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Business Community Constituency Government Lurgan Politics Stormont Upper Bann

We Must Hit The Ground Running – Beattie

Speaking after the Ulster Unionist Party decision yesterday to once again take the Department of Health, reappointing Robin Swann MLA as the Health Minister, Party Leader Doug Beattie MC MLA commented:   “The re-establishment of the devolved institutions in Northern Ireland is just the start of a process to deal with the issues affecting all of our people. […]

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Campaigns Community Daisy Hill Government Health Politics Stormont

Health Minister Prioritises Pay Talks

New Health Minister Robin Swann has spoken of his honour at returning to the post. The Minister emphasised his intention to secure pay settlements for staff and resolve current industrial action. “That is my immediate priority and I want to see pay negotiations being initiated without delay, consequently I have written to the trade unions […]

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Armagh Community Constituency Government Newry Newry and Armagh Politics South Armagh Sport Stormont

McNulty Suspended from SDLP

The SDLP has confirmed that it has suspended the whip from Justin McNulty MLA this evening. Mr McNulty left today’s sitting of the Assembly without seeking permission and did not return for important parliamentary business which included the SDLP taking up its role as the official opposition at Stormont. An SDLP Spokesperson said: “All SDLP […]

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Business Community Government Politics Stormont

O’Toole: SDLP Opposition Determined to Deliver

SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O’Toole has said the party’s Opposition team is determined to deliver for people across Northern Ireland. Mr O’Toole was speaking during the sitting of the Assembly on Saturday. He also challenged the First and deputy First Minister to commit not to collapse Stormont in future. South Belfast MLA Mr […]

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Community Government Politics Stormont Westminster

SDLP Statement on Restoration of the Devolved Institutions

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP has said that the restoration of the democratic institutions of governance in Northern Ireland is positive news for people, workers, communities, businesses and voluntary organisations across the North. The Foyle MP said that there should be no impediment to the quick restoration of the Assembly and Executive to get on […]

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Community Government Politics Stormont Westminster

Sinn Féin Welcomes Progress on Return to Power-Sharing

Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald TD welcomed progress on the return to power-sharing and expressed optimism today that the Assembly is expected to elect a new Executive before the 8 February deadline.  Mary Lou McDonald said: “I am optimistic having heard Jeffrey Donaldson’s public declaration that we will see the northern institutions back up and […]

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Banbridge Community Constituency Government Infrastructure Stormont Upper Bann

£1.65m Refurbishment of Cutts Water Level Control Structure on River Bann

The Department for Infrastructure has awarded civil engineering contractor CivCo a £1.65million contract for repair works to the Cutts Control Structure on the Lower River Bann in Coleraine. The gates at the Cutts are part of a series of three control structures along the Lower Bann, with the other control structures at Kilrea and Toome.  […]

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Armagh Constituency Government International Newry Newry and Armagh Politics South Armagh Stormont

McNulty: Gaza Bloodshed Is No Cause For Celebration!

Newry & Armagh MLA Justin McNulty has strongly backed the decision by SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood to decline to attend St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at the White House whilst the bloodshed in Gaza continues. The SDLP has said that they cannot in good conscience attend celebratory events at the White House for St Patrick’s Day […]

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Armagh Business Community Constituency Government Newry Newry and Armagh Politics Stormont Westminster

TUV Urges Anti-Protocol Unionists to Increasingly Stand Together

Speaking at the annual dinner of Newry & Armagh TUV on Saturday evening, Jim Allister reached out to all who continue to stand firm against the Protocol, urging strength and structure in the common cause of necessary opposition to the Protocol and any unionist implementation of it through Stormont. In the course of his remarks […]

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Campaigns Community Cost of Living Government Health Stormont

Housing Executive Increases Rents

In response to the Housing Executive’s annual request for a rent increase, the Department for Communities has confirmed that from 1 April 2024, Housing Executive rents will increase by 7.7%. Rent pays for the housing services provided by the Housing Executive. This rent increase will provide funding for essential maintenance, improvements and investment while also […]

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Community Constituency Crime Government Newry Newry and Armagh Stormont

McNulty Concerned at Newry Security Alert

SDLP MLA Justin McNulty said: “My thoughts are with everyone caught up in this security alert and forced from their homes on this wet evening.  “Nobody wants to see scenes like this in their community and I hope that this alert is swiftly brought to an end and nothing untoward found. “There is disruption in […]

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Business Community Government Politics Stormont

SDLP Urges Courage to Reach Agreement

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP has called on political leaders to show courage and reach an agreement to restore the Stormont institutions in the coming days. Mr Eastwood was speaking in the House of Commons as MPs discussed the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill. He also expressed solidarity with DUP Leader Jeffrey Donaldson who revealed […]