Young Democrats launch
The Young Democrats officially launched at Seaview Football Stadium recently, with an energetic crowd of young people from across Northern Ireland in attendance. The event brought together students and young professionals, all eager to make their voices heard.
A Q&A session with Party Leader Gavin Robinson and members of the ministerial team gave attendees the chance to engage directly with senior party figures. Our message is clear: young people have a vital role to play in the DUP, in helping to shape policy, fight campaigns and help the Party to win elections.
If you’re passionate about politics and want to get involved, contact James Cochrane jamescochrane@dup.org.uk
Fundraising to help save lives
DUP MLAs Harry Harvey and Cheryl Brownlee have recently taken part in fundraising activities to support Air Ambulance NI.
Harry Harvey, MLA for Strangford, completed a very daring firewalk at Parliament Buildings. The event involved walking barefoot across hot embers, which Harry took on in good spirits to help raise money and awareness for the cause.
Cheryl Brownlee, MLA for East Antrim, also took on a big challenge by running the London Marathon. After months of training, Cheryl successfully completed the 26.2-mile run, joining thousands of others who were also running for charity.
We are proud of the commitment they’ve both shown, to help Air Ambulance NI continue to provide their life saving service. You can find out more about Air Ambulance NI by visiting https://airambulanceni.org
Rebuilding, Renewing, and Representing
It is just over a year since I became leader of the Party. In that time, I have travelled the length and breadth of Northern Ireland, visiting every constituency, meeting members, knocking doors, and engaging with the people who call Northern Ireland their home.
My purpose has been to listen, to lead, and to lay the groundwork for a rejuvenated and focused Democratic Unionist Party on ensuring unionism wins again in 2027. I have seen firsthand the commitment of our people and I’ve been heartened by the energy and the honest conversations we’ve had about the future of unionism.
Whilst our opponents talk about border polls. The fact remains that the Sinn Fein and SDLP combined vote in 2025 is no bigger than it was in 1998. Most people who live here, just want to get on with their job and have the right public services for their family.
That’s where we must demonstrate that Northern Ireland works for them.
Just last month, we held three successful Days of Action in South Antrim, North Antrim, and East Londonderry. Across Ballyclare, Ballymena, and Coleraine, each team 40 strong, we knocked every door, listening carefully to the concerns raised by residents.
Whether it was mobile phone signal issues in Ballyclare, the cost of childcare and access to nursery places in Coleraine, or immigration and waiting list concerns in Ballymena, we heard clearly from people what really matters to them.
It was heartening to see people joining the party and looking to get more involved. Beyond the engagement it was great to be on the doors as a team. There was an energy and enthusiasm amongst our team which I hadn’t seen for a long time.
Whether it was MPs MLAs, Councillors or members, the energy come from the fact that on the doorstep is where the DUP thrives. On the ground, standing up and speaking out for communities is at our core.
It is why within six months of getting devolution restored we were able to get real help for working families with childcare costs and give them a 15% discount.
Our Ministers are delivering on the issues that affect everyday life. Our Communities Minister Gordon Lyons is championing our culture by supporting marching bands across Northern Ireland. These bands are more than just music groups, they’re hubs of community cohesion, training grounds for thousands of young musicians.
There’s a cultural snobbery that celebrates orchestras but sneers at bands with drums, flutes, bagpipes, brass and accordions. We reject that. These young people are immensely talented and deserve recognition and investment. I’m glad that under
Gordon’s leadership, they’re now getting it.
Gordon has also unlocked the long-stalled football funding. For years, Sinn Fein blocked support for grassroots clubs by tying it to their pet project at Casement Park and holding it almost like a hostage. That disgraceful politicisation has now ended. Gordon is ensuring that volunteers coaching our children on cold Saturday mornings or late weeknight sessions will have access to the facilities they need.
Our Education Minister Paul Givan is undertaking one of the most ambitious education reforms in a generation. We
are reviewing the curriculum, tackling school uniform costs, addressing pay fairness for teachers, and ensuring that schools are properly assessed and resourced to meet the needs of the next generation.
