Matthew O'Toole, leader of the opposition in the Northern Ireland Assembly, has called for expanded cross-border delivery of public services.

O'Toole said the focus should include health services, rail connections, all-island energy infrastructure and increased house building.

He argued that an all-island strategy on artificial intelligence upskilling and healthcare data analysis could deliver service improvements.

The MLA said constitutional change should be pursued as a means to improve living standards rather than as a goal in itself.

O'Toole stated that the single electricity market already links consumers across the island and that this model should extend to other sectors.

He noted that government responses to technological and geopolitical shifts must address the needs of ordinary people rather than focus solely on economic competition.

O'Toole said Ireland, north and south, should develop a coherent plan to respond to rapid technological change and shifting global power structures.