'Toole MLA
Belfast Telegraph @belfasttelegraph.co.uk · 30/05/2025
Irish unity is the only way Northern Ireland can rejoin the EU and there is no point pretending otherwise, according to an SDLP motion MLAs will debate on Monday.
belfasttelegraph.co.uk
SDLP Brexit motion ‘aimed at Alliance over its fence-sitting on a border poll’
Irish unity is the only way Northern Ireland can rejoin the EU and there is no point pretending otherwise, according to an SDLP motion MLAs will debate on Monday.
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Matthew O'Toole MLA @otoolematthew.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
I've never received the scale of constituent correspondence, from all backgrounds, over such a prolonged period, as I have from people despairing over Gaza. The gravity of what is unfolding and the outrage at the complicity of western leaders is overwhelming decent people.
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Matthew O'Toole MLA @otoolematthew.bsky.social · 10/05/2025
The Executive is defined by inaction, so is happy with the distraction of daily rows on signs or statues. If we want to give young people a reason not to get on a plane to Australia, we need to offer more them more than one never-ending Old Firm game.
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Matthew O'Toole MLA @otoolematthew.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
The structural shift in British politics took another step today. Those in NI who don't want to be part of a Farage UK, or even in a political system that concedes so much to him even when he isn't in power, have a choice which is ever more urgent. A new Ireland back in Europe.
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Matthew O'Toole MLA @otoolematthew.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
Having promised an overhaul of workers rights (but not published an actual Bill) on Monday, Sinn Féin tonight worked with Alliance to force an extension of Sunday opening for giant retailers, against the express wishes of workers, trade unions and small shops. And on May day...
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Reposted by Matthew O'Toole MLA
Farrukh @implausibleblog.bsky.social · 29/04/2025
Mark Carney, "The lessons of Brexit are beginning to be applied to the US" "When you break trading relationships you end up with slower growth"
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Matthew O'Toole MLA @otoolematthew.bsky.social · 28/04/2025
Stormont ministers have spent thousands on five star hotels while using lack of cash as a catch-all excuse for failure to deliver. When I asked the FM if she'd stayed in luxury hotels on public money, she claimed she didn't know. My letter to the Finance Minister on this ridiculous situation 👇
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Matthew O'Toole MLA @otoolematthew.bsky.social · 27/04/2025
Brutal, unflinching, necessary television from Louis Theroux tonight. Violent, supremacist Israeli settler aggression allowed to speak for and damn itself.
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Matthew O'Toole MLA @otoolematthew.bsky.social · 24/04/2025
This is a marketing email but it feels very pointed.
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Matthew O'Toole MLA @otoolematthew.bsky.social · 16/04/2025
Senator Mitchell hits the nail on the head. We need to inspire young people to believe they can change this place and build a future here or they'll continue to leave. It's been a political priority for me since I returned myself after 20 years away. m.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/norther...
m.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
Executive urged to adopt project to stop NI’s ‘brain drain’
The Executive is being urged to consider an ambitious new public service recruitment and development programme, aimed at getting high achieving young people and experienced professionals to tackle soc...
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Matthew O'Toole MLA @otoolematthew.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
Trump has managed to avoid legal, political and moral accountability all his life. The only awkward reality he has intermittently had to concede is being busted out, whether through repeated bankruptcies or, today, by the bond market. A grotesque tragedy that he still has power over our lives.
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Matthew O'Toole MLA @otoolematthew.bsky.social · 15/03/2025
Was in my hometown earlier and Patrick's resting place looks the part rightly ☘️
Down Cathedral lit up green
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Claire Hanna MP @clairehanna.bsky.social · 28/02/2025
On Wednesday I questioned both the Prime Minister and SOS about paramilitary transition plans. The SDLP will demand and shape an approach that means no payday, no legitimisation and no more soft soaping of organisations have been destroyed so many lives.
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Reposted by Matthew O'Toole MLA
Belfast Live @belfastlive.co.uk · 26/02/2025
SDLP official opposition leader Matthew O’Toole branded the latest delay a “farce”
belfastlive.co.uk
Publication of Stormont’s programme for government hit by fresh delay
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Matthew O'Toole MLA @otoolematthew.bsky.social · 25/02/2025
Brazen gaslighting from Sinn Féin representatives today claiming "progress" on the Glider as their minister indefinitely delays the start date and rules out key parts of the project. It's exactly the kind of shameless deception that has ruined trust in politics.
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Reposted by Matthew O'Toole MLA
The SDLP @sdlp.bsky.social · 25/02/2025
At Ulster University last week, @otoolematthew.bsky.social spoke about the crisis of accountability in NI politics. You don't have time to track everything happening at Stormont. But you should be able to trust those in power to deliver. We're committed to making sure words turn into action.
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Matthew O'Toole MLA @otoolematthew.bsky.social · 25/02/2025
Pathetic failure to progress Glider/BRT phase 2 by the Executive. Promises to people in South (and North) Belfast made by Executive parties, not kept. Not only no extension to Carryduff - no clarity on when or ever the scheme will be delivered.
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Matthew O'Toole MLA @otoolematthew.bsky.social · 24/02/2025
As a geriatric millennial, I make no apologies for having my Horlicks in this mug.
Mug of Horlicks
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Matthew O'Toole MLA @otoolematthew.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
We desperately need to devolve more fiscal power away from London. But under four successive Sinn Féin finance ministers barely anything has happened other than empty talk. When I asked John O'Dowd how he planned to fulfil SF manifesto pledges in this area, he just dismissed the question.
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Lewis Goodall @lewisgoodall.com · 18/02/2025
Pretty disturbed by some of the Kremlin framing on the Trump talks being bought by parts of the media worldwide. It’s as if the genesis of the war is entirely forgotten. This isn’t a conflict which needs mediation. It was an unprovoked act of aggression. It could end tomorrow if Putin just withdrew.
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The Author, Séamas O'Reilly @seamas.bsky.social · 15/02/2025
I wrote this on the most consistently terrible, and fatal, idea in centrist politics today. On Fanta, rebadging, and why attempting to win votes from fascists is morally disgusting and politically suicidal. www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle-co...
irishexaminer.com
Séamas O'Reilly: Appeasing the far-right won't placate them — they'll just want the next cruelty
Their concerns are not about society, the economy or public safety, they’re an ever-moving target of fear and hatred that cannot be sated, it has to be challenged.
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