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Business Community Government Kilkeel South Down Stormont

McGrath: Closure of Kilkeel Danske Bank Will Impact Local Community!

SDLP South Down MLA Colin McGrath has said the closure of the Danske Bank branch in Kilkeel will have a negative impact on the local community. Mr McGrath said many people in the coastal town relied on the branch for banking and other services and would be lost without it.  He will be contacting the […]

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Community Downpatrick Government Kilkeel Politics South Down Stormont

Patrick Brown MLA Expresses Frustration at Lack of Government

Patrick Brown MLA has expressed his frustration at the DUP’s refusal to go into government this week. The South Down MLA said the DUP’s move to block the appointment of a Speaker, and prevent the Assembly from sitting, was hugely disrespectful the people of Northern Ireland during the cost of living crisis. ‘We are in […]

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Election 2022 Government Newry Politics Stormont

“It May Look Different, but it’s Same Old, Same Old” – Grant

The media and the Big 5 parties have trailed this election as the most significant one in over twenty years. But what has really changed? Workers Party candidates said consistently throughout the election campaign that the morning after polling day the big issues would remain, the cost of living, health, education, low pay and the […]

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Community Government Health Newry Politics Stormont

Welcome Move on Safe Access Zones Bill! – TUV

Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister: “I welcome the fact that the Attorney General has referred the Safe Access Zones Bill to the Supreme Court. When the legislation came before the Assembly I sought to amend it so as to provide for a reasonable excuse defence but the SDLP, Sinn Fein and Alliance voted down […]

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Government Health Politics Stormont

Funding Boost for Nursing Workforce Welcomed

Northern Ireland’s Chief Nursing Officer has welcomed the confirmation of 1,335 nursing and midwifery university places for 2022/23. Speaking on International Nurses Day, Maria McIlgorm, said: “Nurses have been to the fore of our response to Covid-19 and we fully recognise not only how challenging the pandemic period has been but also the very serious […]

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Downpatrick Government Health Politics South Down Stormont

McGrath: DUP Executive Blockage Preventing Nurses Pay Rise!

SDLP South Down MLA Colin McGrath has said the DUP’s refusal to restore the Executive is preventing nurses from receiving a long-overdue pay rise.  Speaking on International Nurses Day, Mr McGrath said it was long past time that nurses pay reflected the level of skill required for the role and the pressure and demands staff […]

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Government Politics Stormont

Resounding ‘No’ to Restoration of Stormont While Protocol Lasts

Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:- “If Boris Johnston is coming to Northern Ireland to urge restoration of the Stormont institutions while the Protocol remains – with mere promise of future change or just tough words – then, the response of unionists who recognise the dire constitutional consequences of the Protocol, must be a firm […]

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Community Government Politics Stormont

Aontu Writes to Newly Elected MLAs Demanding They Forgo Salaries Until Executive is Formed!

Aontú Leader Peadar Tóibín TD and Aontú Deputy Leader Cllr Denise Mullen have written to all newly elected and re-elected MLAs demanding they forgo their salaries until a new Executive is formed. An Teachta Tóibín: “It would be absolutely wrong for MLAs to draw down Salaries in this Cost of Living Crisis while the Democratic […]

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Business Government Newry Newry Chamber Politics Stormont

Newry Chamber Calls on All Politicians to Return to Stormont!

Newry Chamber, which represents over 300 businesses across the Greater Newry Area, has called on political parties to return to Stormont to create a functioning government. Julie Gibbons, President of Newry Chamber said: “We have been consistent in our message with all NI political parties, GB and EU government officials and a range of stakeholders […]

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Election 2022 Government Politics South Down Stormont

Brown Proud to be Elected as First Alliance MLA for South Down

Patrick Brown MLA expressed his thanks to voters after being elected as the first Alliance Party MLA for South Down last week. ‘The voters in South Down, and right across Northern Ireland, gave a clear indication that they are fed up with the way politics has been and they are ready for change. I am […]

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Government Politics South Down Stormont Upper Bann

Stormont Farce Breaks New Ground! – TUV

Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:- “The fact that under prevailing Stormont rules though the Infrastructure minister lost her seat and the SDLP no longer qualifies to hold an Executive place under d’hondt, nonetheless, SDLP can cling onto that ministry and nominate a replacement for Ms Mallon. What a farce! “Equally, parties now entitled to […]

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Community Election 2022 Government Lurgan Stormont Upper Bann

O’Dowd Thanks Voters

Sinn Féin MLA John O’Dowd has thanked all those who came out to vote his party at the recent Assembly election. Mr O’Dowd said :  ‘A huge thank you to everyone who voted for me and Sinn Féin. It is an honour to represent the people of Upper Bann, I will do my very best […]