Politics

Day in the Life of an MLA: Robbie Butler

With no functioning assembly since the May election, MLAs are facing a pay cut. But without their legislative role, what does a typical politician's day look like? As part of a series, Marie Louise McConville spoke to Robbie Butler, Ulster Unionist assembly member for Lagan Valley

UUP Lagan Valley MLA Robbie Butler
UUP Lagan Valley MLA Robbie Butler UUP Lagan Valley MLA Robbie Butler

THE day starts between 6am and 6.30am with some quiet time and prayer.

After an early morning healthy breakfast, I try to spend about an hour in the gym, believing that a fit body cultivates a fit mind.

Read More: Day in the Life - SLP MLA Colin McGrath

I try to get an early morning slot because I need to help get my three primary school-aged children ready for school and walk my dogs, Minnie and Nala.

At this stage, while travelling to work, I pick up some of the early morning radio media.

On this particular Monday, I had two Year 13 students join me for work experience.

Before I even travel to Stormont, I need to prep both these work experience students and office staff on identifying the main constituency issues.

The previous week we had unprecedented demand for food vouchers as well as completing Personal Independence Payment (PIP) applications and housing issues.

Then it’s up to Parliament Buildings for a UUP group meeting.

At 11am, I’m attending an event in Long Gallery hosted by the charity Inspire Mental Health.

At 1pm, I host a Zoom meeting with the secretariat of a Stormont all-party group to prepare the agenda, running order and attendees for the next all-party group meeting.

I grab a quick salad bowl – and tray bake – and coffee before a 2pm meeting in my Assembly office to discuss an asylum issue which will require Home Office assistance.

By 3pm, I am liaising with a Lagan Valley constituent on the issue of school admissions.

Administration is a key component of the day with numerous office letters to proof, print and sign next.

Then it’s off to Royal Hillsborough to investigate a local issue for constituents regarding road safety.

In the evening, I arrive home around 5.30pm for dinner with my wife and children to chat about their day, followed by another dog walking session.

In spite of a hectic political schedule, ensuring family time is vitally important.

Given the amount of messages and office contact received this day on the rising cost of living, I am feeling the burden which folk are experiencing.

And it reinforces that it is important that I find time to spend with the family, which is of the utmost significance especially to the children.

I'm out again at 8pm for a community association group meeting and keeping our respective local councillors updated on the issues.

Eventually, I come home around 9.30pm, but the day is still not done.

It’s a case of into the study for at least an hour to answer emails, write more letters, make phone calls and send texts.

Then its a quick scan of social media and the TV channels for the main news items before everything stops and I get to relax with my wife.

Then its phones, iPads and laptops off before a good night’s sleep.