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Community Constituency Crime Downpatrick Government South Down Westminster

Tribunal Revelations That PSNI Withheld Key Information on Loughinisland ‘Deeply Disturbing’ – Hazzard

Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has said recent revelations from the Investigatory Powers Tribunal in London has again revealed the extent of British state collusion in denying families truth and justice. Following the release of documents at yesterday’s tribunal which revealed there had been routine surveillance of journalists and the PSNI sought to cover-up the […]

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Community Constituency Downpatrick Government Newcastle Politics South Down Stormont

Andrew McMurray selected as new Alliance MLA for South Down

Andrew McMurray has been selected by Alliance to become the new South Down MLA. Mr McMurray was selected by local members to replace outgoing MLA Patrick Brown. Andrew is an outdoor instructor and youth worker, and lives in Castlewellan with his wife and two children. It was a love for outdoor pursuits which led Andrew […]

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Community Constituency Downpatrick Government South Down Westminster

Talks to Commence on Extending ‘Ancient East’ Into South Down – Hazzard

Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has welcomed confirmation from Stormont’s Economy Minister Conor Murphy today that he is to commence discussions with tourism bodies about the potential of extending ‘Ireland’s Ancient East’ into the north – including South Down.  The South Down MP said: “Sinn Féin have been calling for the extension of Ireland’s Ancient […]

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Community Constituency Downpatrick Government Politics South Down Stormont Warrenpoint

Brown Resigns as MLA With Immediate Effect

An Alliance spokesperson has announced Patrick Brown has resigned as South Down MLA with immediate effect due to personal reasons.  A spokesperson said: “It is with regret we announce Patrick’s immediate resignation due to personal reasons.  “We thank him for his service, which saw him help Alliance make an historic breakthrough in South Down at […]

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Community Constituency Council Downpatrick Government Health Kilkeel Lifestyle Newry Newry and Armagh NMD Council South Armagh South Down

Outdoor Spring Festival Launched to Promote 15 New Outdoor Activity and Adventure Experiences

15 exhilarating outdoor activity and adventure experiences, as part of the new Mourne Gullion Strangford Outdoor Spring Festival, will be launched on Saturday 20 April. To expand the visitor portfolio within Mourne Gullion Strangford, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has collaborated closely with the local event and tourism industry to develop a variety of […]

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Community Constituency Downpatrick Education Government Politics South Down Stormont

Education Minister Must Get on With Delivering Fair Pay For All Education Workers – Mason

Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason has said the Education Minister must get on with the job of paying education workers fairly. The South Down MLA said: “This morning I met with unions who represent workers right across our education system. “These workers keep our schools open every day, they are responsible for school meals, school […]

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Community Constituency Council Downpatrick Government NMD Council South Down Sport

Sinn Fein: It’s Time to Advance Vision For Down GAA Centre of Excellence

Sinn Féin representatives have said that after working with Down County Board and Newry, Mourne and Down Council over recent weeks, it’s time to advance the vision for a Down GAA centre of excellence. Sinn Féin’s Council Group Leader, Oonagh Hanlon reaffirmed the party’s commitment to supporting the centre of excellence in Ballykinlar at Monday […]

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Business Community Constituency Council Downpatrick Entertainment Government Lifestyle Newry Newry and Armagh NMD Council South Down

St Patrick’s Day Plans Outlined for Newry and Downpatrick

On Sunday 17 March, St Patrick’s Day in Newry and Downpatrick promises to be the perfect blend of tradition, culture, and family-friendly activities, ensuring a memorable experience for locals and tourists alike. Talking about this year’s festival, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Valerie Harte said, “This a significant time for Newry, Mourne […]

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Campaigns Community Constituency Cost of Living Downpatrick Government Health Politics South Down Stormont

Affordable Childcare Can Address Growing Levels of Child Poverty – Mason

Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason has said delivering quality and affordable childcare can help address the growing levels of child poverty. Reacting to the Comptroller & Auditor General’s report on child poverty, the party’s childcare spokesperson said: “This report has again reinforced the need to tackle the growing levels of child poverty in the north. […]

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Community Constituency Downpatrick Government Health Politics South Down Stormont

SDLP Opposition Forces Vote on Extension of Coronavirus Powers

SDLP Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath has welcomed an Assembly vote rejecting an extension to coronavirus powers. The SDLP Opposition forced a division on the issue, with a majority voting against an extension. South Down MLA Mr McGrath said: “During the coronavirus pandemic we were forced to take quick decisions that severely limited the public’s […]

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Community Constituency Downpatrick Education Government South Down Sport Stormont

Mason Urges Parties to Work Together to Cut School Uniform Costs

Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason has said school uniforms should be affordable for families and urged parties to work together to cut costs.  Speaking ahead of bringing a motion to the Assembly, Cathy Mason said: “Sinn Féin will bring a motion to the Assembly on Tuesday on making school uniforms and PE gear more affordable.  […]

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Business Climate Community Constituency Downpatrick Government Infrastructure Politics South Down Stormont Westminster

‘Flood Damages Scheme a Major Relief For Local Businesses’ – Hazzard

Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has welcomed the announcement of a scheme to support businesses damaged by recent flooding. Speaking after Economy Minister Conor Murphy announced that the scheme will open for applications next week, the South Down MP said: “The announcement of this scheme will be a huge relief for local businesses whose premises […]