Latest releases
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3,439 releases
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McGrath: Our Doctors and Nurses Are Not Pawns in a Political Game
SDLP MLA Colin McGrath accuses the Executive of drawing health workers into a dispute with Secretary of State Sir Chris Bryant over pay, after the BMA confirmed further doctors' strike action in November. He says the Executive should stop trading blame and act for patients and staff.
Health Economy and employment Issue: BMA resident, consultant and SAS doctors strike action announcement November 2026 Original release: McGrath: Our Doctors and Nurses Are Not Pawns in a Political Game (opens in a new tab)Archived copy (captured later), Internet Archive capture of 9 November 2026 (opens in a new tab)
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Harkin: Home Care Workers Can No Longer be Ignored
People Before Profit Cllr Shaun Harkin says he spoke at a UNISON public meeting backing home care workers, citing low wages, wage theft and poor conditions in the private sector. He calls on workers to join the trade union and urges Stormont to pass the Good Jobs Bill.
Economy and employment Health Issue: UNISON public meeting for home care workers, Waterfoot Hotel Original release: Harkin: Home Care Workers Can No Longer be Ignored (opens in a new tab)Archived copy (captured later), Internet Archive capture of 10 November 2026 (opens in a new tab)
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Paid domestic abuse safe leave will help support workers – Sheerin
Sinn Féin MLA Emma Sheerin welcomes the Economy Minister's plan to bring in 10 days of paid leave for domestic abuse victims from April 2027, available from day one of employment and without needing to give a reason. She says it will help workers stay safe without losing their jobs.
Economy and employment Justice and policing Issue: Paid domestic abuse safe leave introduction from April 2027 Original release: Paid domestic abuse safe leave will help support workers – Sheerin (opens in a new tab)Archived copy (captured later), Internet Archive capture of 10 November 2026 (opens in a new tab)
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John Blair selected as Alliance South Antrim Assembly candidate
Alliance MLA John Blair has been selected to stand for Alliance in South Antrim at the 2027 Assembly election, pledging better rural facilities, lower living costs, animal welfare, environmental protection and cuts to health waiting lists.
Other Health Issue: John Blair selected as Alliance South Antrim Assembly candidate Original release: John Blair selected as Alliance South Antrim Assembly candidate (opens in a new tab)Archived copy, Internet Archive capture of 22 October 2026 (opens in a new tab)
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Boylan welcomes further roll-out of part-time 20mph zones at schools
Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan welcomes Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins's announcement that a further 34 schools will receive part-time 20mph speed limit schemes. He says the measures will improve child road safety, especially on rural roads, and urges motorists to slow down near schools.
Infrastructure and transport Education Issue: Further part-time 20mph school speed limit schemes for 34 schools Original release: Boylan welcomes further roll-out of part-time 20mph zones at schools (opens in a new tab)Archived copy (captured later), Internet Archive capture of 10 November 2026 (opens in a new tab)
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Harkin: DUP Incitement of Sectarian Tensions Must be Challenged
People Before Profit Cllr Shaun Harkin says sectarian attacks on young people in Belfast must be condemned, and accuses the DUP of inflaming sectarian and racist tensions to deflect from its political crisis, linking this to Stormont cuts and housing failures.
Community relations and legacy Economy and employment Original release: Harkin: DUP Incitement of Sectarian Tensions Must be Challenged (opens in a new tab)Archived copy (captured later), Internet Archive capture of 10 November 2026 (opens in a new tab)
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Education Committee boycott is an affront to democratic scrutiny, says Burrows
Ulster Unionist Party Leader Jon Burrows MLA says the Education Minister’s decision to keep senior Department of Education officials out of the Assembly’s Education Committee undermines democratic scrutiny and urges the Committee, via Chair Nick Mathison MLA, to use its formal powers to summon the ‑
Education Issue: Education Minister withdraws officials from Education Committee appearances Original release: Education Committee boycott is an affront to democratic scrutiny, says Burrows (opens in a new tab)Archived copy (captured later), Internet Archive capture of 9 November 2026 (opens in a new tab)
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Minister Butler thanks ambulance staff ahead of busy winter period
Health Minister Robbie Butler thanks Northern Ireland Ambulance Service staff after visiting its Belfast Integrated Clinical Hub, praising telephone and on-scene treatment models that cut demand on emergency departments before winter. The release cites 2025-26 figures of 44,064 incidents resolved…
Health Original release: Minister Butler thanks ambulance staff ahead of busy winter period (opens in a new tab)Archived copy (captured later), Internet Archive capture of 9 November 2026 (opens in a new tab)
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Education Minister cannot simply opt out of scrutiny, says Guy
Alliance Education Spokesperson Michelle Guy says the Education Minister must stop refusing to let departmental officials, including the Permanent Secretary, attend the Education Committee. She calls the move unacceptable amid a projected overspend and unclear school funding.
Education Issue: Education Minister withdraws officials from Education Committee appearances Original release: Education Minister cannot simply opt out of scrutiny, says Guy (opens in a new tab)Archived copy (captured later), Internet Archive capture of 10 November 2026 (opens in a new tab)
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Armstrong condemns threats to schools across Northern Ireland
UUP Deputy Leader Diana Armstrong MLA condemns threats sent to schools across Northern Ireland, praises principals and staff for their composed handling, and urges parents to rely on official guidance and avoid spreading unverified claims online.
