Weekly Bulletin 31/10/26

The fallout from Drumcree continued to dominate at Stormont this week. Calls within the DUP for Michelle O’Neill’s removal grew louder, led by Carla Lockhart, who now looks set to leave the party altogether. Even so, Gavin Robinson stopped short of collapsing the Executive. Instead, the DUP barred the First Minister from today’s economic summit with the Prime Minister in Glasgow. Meanwhile, the High Court upheld the Secretary of State’s parade ban, and an appeal is already on the way. Chancellor John Healey’s first Budget brought £270m for Northern Ireland. But the £131m available this year, and an equivalent £100 energy payment, depend on the one thing Stormont still hasn’t managed: a budget of its own. Sir Chris Bryant hopes that can be done “in the next few days”.
Kurtis Dickson, Senior Account Executive

What you need to know

DUP blocks First Minister from UK economic summit as Drumcree row deepens
The DUP has blocked First Minister Michelle O’Neill from attending today’s (30 October) National Economic Council meeting with Prime Minister Andy Burnham in Glasgow. This follows a week of growing pressure inside the party over her part in the Garvaghy Road protests. Following a meeting of DUP party officers on Thursday (29 October), party leader Gavin Robinson confirmed that deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly would not take part in joint engagements with Ms O’Neill and that the First Minister would not be allowed to attend alone, according to BBC News. Mr Robinson said Ms O’Neill’s “arrogance will have consequences”, but he maintained that the party would not collapse the Executive. The decision follows calls from Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart, who resigned as a party officer last week, for Ms O’Neill to be removed from office. She was joined by MLA and party officer Diane Forsythe on Monday and by veteran DUP peer William McCrea on Wednesday. Ms O’Neill described the move as “reckless and irresponsible”, while Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant said it was “deeply frustrating”. The Belfast Telegraph reports that Ms Lockhart is set to quit the DUP within “days, if not hours” and sit as an independent MP.
What Next: Ms Little-Pengelly has asked for a separate meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss “the urgent budgetary and funding challenges facing the Executive”.

No £100 energy payment for NI until Stormont agrees a budget
Chancellor John Healey’s first Budget on Wednesday (28 October) announced a £100 energy payment for households in England, with equivalent funding for Stormont. However, Sir Chris Bryant warned that the Executive would not be legally able to deliver it without an agreed budget, according to the BBC. Northern Ireland will receive an additional £270m, of which £131m can be spent this year. The Budget also brings funding for an investment summit and for Queen’s University’s Centre for Secure Information Technologies, the removal of a 4% tariff on imported heating oil, and an extension of the electricity VAT cut. Finance Minister John O’Dowd said the Budget would bring “cold comfort” to workers’ families and that a “significant gap” remains. Earlier in the week, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins had urged Sir Chris to “get real” about Stormont’s “shoestring budget”.
What Next: Sir Chris told the Belfast Telegraph that the £131m depends on a budget being in place, “whether it’s provided by me or it’s done by the Executive”. He said he hopes to see one agreed “in the next few days”.

High Court upholds Drumcree parade ban
On Wednesday (28 October), the High Court in Belfast dismissed a judicial review brought by a Portadown Orangeman against Sir Chris Bryant’s decision to ban the Drumcree parade, according to the BBC. Mr Justice Scoffield ruled that the decision was “lawful”. He noted concerns about respect for the rule of law among “some elected representatives” because they took part in the unnotified protest. Sir Chris said the ruling was “not a cause for celebration”, while Carla Lockhart called it “damning”. Separately, Finance Minister John O’Dowd confirmed he had attended a police interview over his presence at the Garvaghy Road protest. Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald is also due to be interviewed.
What Next: Portadown Orange District has confirmed it will appeal

Stakeholder Watch

John Finucane MP (Sinn Féin, North Belfast): “People want to see political leadership, & First Minister Michelle O’Neill & all Sinn Féin Ministers will turn up for people every day. The DUP’s actions are economic sabotage, caused by their internal divisions & turmoil. The people will decide who represents them as First Minister. Not the DUP.”

DUP leader Gavin Robinson MP: “Whilst the outcome of today’s case is not what we would have wanted, the judge starkly said: “The law does not apply only when you agree with it”. Michelle O’Neill and Sinn Fein take note. The rule of law must and will apply.”

Sorcha Eastwood MP (Alliance, Lagan Valley): “Have to say sitting listening to some of the measures in this budget, particularly the support for High Streets and small businesses paid for by increasing tax on gambling, it’s galling that we have no budget in Northern Ireland to actually be in a position to give our town centres & high streets that support immediately. This is a measure that will exempt 70,000 businesses in GB paying any rates at all. That would really help my local shops. What we have in Northern Ireland isn’t politics, it’s a national shame. Not delivering for people in the slightest.”

