As the Northern Ireland Assembly reconvenes following the summer recess, Countryside Alliance Ireland (CAI) has urged political leaders to concentrate on the pressing issues that matter most to communities across the country. With a crowded legislative timetable and significant challenges still unresolved, Countryside Alliance Ireland has made clear that this is not the time to advance controversial or prejudiced Bills.

There is growing concern, echoed in local commentary, that the Executive risks ending its mandate having “achieved little more than promises” without meaningful delivery. This reflects a wider pattern in which previous periods of restoration have prioritised rhetoric over results, with ambitious programmes faltering amid administrative and structural gridlock.

In the weeks ahead, Stormont will be tasked with addressing difficult debates on immigration and community relations, plugging funding gaps in major infrastructure projects such as Casement Park, managing an autumn Budget process already under strain, and delivering essential legislation including sentencing reforms, protections for sign language users, and redress for victims of historical abuse. The ongoing crisis on Lough Neagh also remains unresolved and demands urgent attention.

At the same time, there are 24 Private Members’ Bills currently vying for legislative time, each seeking progress before the end of the mandate. With such intense competition, Countryside Alliance Ireland believes that scarce parliamentary capacity must be channelled into areas of consensus and genuine urgency, rather than niche or divisive proposals.

Gary McCartney, Director of Countryside Alliance Ireland, said:

“Rural communities, like all others in Northern Ireland, are looking for political leadership and stability. Stormont must dedicate its limited time and resources to areas where there is clear consensus and urgent need. Diverting attention to deeply divisive or unnecessary Private Members’ Bills would not only squander precious legislative time but risk alienating communities who already feel left behind.”

Countryside Alliance Ireland recognises that public debate around rural practices will continue, but insists this must be conducted through balanced consultation, full scrutiny, and with proper respect for the role that country sports play in rural life, conservation, and pest control. Attempting to rush through contentious legislation in the short remainder of this mandate would undermine trust in the political process and risks repeating mistakes made previously, such as with the defective Sex Offenders Act.

With so many pressing priorities on the table – from securing fair funding for essential services, to fostering social cohesion, to ensuring justice reforms are delivered – the Assembly cannot afford to be distracted by proposals that divide rather than unite.

Countryside Alliance Ireland is therefore calling on all MLAs to reject any attempt to move the Hunting of Wild Mammals Bill forward.