Claire Hanna to bring New Ireland debate to Cushendall event

SDLP leader Claire Hanna MP

SDLP leader Claire Hanna MP is set to visit Cushendall next week for a public discussion event focused on the future of Northern Ireland, rural communities and the party’s vision for a “New Ireland”.

The event, titled “In Conversation with Claire Hanna”, will take place at Tír na nÓg in Cushendall on Thursday 4 June at 7pm and is expected to centre on growing public frustration around political deadlock, pressures on public services and the challenges facing rural areas across Northern Ireland.

The visit brings one of Northern Ireland’s highest-profile political figures to the Glens at a time when debate around constitutional changes, investment inequalities and everyday living pressures continues to intensify.

Focus on rural frustration and political trust

Claire Hanna said the discussion would go beyond constitutional politics and focus on the day-to-day realities affecting families and communities.

The South Belfast and Mid Down MP said many people across Northern Ireland feel disconnected from political institutions and increasingly frustrated by a lack of progress on issues affecting daily life.

“Across the North, people are crying out for politics that feels more serious, more honest and more connected to the realities of their daily lives,” she said.

“Too often we see endless stalemate and political theatre while families struggle with pressures on public services, the cost of living and a lack of opportunity.”

Hanna also pointed to concerns around how rural communities are treated when it comes to infrastructure and investment decisions.

“The Glens is a place with an incredibly strong sense of community, heritage and identity, but many people here feel that rural communities are too often an afterthought when it comes to investment, infrastructure and decision-making,” she said.

“That frustration is understandable.”

Discussion expected on New Ireland vision

The SDLP leader said the party’s approach to a potential New Ireland is rooted in inclusion and reconciliation rather than division.

“I believe we need a different kind of politics, one that listens properly, plans for the future and works in partnership with people,” she said.

“The SDLP’s vision for a New Ireland is rooted in inclusion, reconciliation and creating opportunities for everyone who shares this island, regardless of background or tradition.”

The event is also expected to include audience questions and wider discussion on economic and social issues affecting communities across County Antrim and Northern Ireland more broadly.

“This event is a chance to have an open conversation about the future people want to see, not just constitutionally, but socially and economically too,” Hanna added.

“I’m looking forward to hearing people’s views, answering questions and discussing how we can build a fairer, more hopeful future together.”

Political conversation arrives in the Glens

The Cushendall event comes as political parties across Northern Ireland increasingly look beyond Stormont and Westminster to engage directly with communities on long-term constitutional and economic questions.

For many rural areas, concerns over healthcare access, roads infrastructure, public transport, housing and economic opportunity continue to shape political debate as much as wider constitutional issues.

The discussion at Tír na nÓg is expected to draw interest from both SDLP supporters and residents interested in the wider conversation around Northern Ireland’s political direction and the future of rural communities.