Checks and Balances – the Role of Opposition in UK and Ireland

Future Politics a civic partnership initiative between the John and Pat Hume Foundation and strategic communications firm Connect to support constructive conversations about political and policymaking structures in Northern Ireland on a North South and East West basis.

We are hosting a Future Politics discussion on ‘Checks and Balances – the Role of Opposition in UK and Ireland’ at 6.30pm on Thursday March 26, 2026, in Belfast, as part of the Imagine Festival, a showcase for the discussion of contemporary political and societal issues.

This event will examine the role of the opposition across UK and Irish legislatures. With important elections taking place in Wales, Scotland and England in May 2026 and Northern Ireland elections in 2027 this panel event takes place against the backdrop of potentially seismic changes for politics locally and nationally.

Across these islands the opposition holds the government accountable through parliamentary questions, debates, select committees, and media engagement. In some legislatures it maintains a shadow cabinet to mirror government departments and propose alternative policies. This panel discussion will throw light on how effective opposition roles are and if indeed they play a part in delivering better government and policy for its citizens.

The Speakers include: Matthew O’Toole MLA, Ivana Bacik TD, John McAllister, former MLA, Sinn Fein (tbc) and Scottish Labour Party (tbc) and Stephen Farry. Professor of Strategic Policy, Ulster University.