UUP leader Jon Burrows MLA: “A UK economic forum, chaired by our Prime Minister, with only UK nations represented. How does keeping Northern Ireland away punish a republican First Minister who still receives every penny of her salary? Boycotting a British event to make a unionist point makes no sense.”

Leader of the Opposition Matthew O’Toole MLA: “It was certainly an underwhelming Budget but note here the complete absence of any acceptance of responsibility or even urgency in setting a Budget locally. The dominant, in fact the only imperative, is to pass blame elsewhere.”

TUV leader Jim Allister MP: “The DUP’s sham response today was beyond pathetic. No joint appearances with O’Neill, but sustaining O’Neill in office, is neither profound nor a consequence. It is as pitiful as it is pointless. No photo calls with the lawbreaker they continue to enthrone as First Minister barely even cuts it as a stunt. What a contrast with the principled stand of Carla Lockhart MP, who again today has laid out what needs to be done, but the DUP is interested only in clinging to office, not principle.”

NI Secretary Chris Bryant MP: “It is deeply frustrating that the NI executive will not be represented at the important meeting on economic growth with the PM [Friday]. I understand feelings are running high but it must be in the interests of the people of Northern Ireland that everyone gets round the table.”

Other Stories

Details of new paid Safe Leave entitlement announced
On Monday (26 October), Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald set out how a new right to 10 days of paid Safe Leave for victims and survivors of domestic abuse will work. Under the plans, the leave will be available from day one of employment, paid at the normal rate and can be taken flexibly, with no requirement to disclose the reason. The regulations are expected before the end of the mandate, and Safe Leave would take effect in April 2027.

Proposals to pedestrianise parts of Belfast city centre unveiled
The Department for Infrastructure’s draft Eastern Transport Plan 2035 proposes “pedestrian-priority” zones on parts of Donegall Square West, Botanic Avenue and Victoria Street. It also proposes a citywide 20mph limit, an expanded segregated cycling network and an extension of the Glider to north and south Belfast, according to BBC News. The consultation runs until 25 January 2027.

Sinn Féin support rises to 30% in new poll
Sinn Féin support has risen five points to 30% amid the Drumcree dispute, reported by the Irish News, citing new polling by More in Common. The DUP rose one point to 18%, while Alliance fell two points to 9%. 53% of those surveyed backed the parade ban, and only 27% thought the dispute justified collapsing the Executive.

New strategy launched to tackle nature decline
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir launched the Nature Recovery Strategy, which aims to restore habitats in what has been called the “most nature-depleted part of the UK”, according to BBC News. Environmental groups welcomed it but asked how it would be funded, while the Ulster Farmers’ Union said it remains “a bit sceptical”. A Nature Recovery Forum and a biodiversity finance plan will follow.

Viable device delivered to Derry hotel
On Wednesday (28 October), police confirmed that a package delivered to a hotel at Ebrington in Derry was a viable explosive device, according to ITV News. Justice Minister Naomi Long condemned the attack. DUP MLA Julie Middleton said those responsible “hold no regard for human life”, and UUP Foyle candidate Darren Guy said he was “totally disgusted”, noting that Ebrington Square was busy with families ahead of the city’s Halloween celebrations.

Gerry Kelly U-turns as parties firm up Assembly election line-ups
On Thursday (29 October), Sinn Féin’s Gerry Kelly announced he will seek re-election in North Belfast in 2027. In July he had said he would stand down, but he said he reconsidered after being “approached” by his party. Alliance confirmed the re-selection of Andrew Muir and Connie Egan in North Down and of Deputy Leader Eóin Tennyson in Upper Bann. Tennyson said the election was a chance to move “beyond the cycle of political crises”. The UUP selected Ian Irwin in Mid Ulster, arguing that boundary changes mean unionism can return two MLAs there, and the TUV selected Stevan Patterson in West Tyrone.

Invest NI secures Ebrington for new North West office
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has announced that Invest NI’s new North West regional office will be at Ebrington Plaza in Derry. She said it will make the agency “more visible, accessible, and embedded” in the local community. UUP Foyle candidate Darren Guy welcomed the move but said it must bring a “fair share of jobs and investment” and end “Invest NI’s Belfast centric approach”.

