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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite

@seamasbelfast.bsky.social
2.5K followers 1.3K following 636 posts

Belfast City Councillor | Lisnasharragh | SDLP Belfast Group Leader | New Irelander | Atlanticist | LGBT+ | San Diego Democrats Alum | YIMBY | defaoites@belfastcity.gov.uk

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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite @seamasbelfast.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Trimble had his own hand in making Drumcree a problem at first, but following the murder of the Quinns this is what he said. Unionism would Lundy him, but those who are trying to re-open this dark part of our history should listen to what he had to say.
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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite @seamasbelfast.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Three summers of paramilitary directed racist violence, enabled by Unionist politicians talking about “legitimate concerns”. Children burnt out of their homes. The rest of us, from all backgrounds, aren’t stupid. We know what you’re at. We’ve seen what the future can be, you’re trying to stop it.
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Sarah Creighton @saraita101.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Honestly galling. We all saw them talking about legitimate concerns when they were burning kids out of their homes. They're talking about mob rule as well. Like when Belfast got shut down by paramilitaries???
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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite @seamasbelfast.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Political Unionism, at the behest of Bryson et al, has picked at the sorest sectarian scab of the last 30 years, to create a festering wound. Utterly depressing considering the glimpse of the future we had during the Fleadh. They only wish to drag us back. Solidarity with the residents of Garvaghy.
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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite @seamasbelfast.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Me demanding the crisp Autumn air back from climate change, which has instead given us 25°C in Belfast in late September.
static.klipy.com
Orangutan Demands: Give It To Me!
Alt: Orangutan Demands: Give It To Me!
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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite @seamasbelfast.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
🎃 Delighted that once again we’ve secured funding for Halloween in Belfast City Centre, to support the Belfast One Business Improvement District to deliver family friendly activities like the City Hall pumpkin patch, the inflatable monster takeover and much, much more.
A graphic from SDLP Belfast City Councillor Séamas de Faoite announcing that funding has been secured for 2026 Halloween activities in Belfast City Centre.
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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite @seamasbelfast.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
I’d rather drink a pint of Lough Neagh toxic gloop than listen to some of those awful DUP contributions about the Conversion Therapy Ban Bill. 2026 and the Paisleyite opposition to LGBT+ people simply being themselves continues.
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Reposted by Cllr. Séamas de Faoite
Theo Moudakis @theomoudakis.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Please enjoy my cartoon for Tuesday's Toronto Star
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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite @seamasbelfast.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
We’re working on the next steps for our parks outreach hubs. Cllr. Gary McKeown & I met Officers in Ormeau Park. Our plans will support the existing work of the Parks Outreach team & promote environmental & horticultural educational opportunities, community activities, & bio-diversity initiatives.
SDLP Belfast City Councillor Séamas de Faoite with Council Officers in Ormeau Park.SDLP Belfast City Councillor Gary McKeown with Council Officers in Ormeau Park.
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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite @seamasbelfast.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
☕️ A latte levy on the thousands of tourists that stay overnight in Belfast every year could give the city millions of pounds to fund street cleansing and other activities like animation and public art, without putting the burden on local households.
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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite @seamasbelfast.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
New York City holds an incredibly special place in Irish hearts and minds, across many generations. On the 25th anniversary of #September11, a quarter of a century on, my thoughts are with the many victims, their loved ones and my dear friends in America’s City.
An art installation at the 9/11 memorial in Lower Manhattan, New York City, featuring a quote from Virgil that reads: “No day shall erase you from the memory of time”.The infinity reflecting pools at the 9/11 memorial in Lower Manhattan, New York City.The Oculus in New York.The Irish and American flags hanging together outside the Fitzpatrick Grand Central Hotel in Midtown Manhattan.
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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite @seamasbelfast.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
We’re working to protect and expand active travel opportunities in our area. I was recently contacted by a number of constituents concerned about plans by the Forestside shopping centre to put a cafe space where their sheltered bike dock and seating are located next to the entrance to Sainsbury’s.
SDLP Belfast City Councillor Séamas de Faoite at the Bike Dock at Forestside Shopping Centre.
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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite @seamasbelfast.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
🏐 Cherryvale is very important for our local community, so we will always work to ensure it’s properly maintained. Following our request, restoration and repair of one of the pitches will begin this month. We’ll continue to work with the local clubs to make sure the restoration is up to standard.
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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite @seamasbelfast.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
🚆 Belfast has benefited significantly from the reduced fares and hourly departures for passengers travelling from Dublin.
A graphic from SDLP Belfast City Councillor Séamas de Faoite featuring a photo of him on the Enterprise train from Dublin to Belfast, with the following quote on it: “Proposed train fare increases by Minister Darragh O’Brien are the wrong direction for cross border travellers. Belfast has benefited massively from lower fares for passengers travelling from Dublin, and the hourly Enterprise train departures. This benefit has particularly been felt during the Christmas season.