On wider Executive matters, we are challenging waste where we see it. Our Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly has led the fight against a mad proposal to create a £1 million-a-year Climate Change Commissioner role. This role would simply duplicate work already done by the Government in London. That money would be better spent reducing hospital waiting lists, not adding another layer of red tape.
In Westminster, we are leading the debate on major issues whether that is tackling the Windsor Framework and problems flowing from it or challenging the Government about unrealistic net-zero policies, opposing the deeply damaging inheritance tax changes or pressing for a better deal for working families.
Let’s not forget what DUP leadership has already delivered to help Make Northern Ireland Work better. Back in 2016 when 100k rural homes had no broadband, it was the DUP who developed a scheme and
secured £150 million to bring fibre broadband to those who needed it. By the end of 2025, we will have connected 100,000 rural homes, making us the bestconnected region in Europe. That is real, forward-thinking leadership.
We all know that Northern Ireland within the United Kingdom makes sense. In a world where there is so much turbulence, it makes sense to be part of world’s sixth largest economy and one of the major military powers of the world. Making Northern Ireland work however means fixing our public services. It means taking on the civil service culture that too often prioritises box-ticking over results.
Too many departments are plagued by inefficiency, poor project delivery, and a lack of urgency. Our Health spokesperson Diane Dodds and our Public Accounts Committee members, Cheryl Brownlee and Diane Forsythe, are doing a fantastic job holding departments to account. Out of 77 infrastructure projects, nearly two-thirds are delayed and over budget, by £2.4 billion. That is unacceptable. It is clear the civil service can’t manage major projects and its time to get them the help they need. Making Northern Ireland work is the best way to secure our place in the Union. That’s why the DUP isn’t focused on division or internal squabbles within unionism. We are focused on outcomes.
We are focused on working together with fellow unionists to make this place a better place to live. Because if people feel at home in Northern Ireland, if they can work, raise a family, and access decent services, then they are less likely to want to leave the Union. That’s the path we’re on. That’s the vision I’m proud to lead.
Gavin Robinson
The Rt Hon Gavin Robinson MP, Party Leader
Michelle McIlveen: Standing Firm, Leading Forward
Michelle McIlveen MLA has been a steady and respected presence within the Democratic Unionist Party for nearly two decades. From her early days helping on the campaign trail to holding key Ministerial roles across Education, Regional Development, and Agriculture, Michelle’s career has been shaped by a deep commitment to public service and unionism. Now, as the Party’s Deputy Leader, she brings her experience, determination, and strong values to the forefront of the Party’s future. In this interview, she reflects on her political journey, her vision for Northern Ireland, and the personal influences that continue to drive her forward.
You’ve had a long and distinguished career in politics, what moments do you look back on with the most pride?
It’s always a privilege to stand for election for the DUP and an even greater honour to be chosen to represent Strangford. Protecting the vulnerable and getting a better outcome for the people we are privileged to represent has been at the heart of my work. Two moments stand out. Firstly, persuading the Department of Health to track children missing from care, helping protect vulnerable young people and secondly pushing forward the School Age Bill, enabling parents of premature children to defer school entry. These changes may not have made headlines for weeks on end, but they have made a real difference to those families. That’s what being in politics is about.
What first drew you into politics, and why the DUP in particular?
Politics was part of my life from an early age, especially attending the Martyrs where Doc’s influence was strong.
Growing up during The Troubles, with family in the security forces, made me acutely aware of the
political climate. However, it was the Anglo-Irish Agreement that truly ignited my interest. I went on to study politics at Queen’s at undergraduate and postgraduate level, and taught history and politics alongside Sammy Wilson before entering political life.
You’ve served as Minister for Education, Regional Development, and Agriculture, how have those roles shaped your perspective on making Northern Ireland work?
We must make NI work. That’s ultimately what will protect the Union. People need to be content to live, work and raise their family here. If people feel at home, they are unlikely to want to leave.
I approached each Ministerial role determined to get better
outcomes, not simply to rubber-stamp advice. While I’ve worked with many excellent officials, the system’s risk aversion often stifles progress. They quite often find every reason to stall and not change course but struggle to find reasons to fix broken systems. It can be very frustrating. Congratulations on your new role, what made you step forward to be our new Deputy Leader?
It wasn’t something I actively sought. But after conversations with colleagues, I reflected on my experience, 18 years in the Assembly, time in the Executive, and 17 years as Party Secretary and realised it was time to take the next step in service to this Party and Northern Ireland. Unionism is fundamental to who I am, and I want to help lead a team committed to securing Northern Ireland’s place within the United Kingdom. I want to get the Party revitalised in areas where we can do better.
What are the immediate priorities you’ve set for yourself as you step into this position?
Being Deputy Leader carries real responsibility. I want to work alongside Gavin to strengthen the Party, broaden our reach, and encourage more of the 170,000 people who voted for us to get
involved. We need to develop the leaders of tomorrow. I am excited to see the Young Democrats energised with a plan to build. I want that at every level of the party. The policies we are pursuing matter to every demographic that wants to make NI successful whether they’re a farmer, a police officer, a medical professional, a school leaver or a teacher – to name a few.
What’s your vision for the future of unionism in Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland has changed, but support for the Union remains strong. I want to see a Northern Ireland where everyone can prosper and feel proud to call home, firmly as part of the United Kingdom. Securing our place must also include addressing the ongoing challenges presented by the Windsor Framework. I want to see unionism working together rather than engineering infighting against fellow unionists so unionism can win in 2027 in both Local Government and in the NI Assembly.
How can the Party strike a balance between holding firm to our principles while also evolving with the times?
Our principles, support for the Union, family, liberty, and equality of opportunity, remain timeless. Adapting to change
doesn’t mean abandoning who we are. Parties that chase trends lose their identity, we must remain true to our convictions while engaging with an evolving society.
For those who might not know you personally, how would your friends and colleagues describe you?
I’ve been told that if you cut me in half, DUP would run through me like a stick of rock, though hopefully that’s never put to the test! I hope they’d say I’m loyal, fair, principled, hardworking and that I probably need to smile more.
What keeps you grounded outside of politics, any hobbies or interests that help you switch off?
My family and close friends keep me grounded. Work-life balance is always a challenge, but I enjoy shopping, coffee, and being a passionate sports spectator, football, rugby, snooker and supporting our Northern Ireland teams. I’m also proud to be a member of the Loyal Orders. Who have been some of the biggest influences or role models in your life, inside or outside politics?
Without question, my dad. At 80, he’s still working with incredible stamina and drive. He’s practical, level-headed, and continues to keep me grounded every day.
Michelle McIlveen
Michelle McIlveen
Focused on the Future: Building a Better Northern Ireland Now
The DUP is the party of Northern Ireland. The party that is genuinely committed to making Northern Ireland work and ensuring a strong future for Northern Ireland for many years to come as part of a thriving and strong United Kingdom.
This must mean a relentless focus on delivery for the people of Northern Ireland. We will drive and lead this agenda in Government.
We will not be distracted by those who have an agenda to destroy the very existence of Northern Ireland. It is in their interests that this place fails. They want to create a false narrative that our future destination is inevitable and that
we are on a trajectory towards a different constitutional future. This is simply not the case. It was a privilege to be able to represent Northern Ireland in Washington in March and to directly engage with President Trump and other high level officials. Given the current global financial situation and the introduction of tariffs on goods being imported to the US, it is now more important than ever
that the voice of the people of Northern Ireland is heard loud and clear in Washington. Failing to show up for Northern Ireland is not an option. When it comes to championing Northern Ireland on the global stage, it is this Party that has been at the forefront with a clear and unapologetic message.
By making this place thrive, we create the stability and conditions for a content and
secure people who wish to stay safely and securely within the United Kingdom.
The return of functioning devolution can be the means to deliver. We have been let down time and time again by successive UK Governments. Those in power who are too busy trying to buy their enemies, those who wish to destroy the Union as we know it, than to stand up for the integrity of their own United Kingdom. We should not divest our future to others.
As a devolutionist party, we recognise the importance of decisions being taken by local representatives, and understand that a locally accountable Assembly, working on behalf of local communities, is the best way to secure the Union now and in the future.
The DUP is leading the charge in Government - pushing for transformation, a different and better way of doing business, and deliver on our key manifesto commitments - growing the economy, delivering affordable childcare, cutting health waiting times, ending violence against women and girls, proving more affordable housing, making communities safer, protecting our environment and delivering real and meaningful reform of our public services. These are the key issues that are now reflected in the Programme For Government.
DUP Ministers have set about tackling the challenges we face with determination and vigour. Under our leadership, we have launched our strategic framework to end violence against women and girls, put in place measures to help working families with the rising costs of childcare and provided additional funding for cultural and musical groups throughout Northern Ireland benefiting so many of our bands. We have stabilised finances, established the Transformation
Board and already setting about an ambitious programme of restructuring.
In order to strengthen our ties with other parts of the United Kingdom I have been working with colleagues in both central and devolved governments in important structures such as the British Irish Council, the East West Council and the Council of Nations and Regions. Not only have I used this as an opportunity to showcase Northern Ireland, but to also raise directly with the Prime Minister issues such as the impact of the UK Budget on our farmers, concerns about how victims of terrorism are being treated and why it is vitally important to remove any barriers to UK internal trade.
I have represented and championed Northern Ireland at every opportunity, from the poignant ceremonies commemorating D-Day and the bravery of so many from here that fought, to the UK wide Investment conference and on the international stage. I have ensured the voice of Unionism
and Northern Ireland is heard loud and clear.
In budget negotiations we have secured additional money for childcare, SEN and affordable and social housing, and will ensure that our team work with other Ministers to make life in Northern Ireland better. This is particularly important when it comes to our health. We stand ready to support the Health Minister, but in return we demand a serious plan from him on how he intends to cut waiting lists, improve patient pathways and cut unnecessary wastage in the system.
With only two years of the mandate left, we will ensure that people see the difference we are making in government. We are determined to deliver for you, and determined to stand up for our farmers, stand up for families, stand up for business and stand up for Northern Ireland.
Campaign Days
Our recent campaign days - centred in North Antrim, South Antrim, and East Londonderry - saw DUP representatives engaging directly with voters, listening to concerns and sharing our record of delivery, and vision for Northern Ireland. This effort reflects our continued commitment to active campaigning and genuine grassroots engagement.
Why the Supreme Court’s Ruling on the Definition of ‘Woman’ Matters for Women’s Safety
It is a sign of how ridiculous things have become that it took the UK Supreme Court to rule on the definition of a woman, something which the vast majority of people already understood. This debate was hijacked by a small but extreme ideological minority, who pressured businesses, civil administrations, and the wider public into accepting a version of reality that defied common sense. Women who dared to speak out about their concerns were branded bigots, hounded out of their jobs, and silenced in public discourse. That ends now.
In a clear and unanimous judgment, the UK Supreme Court affirmed that “sex” refers to biological sex, not to legal gender recognition or selfidentification. This ruling matters because it restores clarity to the law and reasserts that sex-based protections exist for a reason. Women and girls deserve spaces that are safe, dignified, and rooted in biological reality.
Consider the possible scenarios: a male-bodied person identifying as female accessing female changing rooms; biologically male prisoners being housed in women’s prisons; or transgender women in intimate hospital settings where female patients expect female safe spaces. Even in sport, we see growing concerns about the growing number of male-bodied individuals competing in women’s categories, where’s the fairness? These are not far-fetched fears, they are logical concerns shared
by many ordinary women who have been ignored for too long. Just recently I was made aware of the extent of this ridiculous wokery in the United Kingdom. In 2022, the Home Office officially compiled a list indicating their was ‘51’ so-called genders, all under a Conservative government, with full-throated support from Labour and the Lib Dems. Locally, parties such as Alliance, the SDLP, and Sinn Féin have been front and centre in pushing this agenda. Now, they have nowhere to hide.
I have raised these issues right to the top of government, and still leaders such as Sinn Féin’s Michelle O’Neill and the Alliance Party’s Naomi Long have refused to give a straight answer. They can’t hide anymore. The question is simple: do they support the
protection of single-sex spaces for women and girls, or not, and do they agree that a woman’s sex is based on biological realities rather than deeply harmful legal interpretations? It really isn’t that difficult. Now, the UK Government must act to ensure that this ruling applies fully in Northern Ireland. The Windsor Framework cannot be used as an excuse for compromising the safety of women and young girls in Northern Ireland.
This ruling is not about hate. It is about common sense, safeguarding, and standing up for the rights of women and girls. The law is now clear. Our politicians must be too.
Jonathan Buckley Jonathan Buckley MLA
Transforming Football in Northern Ireland
The Launch of the Northern Ireland Football Fund
Thursday 30th January marked a significant milestone for football in Northern Ireland following the official launch of the Northern Ireland Football Fund (NIFF) at the University of Ulster campus in Belfast. After sitting on a shelf for over 13 years and held hostage by Sinn Fein, I am proud to have shaped and spearheaded this £36.2m initiative on behalf of the DUP as your Communities Minister. This programme represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to revitalise football at every level in Northern Ireland, from grassroots to our premier NIFL clubs.
The NIFF, formerly known as the Sub-Regional Stadia Programme, is not just about funding; it’s about fostering a legacy of community, health, and sporting excellence. We are setting the stage for a comprehensive upgrade of football facilities across Northern Ireland. This isn’t merely an investment in bricks
and mortar; it’s an investment in our people, our youth, and our future.
Over the past few years, the delay in the distribution of this fund has been a source of frustration for clubs and communities alike. However, I have worked tirelessly to ensure that we not only unlock this fund but also ensure it serves its
intended purpose effectively. Our vision is clear: to provide modern, accessible, and inclusive football facilities that cater to all levels of the game.
The NIFF will operate through three distinct strands: Performance Clubs - This strand targets clubs in the Northern Ireland Football League or the League of Ireland
playing within Northern Ireland. These clubs are the heart of our football culture, driving performance and inspiring young athletes. The application for funding here will be competitive, aiming to elevate the quality of play and facilities.
Grassroots – I recognise that we need more pitches. This strand will ensure our community clubs have access to better pitches, changing rooms, and amenities. Many of these clubs are at the heart of our communities and I want to make sure we support
them in every way we can.
And finally, investment to deliver the first ever National Football Centre for Northern Ireland which everyone can use and be proud of, including our very own national team.
The window for applications closed on the 14th of March and I am pleased to confirm that all applications are now in and being scored with the first tranche of clubs to receive their letters of offer in the summer. I want to ensure that every performance club,
regardless of size, has an opportunity to benefit from this fund and whilst £36.2 million is a substantial start, my commitment doesn’t end here. I am actively advocating for additional funding in future years to make football infrastructure in Northern Ireland truly world-class. The need for football in Northern Ireland goes way beyond £36.2m and so I have reassured clubs that this will be a rolling programme of investment. Those projects not taken forward in the first round, will have a chance to have their projects delivered as part of a later round – this is not about winners and losers.
The DUP has always been a proud champion for local football at every level in Northern Ireland and this is another step in that journey. Together, the DUP will build a legacy where football thrives, not just as a sport but as a pillar of our community’s health, culture and pride.
Gordon Lyons
Gordon Lyons MLA
Making a difference as Mayor
Cllr Mark Cooper BEM – Antrim and Newtownabbey
“During my term as Mayor, I had the privilege of presenting a cheque totalling an impressive £36,965, raised through various fundraising efforts for three remarkable charities: the RVH Liver Support Group, the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice, and Action Deaf Youth. Each of these organisations plays a crucial role in providing essential services to those in need, and I was honoured to support their invaluable work.
Throughout the year, I organised numerous fundraising activities aimed at benefiting these charities, and I am thrilled that, together, we have raised nearly £37,000—a sum that I know will greatly assist them in their missions.
I have always been a passionate supporter of the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice and deeply admire the incredible work they do. Many know of my commitment to advocating
for the Deaf Community, and it is a tremendous honour to donate £10,315 to each of these outstanding charities, which I trust will utilise the funds effectively.
The RVH Liver Support Group holds a special place in my heart. My family and I have personally experienced the impact of their services, especially as my mother sadly passed away from liver failure during my mayoral term. In addition to the
£10,315 donation, I was pleased to contribute an additional £6,020 from a Gala Ball I hosted specifically for this charity. Their team provides exceptional support, and I am grateful that these much-needed funds will enhance their vital work.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported my initiatives throughout the year and generously donated to these worthy causes. Your contributions will make a significant difference in the lives of those we aim to help.”
Cllr Mark Cooper
Cllr Mark Cooper BEM – Antrim and Newtownabbey
Efficient and effective Local Government
The DUP is committed to ensuring households and businesses across Northern Ireland are not overburdened by excessive rates driven by unnecessary public expenditure. In Council Chambers across Northern Ireland, it is DUP Councillors who are at the forefront of championing a fair deal for householders and the business community.
We understand the pressures facing working families. The cost of living is a challenge for many, and it is our belief that people should not be taxed to death just to fund inefficiency or extravagance in Councils. For households, low rates mean more money in your pocket to cover essential costs. For businesses, it provides the breathing room to grow, invest, and create jobs. Thriving businesses are the backbone of a prosperous Northern Ireland, and we are committed to fostering an environment where they can succeed. This is even more acute given the policies of the Labour Government, not
least with their recent hike in employers national insurance contributions.
This is just one of the key issues being considered by the newly reconstituted DUP Councillors Association. This group brings together colleagues from across Northern Ireland to ensure our teams in local councils work in a cohesive and coordinated way. Through the Councillors Association, we share best practice, learn from one another about how to deliver the best services in the most efficient way, and how we progress DUP local government priorities in every corner of Northern Ireland.
The DUP is working to ensure
Councils focus on core services while cutting out unnecessary bureaucracy. We will support investment in better facilities and service improvement where necessary but will not support unjustified vanity projects. We demand accountability and transparency in council budgets, ensuring that ratepayers’ hardearned money is spent wisely and responsibly.
Our commitment is clear: we will continue to fight for low rates, reduced waste, prudent management of public funds and delivery on the issues that matter in our local communities. Together, we can ensure that councils serve the people, not the other way around.
Cllr Paul McLean
Cllr Paul McLean, Chair of the DUP Councillors’ Association
Changing Futures: A Bold Vision for Education in NI
When I was appointed Education Minister last February, I was determined not just to build on previous work, but to set a radical departure to improve the life chances of our children.
It is in the area of what and how children learn in the classroom that my plans are the most ambitious. I want Northern Ireland to have a world class education system which is an exemplar to others.
For too long what matters most in education received the least attention.
I spent the first year in office seeking to understand what has worked in the highest performing education systems across the world.
I appointed a panel of educational experts with
international prestige to help me deliver a radical reshaping of Northern Ireland’s education system.
In March this year, I published TransformED NI: Transforming Teaching and Learning: A Strategy for Educational Excellence in Northern Ireland. The new strategy focuses on teaching and learning, setting out in detail the Department’s plans for a renewed focus on core classroom priorities notably curriculum, assessment, qualifications, school improvement and tackling
educational disadvantage. The strategy is built around a Ten Point Plan which aims to create a world-class education system that is equitable, inclusive and responsive to the needs of all learners.
For too long, Northern Ireland’s education system has leaned heavily on its highly qualified and dedicated workforce to deliver results, often without addressing deeper challenges. TransformED seeks to change that. The strategy focuses on what happens inside the classroom: what children learn,
how they learn it, and why.
At its core, TransformED is about raising standards, closing performance gaps, and ensuring every child—regardless of their background—has access to an education that prepares them for a rapidly changing world.
I have also worked to deliver for teachers. In the early months we ensured that the starting salary for teachers was increased by 24% to £30k and resolved long standing industrial action by support staff by agreeing new arrangements for pay and grading. We have now agreed a further pay increase of 5.5% enabling a period of industrial stability while we seek to address teacher workload issues.
We secured Executive agreement and £150m of additional funding for the Strule Shared Education campus in Omagh, which will be the largest ever school building project and we set out an ambitious plan for capital investment in our Special Schools.
The party made childcare a key priority in its manifesto and the Executive backed this decision. Along with the key early years
interventions which are critical to children’s education, we wanted to help working parents with their childcare bills. Such interventions can often take years to deliver but with clear direction, my department has cut through the bureaucracy and had an interim scheme in place within months. As a result, over 14,000 children have been registered with the childcare subsidy scheme, with savings for families totaling nearly £9m from this and taxfree childcare. In September, I hope to extend this scheme even further.
Alongside this, we have embarked upon the most significant expansion of preschool education in a generation. The Executive is committed to providing all children with a fulltime pre-school education place. An additional 2,500 children in 106 pre-school settings right across Northern Ireland will be offered a full-time place from September 2025.
We published a new SEN Reform Agenda and five year delivery plan, guidance to limit the use of mobile phones in schools, we announced that all schools would be provided with a defibrillator, and we are providing every school with extra funding for play equipment, computers and PE facilities and I introduced legislation to control the costs of school uniforms to ensure they are affordable for all families. The reforms needed in our education system will not be completed in the next two years but we will make the changes which will benefit generations of children to come.
Paul Givan
Paul Givan MLA
We need to make every pound count in healthcare
Have you ever wondered how much of our health service budget goes towards actual patient care — and how much is spent on management and admin? It might surprise you to learn that last year, the Department of Health confirmed over £260 million was spent on management and more than £300 million on administration. That’s over half a billion pounds — not for doctors or nurses, but for backoffice functions.
These are huge figures, especially when we know how stretched our frontline services are. People are waiting too long for tests, treatments, and operations — so surely, we should be putting every possible pound into getting people seen and treated more quickly. Now, this isn’t to say management doesn’t matter. Good managers can make systems work better, help staff deliver top-quality care, and make sure money is spent wisely. But in today’s tough financial climate, we have to ask — are we really getting value for money?
When the Health Minister asks for more funding, he’ll also have to answer questions about what he’s doing to cut waste and run things more efficiently.
Across the water, the UK Government recently announced plans to abolish NHS England — aiming to cut red tape and save hundreds of millions to reinvest in frontline services. The Health Secretary said the NHS
needs “fewer checkers and more doers.” That’s a message that rings true here, too.
We already had a big shake-up in Northern Ireland when the Health and Social Care Board was closed in 2022. That move was supposed to cut duplication and slim down the system. But instead of fewer staff and lower costs, we now have even more people working in the Department — over 1,200 in total — and spending has gone up.
The Department’s admin costs are now over £100 million, and management costs are £41 million — both higher than they were before the HSC Board was scrapped. So, what happened to the promised savings?
It’s not just the Department. Other bodies have seen rising costs too. For example:
The Belfast Trust spent more on management than the Southern and Western Trusts combined — and even more than the Department itself.
RQIA’s management costs have risen by over 60%.
The Public Health Agency and NI Ambulance Service have also seen significant increases.
Given how much money is tied up in management across all these organisations, it’s fair to ask whether we need to rethink how things are structured. Could some of these responsibilities be merged? Could more services share admin teams or systems? It’s not enough just to reshuffle staff or rename departments. Real savings and improvements come when we actually change how things work.
Good management matters, but the patient must always come first. The priority should be making sure every possible pound is going towards better care, faster treatment, and healthier outcomes for the people of Northern Ireland.
Diane Dodds
Diane Dodds MLA
Spring Policy Conference
Our Spring Policy Conference at the Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen, brought together members and elected representatives from across Northern Ireland to share ideas and engage in discussion about the future direction of our Party and our country. It was a valuable opportunity to reflect on the challenges facing our communities and to present new policy initiatives rooted in the everyday concerns of families, workers, and businesses, whilst also strengthening the Union.
We believe that good policy starts with listening - and this event was a chance to do just that. From education to the economy, health to housing, contributions from across the
party enriched our thinking and demonstrated our shared commitment to delivering for the people we represent.
The conference underlined our focus on building a stronger,
more secure Northern Ireland, grounded in common sense and the values we cherish. Please keep an eye out for future policy events and come along to have your voice heard!
