# Event Details - **Event Name**: Checks and Balances – the Role of Opposition in UK and Ireland - **Event Start and End Date**: Thu, 26 Mar, 2026 at 06:30 pm – Thu, 26 Mar, 2026 at 08:00 pm - **Event Description**: Examing the role of the opposition across UK and Irish legislatures in the face of potentially seismic changes locally and nationallyAbout this EventFuture 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. - **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/belfast/checks-and-balances-the-role-of-opposition-in-uk-and-ireland/100001981461069398 - **Event Categories**: business, festivals, parties, entertainment - **Interested Audience**: - total_interested_count: 0 ## Ticket Details - **Ticket Price Range**: min: 0, max: 0, currency: GBP ## Event venue details - **city**: Belfast - **state**: NI - **country**: United Kingdom - **location**: Conor Lecture Theatre, Belfast Campus, Ulster University - **lat**: 54.60389050000001 - **long**: -5.929587699999956 - **full address**: Conor Lecture Theatre, Belfast Campus, Ulster University, York Street, Belfast, United Kingdom ## Event gallery - **Alt text**: Checks and Balances – the Role of Opposition in UK and Ireland - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events6/banners/5ad50e0f6de6a6c2c2bcb9c66f6b57ae38793c8860e3e24b9b53a34c829514f2-rimg-w1200-h600-dcde2c3f-gmir.jpg?v=1769400036 ## FAQs - **Q**: When and where is Checks and Balances – the Role of Opposition in UK and Ireland being held? - **A:** Checks and Balances – the Role of Opposition in UK and Ireland takes place on Thu, 26 Mar, 2026 at 06:30 pm to Thu, 26 Mar, 2026 at 08:00 pm at Conor Lecture Theatre, Belfast Campus, Ulster University, York Street, Belfast, United Kingdom. - **Q**: Who is organizing Checks and Balances – the Role of Opposition in UK and Ireland? - **A:** Checks and Balances – the Role of Opposition in UK and Ireland is organized by Imagine! Belfast Festival of Ideas & Politics. - **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me? - **A:** Checks and Balances – the Role of Opposition in UK and Ireland is ideal for party-goers, social butterflies, and anyone looking for a great night out with music, drinks, and good vibes. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Belfast, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. 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Belfast Ltd in association with event organisers. The views expressed by speakers and participants in the festival do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policy positions of Imagine! Belfast, the festival funders or associates. We were set up in 2014 to showcase new ideas on politics, culture and civic activism. Strictly non-partisan, we aim to entertain not pontificate! Our key objectives are to encourage the participation of under-represented groups in political/cultural discussion; to stimulate reflection and debate on difficult and controversial issues and to promote free speech. We invite people to suggest and run events every November. Subscribe to our ezine and follow us on social media to get involved and join in the fun!We are a registered charity (NIC101004). You can make a donation to help our work using this link" } ] } ] ```