Both Transport Ministers on this island should be working together to reduce fares and keep them low.”
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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite @seamasbelfast.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
🌳🏕️ We’re proposing new outreach hubs in parks to lead on things like forest school and biodiversity education. We’re so lucky to have these green spaces on our doorstep. Protecting them means growing a sense of community and custodianship. Getting schools and youth groups involved is the best start.
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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite @seamasbelfast.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
I've had my Pumpkin Spice Latte for the day. I am ready to go. Let's see what this week throws at us all.
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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite @seamasbelfast.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
I’m not on this platform very often these days - I’ve kinda gone off the Twitter style form of instant social media but I’m going to try to do a bit better to share more of my work and the work of my local community here.
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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite @seamasbelfast.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
Watching the @news.dw.com coverage of the Saxony-Anhalt election. Someone is trolling the Far-Right Fascist AfD at their watch party by playing Bakermat’s remix of MLK’s “I Have A Dream” speech: youtu.be/6BV37Dcxj9s?...
youtu.be
Bakermat - One Day (Vandaag) (Videoclip)
YouTube video by BakermatVEVO
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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite @seamasbelfast.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
The logical endpoint of the DUP and anti-Trans campaign’s quest against Féile is that Orangefest, which receives public funding too, would be obliged to accept a bid for an event about LGBT+ Rights in a United Ireland. (Lets not forget this is all a distraction from Donaldson)
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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite @seamasbelfast.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
We've the chance of a lifetime to write the first page of a new Ireland. Before last week's chaos I sat down with BelTel's Suzanne Breen to talk about my journey in politics, the experiences that have shaped me and the work ahead to build a new Ireland. www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/politic...
SDLP South Belfast City Councillor Séamas de Faoite in The Commons on the Ormeau Road.
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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite @seamasbelfast.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
The horrific attack in North Belfast last night, and the disgust we feel about it does not justify the reported attack on the Fire Service already this evening, nor the images of a Glider in flames on the Newtownards Road. This city does not want any more violence.
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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite @seamasbelfast.bsky.social · 24/05/2026
There’s an ongoing industrial fire in Belfast docks. Best advice for residents at the moment would be to keep windows and doors closed. Grateful for the work of the NI Fire & Rescue Service.
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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite @seamasbelfast.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
If Doug Beattie is “too moderate” then the rest of the UUP must be to the right of Genghis Khan. Wild.
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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite @seamasbelfast.bsky.social · 09/05/2026
I have many wonderful features in my constituency but none of them are a mould castle.
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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite @seamasbelfast.bsky.social · 09/05/2026
A New Ireland. Free from Farage. Our chance to build something new.
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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite @seamasbelfast.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
DUP Politicians and Loyalist bloggers cheering on Reform. Have they learnt nothing?… Farage led Britain will turbocharge the momentum towards a United Ireland. People here do not want to be governed by such a charlatan.
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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite @seamasbelfast.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
Every vote counts…
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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite @seamasbelfast.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
For too long the Freedom of Belfast has been an honour that hasn’t recognised enough of the contributions women have made to our city, its people and its progress. I’ve been asking for some time why this was and why nothing had ever been done to rebalance it.
A graphic from SDLP South Belfast Councillor Séamas de Faoite about his proposal to recognise International Women’s Day 2027 with the Freedom of the City for four women who’ve made an outstanding contribution to Belfast.
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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite @seamasbelfast.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
When Street Art meets Street Meeting! Nice to be out in the sun talking to neighbours this evening.
A sandwich board sign for a Street Meeting with SDLP South Belfast Councillor Séamas de Faoite in front of a mural by Lost Lines celebrating city wildlife.
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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite @seamasbelfast.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
Last night’s Council was a distraction - an attempt by Stormont’s lead parties to distract from their failure to deliver. SDLP proposed an amendment, which would’ve changed the outcome, but only Greens backed us - had Sinn Féin voted for it, it would’ve passed & ended DUP‘s attempt at distraction.
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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite @seamasbelfast.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
The Flags, Identity, Culture & Tradition Commission made proposals on how we can deal with controversial identity issues here. Up until today Alliance said they supported these moves - in a surprising u-turn tonight they voted down our proposal supporting them in Belfast City Council.
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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite @seamasbelfast.bsky.social · 19/04/2026
I’ve been off my feet a little this week with a sinus infection but hoping to be back at it tomorrow, when I’ll be meeting the Education Authority and other organisations at the Knockbreda High site, to try and get a resolution to the ongoing anti-social behaviour and fires.
irishnews.com
Education Authority unable to secure south Belfast school site due to ‘funding constraints’ as anti-social behaviour continues
Residents have complained about a recent rise in anti-social behaviour at the old Knockbreda High School site
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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite @seamasbelfast.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
I know it’s rare that I‘ll praise the Infrastructure Minister but she wrote to Council offering to fund the nature-sympathetic lighting of some routes in parks, where they connect w/ Belfast Cycle Network. Locally = Ormeau. Tonight I made proposal that we prepare the business case for this funding.
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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite @seamasbelfast.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
Translink fare freeze just isn’t enough in the current crisis. Fuel costs are going to continue to bite for some time to come. There’ll also be continued supply pressures. Infrastructure Minister should be working to find a way for a temporary reduction in fares to take some pressure off workers.
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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite @seamasbelfast.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
I reported NIHE for the unlawful removal of trees on Mt Merrion Ave. I asked NIHE to stop removing trees & replace those they’d already torn down. Investigation was opened & last week I got an update from Council’s enforcement team to confirm new trees have been planted & investigation has closed.
A graphic from SDLP South Belfast Councillor Séamas de Faoite updating residents on an enforcement case in relation to the unlawful tearing down of trees.Dear Councillor de Faoite
 
