We asked you what you really want the Assembly to deliver, here's what you said
By Valerie Martin
Published 15th Feb 2024, 17:41 BST
Updated 15th Feb 2024, 17:52 BST
The return of MLAs to Stormont has brought with it an expectation from the public that badly-needed improvements for Northern Ireland will be put firmly top of the agenda.
We asked our readers to name one thing the Assembly could do to make a big difference to their lives and we were literally inundated with replies.
While some people expressed an opinion that life wouldn’t get any better as a result of Stormont getting up and running again, plenty of others said they wanted MLAs to put party politics behind them and just get on with the job in hand to make improvements for everyone.
Here’s a snapshot of what the public across Northern Ireland have on their Stormont ‘wishlist’.
Here’s a snapshot of what the public across Northern Ireland have on their Stormont ‘wishlist’.
9. Access to NHS dental care
The shortage of dentists providing NHS care in Northern Ireland is also a big issue for many of our readers. One person had this message for Assembly members: "Sort out our dental system, more dentists who are NHS that help all who need them" while another said: "I've found it impossible to get dental care and I'm sure I will suffer for it in the long run." Photo: unsplash
10. Cost of living crisis
Many people are hoping the Assembly will turn their attention to the cost of living crisis, especially high fuel costs, in Northern Ireland. One reader urged more focus on reneweables. "Enact long-term supportive policies that eliminate our dependence on oil and gas for our energy needs, in favour of locally-produced renewable energy. We have seen the devastating inflationary effects of rapidly escalating oil and gas prices, that caused a cost of living crisis in our households, and forced many of our small businesses to close down or keep putting prices up. This Executive must assist us in becoming self-sufficient in our energy needs as a region, to prevent such a catastrophe happening again." Another added: "Get food, fuel and electricity back down to a normal price. It’s putting way to much pressure on people." This reader called on action from Stormont to support those in need: "Help with astronomical electricity bills. I am on Economy 7 awaiting change to gas. I am a pensioner, live alone in a small apartment, heating on minimal and yet my electric cost is £200 / "250 per month. I despair for young families whose consumption would be much heavier. I don't know how they make ends meet." Photo: unsplash
11. More funding for education
Increased funding for the education system in Northern Ireland is top of the priority list for many parents. One urged the Assembly to "invest in the future of Northern Ireland by investing in the schools of today" while another prompted MLAs to do more to support teachers "who do so much to hold things together". Photo: unsplash
12. Rise to the challenge
The final word on what Stormont needs do for Northern Ireland comes from this reader who urged Assembly members to "Stop harping back to the past ... and get on with what you are paid to do." Pictured here are First Minister Michelle O'Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly with members of the Northern Ireland Executive at Stormont Castle. Photo: Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye