Claire Sugden

‘Political leadership is key to making progress’

Paul Gosling on May 13, 2019, 7:00 am

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Developing mutual respect, strengthening relationships and building proper political leadership are the basis for making progress in Northern Ireland, believes independent unionist MLA – and former justice minister – Claire Sugden. She is interviewed in the latest Forward Together podcast. Talking before the announcement of renewed political talks, Claire expressed her frustration at the lack of a functioning Assembly and Executive. “We’ve had a situation here at Stormont where we haven’t had a sitting assembly for two years. And I …

Claire Sugden will seek re-election in March

David McCann on January 17, 2017, 5:50 pm

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From the outgoing Justice Minister’s Facebook Page; Firstly, thank you for your kind wishes throughout this dreadful, political crisis. I am overwhelmed that you have taken time to contact me offering support and encouragement. It tells me there is hope. I never envisaged that less than a year into my mandate I would be defending my seat for East Londonderry. But I will, because last year I asked you to vote for me on the basis that I would work …

An opportunity for Claire Sugden

Daithi McKay on January 4, 2017, 1:43 pm

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In yet another excellent piece for the Newsletter Sam McBride highlights the fact that Claire Sugden, it appears, has the ability to call a public inquiry on RHI under the Inquiries Act 2005. Up until this point the East Derry MLA has managed to avoid much of the media focus that has engulfed other Executive parties. With the Attorney General’s Office making it clear that he cannot set up an investigation into the ‘Cash for Ash’ scheme it does appear …

“Oh Claire… You are the answer to our prayers…”

Mick Fealty on May 27, 2016, 8:55 am

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STORMONT LOVE: Claire, the moment we met you we swear, we thought you were going nowhere, not trying to mean that’s just how it seemed. But then, we found ourselves thinking again, and maybe you could be our friend. This may come as news, but beggars can’t choose.

So please, could we interest in a Ministry?

A simpler yet topsy turvy Executive, with more room for elbows around the table

Alan Meban (Alan in Belfast) on May 25, 2016, 2:55 pm

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The new Executive is much simpler with more room for elbows around the circular table in Stormont Castle. Yet today’s selections felt quite topsy turvy, with parties allowing their previous portfolios to lapse to the other party.

FAPP: The difference between one MLA parties and independents is what exactly?

Kris Nixon (Belfast Barman) on March 22, 2016, 6:54 am

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What’s the difference between Jim Allister & John McCallister? Between Steven Agnew or Basil McCrea & Claire Sugden? The answer is about £25,600. That’s how much the NI Assembly’s ‘Financial Assistance for Political Parties’ scheme values a party at, one with even just 1 MLA. There are currently 18 independent members of Dáil Éireann, 11% of the entire house, often providing starkly liberated representation, generally free from the concerns of party politics. There are 2 independent members of the Northern …

The possible demise of the ‘Naughty Corner;’ could it see the end of opposition?

David McCann on January 12, 2016, 2:34 pm

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LOYAL OPPOSITION: During this term of the Assembly there has been a growing number of independent and minor party MLAs who sit just behind the Alliance party in the chamber. They range from Steven Agnew on the left to Jim Allister on the right, from moderate Unionists like John McCallister to more middle of the road folks like Basil McCrea.