Member's statement: Assembly Priorities and Purpose

Member's statement by Mr Daniel McCrossan on 13 October 2026.

MLA: Mr Daniel McCrossan
Party at the time: Social Democratic and Labour Party
Date: 13 October 2026
Type: Member's statement
Business: Members' Statements
Heading: Assembly Priorities and Purpose
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5789446

Text

I have had the privilege of representing West Tyrone in the House for 12 years, and I have had very strong working relationships and friendships with people across the Chamber from all walks of life and different political, religious and other backgrounds. However, I have to say that the events of yesterday and recent weeks have shown the very worst of this place. I left here last night facing a two-hour drive home and feeling utterly depressed, angry and frustrated by the abuse that was hurled across the Chamber. As I travelled, however, I kept thinking about the people who would give anything to see that same energy devoted to helping them and improving their lives, which is the reason why we are elected to the House. I thought of the mother lying awake at night wondering how she will be able to afford to heat her home or feed her family. I thought of the parent who, as we speak, is sitting in hospital holding the hand of a loved one, frightened about what the time ahead might bring. I thought of the elderly person who has had to sit in an emergency department for hours while exhausted and desperate for help. Those people are not asking us to settle every single argument about the past. They are asking us to recognise our differences, respect them and move forward together. They are asking us to build a future for everyone in our society.
Under the Good Friday Agreement, this place was meant to be a symbol of hope: a place where we could disagree but respect one another and the differences of opinion that we have. Too often, however, that promise has been abused. Instead of overcoming the sectarian divisions of this society, some have allowed them to become institutionalised. We all know where that leads and the pain that it causes and how thoughtless and reckless words and actions can damage the cherished and fragile peace that we hold dear. People watching at home can reasonably ask, "Where is the same passion when a child needs support at school? Where is the urgency for the loved one waiting for treatment or the families struggling with the cost of living?". What answer can we give them? Every week, I meet people, as do Members in the Chamber, who are worn down. We have filled in their forms, made calls and explained their circumstances. They just want their lives to be improved, and that is why they elect us to this institution, yet their struggles were overshadowed yesterday by another bitter exchange between parties entrusted to govern. That was not what was promised and is not what our people deserve. We have always represented the greater good. There is common good in this place. We overcame great struggles in the past. We cannot allow one or two individuals to drag us back in any direction. The two largest parties have had the privilege of governing this place for 20 years and have a responsibility to show leadership. It is not easy when you come from opposing difficult ends, but being led by Jamie Bryson, Timothy or others down a difficult place serves nobody. We have a responsibility to —
— show leadership and represent all our constituents.

547 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

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