Nature: ​Unauthorised works to TPO Trees
 
Location:  ​Corner of Mount Merrion Avenue and the Cregagh Road Belfast, BT6 0LD
 
I refer to previous correspondence concerning the above.
 
Following an investigation of your complaint, I can confirm that Belfast City Council has now completed its investigations of this case and I can advise that:
 
The offence under the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 has been remedied to the satisfaction of the Council in that eight replacement trees have been planted. These trees are commonly referred to as black poplar (Populus nigra ‘Italica’) and are the same species as the existing poplars on site.
 
Accordingly, Belfast City Council does not intend to pursue this matter any further.
 
You may also wish to note that in dealing with this investigation the Council will process your information in line with the GDPR requirements. A copy of the full Privacy Statement is available on our website https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/privacy or alternatively you can contact the Data Protection Officer by email dataprotection@belfastcity.gov.uk.  
 
If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.
 
Yours sincerely,
 
Richard White
Senior Planning Enforcement Officer
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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite @seamasbelfast.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
This was the kind of stuff the OG JC flipped tables over.
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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite @seamasbelfast.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
Jonathan Buckley was keen today to blame the fuel crisis on anyone else but his hero Donald Trump, who started the war in Iran. It’s worth continuing to remind people in Upper Bann and beyond that he’s a cheerleader for the person responsible for driving everyone’s bills up.
A collage of various occasions when DUP MLA Jonathan Buckley has met US President Donald Trump.
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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite @seamasbelfast.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
Fair play to Cllr. John Gallen who has worked to ensure that Lisburn & Castlereagh are getting involved with Fleadh Cheoil. This is going to be one of the biggest events in Belfast’s recent history & thanks to John’s work communities in Newtownbreda, Four Winds & Carryduff will be part of it.
SDLP South Belfast Councillors Gary McKeown, Séamas de Faoite and John Gallen.
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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite @seamasbelfast.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
34yrs ago today Joe Hendron won West Belfast. A crucial moment in the quest for peace & a New Ireland. It demonstrated that Nationalists didn’t believe violence would achieve our aims & forced people back to negotiating. The Good Friday Agreement would’ve been possible without this victory.
SDLP South Belfast City Councillor Séamas de Faoite and former West Belfast SDLP MP Dr. Joe Hendron.
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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite @seamasbelfast.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
Lots of reasons to have issues with the Church’s institutions, but JD and Trump threatening Rome for standing against war is totally bonkers. Starmer still going ahead with the reciprocal State Visits for Trump?
thefp.com
Why the Vatican and the White House Are on the Outs
Inside the collapse of Washington’s relationship with the first American pope.
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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite @seamasbelfast.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
There is an ongoing security alert in Orangefield Park. People are asked by the PSNI to stay away from the area.
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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite @seamasbelfast.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
Dept Education are refusing to act against anti-social behaviour at Knockbreda High site. I asked them to secure it, to prevent weekly fires - they said no. This site should be home for Forge Integrated but the Exec cancelled funding. Wynchurch & Knockbreda residents are left dealing with the ASB.
SDLP South Belfast Councillor Séamas de Faoite at the old Knockbreda High School Site on the A55.
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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite @seamasbelfast.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
“We hear a lot about minority rights and human rights. What about majority rights?” - Alliance Party Belfast City Council Leader Michael Long, in opposing Irish Language rights in a debate in Council tonight.
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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite @seamasbelfast.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
Insanity from DfI.
bbc.co.uk
Ulster University: Car ban proposals outside campus dropped
The DfI said it determined the plan
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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite @seamasbelfast.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
Tonight Alliance joined the DUP in an undemocratic, and in my view underhanded, manoeuvre to force Belfast City Council to adopt the British Armed Forces Covenant. The SDLP has consistently warned that this covenant risks creating a hierarchy of access to public services and a hierarchy of victims.
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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite @seamasbelfast.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
On BBC Radio Ulster this morning the Deputy Leader of the Alliance Party said Naomi Long was the most popular leader amongst “unaligned” voters. The polling would suggest the opposite - tied with Matthew O’Toole as Leader of the Opposition and Claire Hanna, SDLP Leader, ahead.
A polling graphic from the Belfast Telegraph showing Matthew O’Toole and Naomi Long tied as the most popular Assembly leader/Minister amongst unaligned voters.A paragraph from the Belfast Telegraph which reads: On 37%, Naomi Long is down three points to become the least popular party leader. Her approval rating has fallen most significantly with Alliance/Green voters — down 11 points — who score Ms Hanna (60%) more highly than Mrs Long (57%).
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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite @seamasbelfast.bsky.social · 15/03/2026
Very sad news from Kent. I survived meningitis twenty years ago this Spring. It is an incredibly scary experience for anyone to go through, but I’d encourage people to act fast if they think they, or someone they know is experiencing the symptoms.
bbc.co.uk
Two die including Kent uni student in meningitis outbreak
Eleven people in the Canterbury area are also seriously ill in hospital, the BBC understands.
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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite @seamasbelfast.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
Áthas mar chineál friotaíochta. It was lovely to join dear friends and new friends alike at St. Pat’s for All earlier this month in Queens, New York.
SDLP South Belfast City Councillor Séamas de Faoite speaking at St. Pat’s for All in Sunnyside, Queens, NY.Irish American actress Kate Mulgrew speaking at St. Pat’s for All in Sunnyside, Queens NY, alongside former New York City Council Member Danny Dromm.A banner calling for freedom for Palestine, Congo and Sudan at St. Pat’s for All, Sunnyside, Queens NY.A large shamrock sign with the slogan “Gays Against Guns” on it at St. Pat’s for All in Sunnyside, Queens NY.
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Cllr. Séamas de Faoite @seamasbelfast.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
I’m sure I’m not the only person to notice an Irish political party is mocking all their graphics up to look like @joedotie.bsky.social graphics? I’m presuming that’s so that the Meta algorithm puts them in front of more people 😅
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August J. Pollak @augustjpollak.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
They paid a lot of people good wages to do the job effectively, thank you for coming to my socialism talk
I'm not entirely sure how they did it, but they've completely cleared the streets around my office in Midtown #NYC.
0154822702