North Down DUP Annual Dinner
The North Down DUP Association held its annual dinner recently at McKee’s Farm Shop and Restaurant in Craigantlet, with members from across the area – and neighbouring associations –coming together for a fantastic evening of food, conversation and party fellowship.
The highlight of the night was guest speaker Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, who spoke about the DUP’s work
in the Executive and the positive impact being made on key issues. She also shared insights from her recent visit to the
United States, where she’s been promoting Northern Ireland as a great place to invest. Local MLAs Stephen Dunne and Peter Martin also spoke.
A big thank you goes to everyone who came along and to the team at McKee’s for their warm hospitality.
Newry and Armagh Steak Night
Party Leader Gavin Robinson joined local DUP MLA William Irwin and party colleagues and friends at the Newry and Armagh Association Steak Night.
Around 100 people gathered in Marlacoo Orange Hall, with great
food on offer and an entertaining auction where bids seemed to
appear from nowhere!
The Party is growing in the area, and the positive work of colleagues in the constituency is delivering for unionism.
Protecting the future of farming families
I’ve always said farming isn’t just a job, it’s a way of life. I was brought up on a farm. It’s what shaped me and gave me the values I carry into public life.
Now, as a parent, I see that same love for the animals and land taking root in my own little boy. He already talks about being a farmer when he grows up, it’s in the blood.
But for those of us who live and breathe this way of life, it’s never been more difficult.
Farmers are facing an unrelenting assault on all fronts, rising energy costs, ever-tightening regulations, and a funding landscape that seems more uncertain by the day. On top of that, we have a pending inheritance tax system that
will if pursued by the Labour Government punishes hardworking families who simply want to pass their farm to the next generation. It’s not just unfair, it’s unsustainable, and if left unchecked, it threatens the very future of farming in this country. We need bold reform now, before we lose the next generation of farmers entirely. And while the threat of inheritance tax looms large from Westminster, there is an increasing realisation that our own Agriculture Minister in Northern Ireland is alarmingly out
of touch with the realities facing farmers on the ground. It’s clear that this Minister is more focused on box-ticking for climate targets than on delivering a genuinely sustainable and productive industry that can support farm families and feed future generations.
Of course, environmental stewardship is vital. No one understands the land better than farmers. But if current net zero policies continue to be pursued in their present form, they risk destroying the very industry that not only cares for that land, but
also underpins our economy, feeds over 10 million people each year, and supports around 120,000 jobs across Northern Ireland.
That’s why I am determined to re-energise and co-ordinate our long-standing commitment as a genuine friend of the farmer. Collectively we have worked to ensure that agriculture isn’t just a footnote, it’s front and centre in our priorities at Westminster, in the Assembly, and in Councils across the country.
We’ve worked hand in glove with stakeholders to stand up for what matters, calling out injustice, challenging damaging decisions, and delivering real results. Our party led the successful effort to ringfence vital funding in the NI Assembly for agriculture, a crucial step in protecting rural
communities. Tackling bovine TB remains one of our top priorities. While progress has been frustratingly slow, we’re keeping the pressure on to ensure this crisis is addressed with the urgency it deserves.
TB continues to wreak havoc in our rural communities, emotionally and practically. It’s not enough to sympathise, it’s time for action.
This is not a new problem for the Minister, but the time for dithering and delay is over. The evidence is clear, the solutions are on the table, and the patience of our farming families has run out. The Minister cannot continue to sideline this crisis. The cost of bovine TB in financial terms and emotional toll is growing by the day. It’s time for leadership, not lip service.
The importance of farming goes far beyond the farm gate. The agri-food sector in Northern Ireland supports around 120,000 jobs, accounting for roughly 17% of all employment. That includes not just farmers and processors, but the entire supply chain, from machinery suppliers and feed merchants to transport, retail, and export. It’s a vital part of our economy, particularly in rural communities where alternative employment can be limited. Undermining this sector doesn’t just threaten livelihoods, it threatens the stability of entire regions.
Farming is the cornerstone of our economy and our way of life. It’s time it was treated with the respect it deserves and we’re here to make sure it is. I will continue to stand up, speak up and deliver for our farmers.
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