An Aontú representative for Armagh has called for Stormont’s Assembly to be reduced by 25 members, arguing that taxpayers are not getting value for money from the current political system.
Daniel Connolly wants the number of MLAs cut from 90 to 65 — a reduction of 28 per cent. He said a smaller Assembly should use the same population-to-representative ratio applied in the Republic of Ireland as a benchmark for political representation in Northern Ireland.
‘People don’t know who represents them’
Mr Connolly, who ran for Aontú in the 2022 Assembly and 2023 council elections, is contesting the Armagh DEA in May 2027. He said his conversations with residents had raised questions about whether the current number of elected representatives was improving accountability.
He referred to a recent conversation with a woman in Keady, who he said could name only two of the elected representatives serving her area, despite the presence of six councillors, five MLAs and one MP.
“Recently, a lady in Keady asked me who her elected representatives were. Of the six councillors, five MLAs and one MP who currently represent her, she named just two – one MLA and one councillor,” he said.
Mr Connolly added that this was an issue he encountered regularly while speaking to people across Armagh.
Comparison with a united Ireland
The Aontú representative compared Stormont’s current 90 MLAs with the political representation that, he said, would apply under the Irish constitutional limit of one TD for every 30,000 people. On that basis, he said the North’s population would equate to approximately 65 TDs in a united Ireland.
“I believe we should reduce the number of MLAs from 90 to 65. That would mean 25 fewer politicians at Stormont, a reduction of 28%,” he said.
He also pointed to the North’s 18 MPs and questioned whether residents needed “so many layers of political representation”. His argument is that a more streamlined system could reduce costs, strengthen accountability and leave more public money available for frontline services.
Questions over pay and public services
Mr Connolly criticised what he described as a 27 per cent increase in MLA pay and questioned whether the Assembly had delivered on issues affecting households and communities.
He specifically raised waiting lists, potholes, the cost of living and the absence of an agreed budget as areas against which MLAs should be judged. He said people were entitled to expect tangible results from those elected to represent them.
“Ultimately, the question is simple: are people getting the representation they deserve, and is the current system delivering value for money?” he said.