Across the Border

New government body to examine options for Irish unity, says Taoiseach
A new government body is to be established under the Department of the Taoiseach to examine models and challenges for different potential “constitutional futures” for the island of Ireland. Taoiseach Micheál Martin told the Irish Times the body would examine three potential scenarios: a unitary 32-county all-Ireland state, the continuation of the status quo, and a united Ireland in which Northern Ireland would remain a devolved entity. Martin said that by keeping the option of maintaining the union with Britain as part of the project, he hoped unionists would engage on the basis that they could make the argument for the union. He plans to bring a memo to Cabinet outlining first steps for the new body before Christmas.

Over 10,000 new dwelling completions in Q3 2026, up 10% on last year
On Thursday (29 October), the Journal reported on new CSO statistics, showing that there were 10,154 new dwelling completions in Q3 2026, 10.4% compared to the same period in 2025. The total number of completions for 2026 as of September was 26,883. Minister for Housing James Browne TD described the figures as “greatly encouraging” and “demonstrates that our policies are translating into real progress on the ground, delivering more homes and putting keys in people’s hands”. However, Sinn Féin housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin warned that the Government will still fall short of “the annual average of 50,000 required to meet the overall target out to 2030”.

Public sector pay deal will include reform and productivity measures
Discussions between government and public sector unions continued at the Workplace Relations Commission this week. Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers said the government “want to have a fair deal for public sector workers,” that is “sustainable and affordable for the taxpayer as well”. According to the Irish Times, he confirmed that there will be discussions on reform and productivity measures as part of any pay deal.

What We’re Reading

Brian Lavery: Andy Burnham, growth funds and Belfast
In Monday’s Irish News, Brian Lavery, managing director at CBRE NI, looks at how Andy Burnham’s premiership may impact housebuilding in Northern Ireland. As mayor of Manchester, Burnham established the Greater Manchester Good Growth Fund. Lavery writes that this model “uses public funding as risk capital”, inviting collaboration with the private sector and generating a return for local authorities “that can then be recycled into future projects”. He notes that attracting private co-investment is important for NI where public finances are constrained. Lavery writes that the three key lessons from the Manchester experiment are “that housing delivery is far more a financial challenge than a planning one”, that “how public money is allocated is just as important as the level of funding available”, and that “targeted intervention using public funding can unlock much wider economic benefits”. He concludes that if we are “serious about creating a supply of new homes in Northern Ireland, the focus must now shift from how much we invest to how effectively public capital can be deployed to unlock growth”.

Forward Look

Wednesday 4 – Monday 9 November 2026
Commons in Recess

Wednesday 11 November 2026
NI Chamber- Energy Forum, Riddel Hall, Belfast. Read more here.

Wednesday 18 November 2026
North West Future of Energy Conference & Exhibition 2026, White Horse Hotel- Read more here.

Thursday 19 November – Friday 20 November 2026
NIFHA Annual Conference 2026, Slieve Donard Hotel- Read more here.

Saturday 21 November 2026
TEDxStormont, Parliament Buildings- Read more here.

Wednesday 25 November 2026
Housing Rights Private Rented Sector Conference, Skainos Centre, Belfast. Read more here.

Tuesday 8th December 2026
Energy Seminar and Christmas Connect (RenewableNI and A&L Goodbody). Read more here.

Thursday 10 December 2026
NIFHA Housing Finance Conference, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Templepatrick- Read more here.

Thursday 10 December 2026
NI Chamber- Public Affairs Forum: Autumn Budget Briefing, Pinsent Masons, Belfast. Read more here.

Monday 14 December – Friday 1 January 2027
Assembly in Recess

Thursday 17 December – Monday 4 January 2027
Commons in Recess

Monday 21 December – Thursday 14 January 2027
Oireachtas in Recess

Wednesday 13 January 2027
KESS- Small Scale Renewable Energy in Northern Ireland: Considerations when legislating. 13:30-16:00, Parliament Buildings, Long Gallery. Read more here.

Thursday 11 February – Sunday 21 February 2027
Commons in Recess

Thursday 18th February 2027
RenewableNI annual conference. Read more here.

Monday 15 March – Thursday 25 March 2027
Oireachtas in Recess

Monday 22 March 2027 – Dissolution
Assembly in recess

Thursday 25 March – Sunday 11 April 2027
Commons in Recess

Thursday 29 April – Monday 3 May 2027
Commons in Recess

Monday 3 May – Thursday 6 May 2027
Oireachtas in Recess

Thursday 6 May 2027
Deadline for next Assembly election

Thursday 27 May – Sunday 7 June 2027
Commons in Recess

Monday 7 June – Friday 11 June 2027
Oireachtas in Recess

Monday 26 July – Friday 30 July 2027
Oireachtas in Recess