Education Justice and policing Issue: Threats sent to schools across Northern Ireland Original release: Armstrong condemns threats to schools across Northern Ireland (opens in a new tab)Archived copy, Internet Archive capture of 22 October 2026 (opens in a new tab)
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Bradshaw to present petition calling for safe school crossing at Lough View
Infrastructure and transport Education Original release: Bradshaw to present petition calling for safe school crossing at Lough View (opens in a new tab)Archived copy (captured later), Internet Archive capture of 10 November 2026 (opens in a new tab)
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Disparity for Derry. No New A&E at Altnagelvin.
People Before Profit Cllr Shaun Harkin says the Health Minister's decision not to build a new Altnagelvin Emergency Department shows regional disparity against Derry and the North West. He announces a Guildhall deputation on 26 October by UNISON, UNITE, NIPSA and the RCN on A&E pressures and cuts.
Health Public finance and taxation Issue: Health Minister decision against new Altnagelvin Emergency Department Original release: Disparity for Derry. No New A&E at Altnagelvin. (opens in a new tab)Archived copy, Internet Archive capture of 17 October 2026 (opens in a new tab)
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Health Minister must urgently engage with BMA following announcement of strike action – McGuigan
Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan calls on the Health Minister to urgently negotiate with the British Medical Association after resident, consultant and SAS doctors announced strike dates on 20 and 23 November. He warns escalation during winter could add pressure on emergency services.
Health Issue: BMA resident, consultant and SAS doctors strike action announcement November 2026 Original release: Health Minister must urgently engage with BMA following announcement of strike action – McGuigan (opens in a new tab)Archived copy, Internet Archive capture of 16 October 2026 (opens in a new tab)
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Sian Mulholland selected as Alliance North Antrim Assembly candidate
Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland has been chosen to contest the North Antrim seat at the 6 May 2027 Assembly election, saying she will prioritise fighting poverty, easing the cost of living, improving women’s health services, securing affordable homes and reducing energy bills.
Economy and employment Health Issue: Alliance selects North Antrim Assembly candidate Original release: Sian Mulholland selected as Alliance North Antrim Assembly candidate (opens in a new tab)Archived copy, Internet Archive capture of 16 October 2026 (opens in a new tab)
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“Justice Has Been Done” Won’t Wash, Says Carroll After Donaldson Sentence
People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll says the DUP's claim that 'justice has been done' after Jeffrey Donaldson's sentence is unconvincing, arguing the survivors won justice themselves and that a DUP-commissioned review cannot be trusted. He calls for proper funding of Women's Aid and rape crisis…
Justice and policing Disability and equality Issue: Jeffrey Donaldson sentencing for sexual offences Original release: “Justice Has Been Done” Won’t Wash, Says Carroll After Donaldson Sentence (opens in a new tab)Archived copy, Internet Archive capture of 16 October 2026 (opens in a new tab)
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Armstrong marks International Day of Rural Women with call for action on women in farming
UUP Deputy Leader Diana Armstrong MLA asks DAERA what progress it has made since the Breaking the Grass Ceiling report on women in agriculture, four years on. She calls for recognition of women's farm work, support for women without legal stake in family farms, and rural service provision.
Agriculture and rural affairs Economy and employment Original release: Armstrong marks International Day of Rural Women with call for action on women in farming (opens in a new tab)Archived copy, Internet Archive capture of 15 October 2026 (opens in a new tab)
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Doctors strike and nurses ballot highlights failure of Minister to prioritise pay awards, says Nuala McAllister MLA
Alliance health spokesperson Nuala McAllister MLA says the announced BMA strike involving consultants, SAS doctors and resident doctors, plus the Royal College of Nursing's planned ballot of its members, reflects the Health Minister's failure to prioritise pay awards.
Health Economy and employment Issue: BMA strike announcement and RCN strike ballot in Northern Ireland Original release: Doctors strike and nurses ballot highlights failure of Minister to prioritise pay awards, says Nuala McAllister MLA (opens in a new tab)Archived copy (captured later), Internet Archive capture of 10 November 2026 (opens in a new tab)
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Young voices honour Edgar Graham Legacy in successful Assembly Debate
UUP Leader Jon Burrows MLA praises the annual Edgar Graham Debate held at Stormont, which drew 20 schools and was organised by the Ulster Women's Unionist Council, describing it as a fitting tribute to Edgar Graham's legacy.
Other Education Original release: Young voices honour Edgar Graham Legacy in successful Assembly Debate (opens in a new tab)Archived copy, Internet Archive capture of 15 October 2026 (opens in a new tab)
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Flexibility, not radio ultimatums, needed to end budget deadlock – Aiken
UUP finance spokesperson Dr Steve Aiken OBE MLA urges the Secretary of State and Executive to drop public sparring and agree a budget, warning that nurses and health workers face continued pay delays and an RCN ballot on industrial action.
Public finance and taxation Health Issue: Northern Ireland budget deadlock and health pay award delay Original release: Flexibility, not radio ultimatums, needed to end budget deadlock – Aiken (opens in a new tab)Archived copy, Internet Archive capture of 15 October 2026 (opens in a new tab)
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Long issues ‘direct call’ to political leaders to agree Cross-Party Compact on health reform
Alliance Leader Naomi Long MLA urges the leaders of all Assembly parties to forge a joint agreement on health and social care transformation, warning that long waiting lists, missed cancer targets and chronic hospital corridor delays risk total system collapse.
Health Issue: Ten‑year anniversary of the Bengoa report Original release: Long issues ‘direct call’ to political leaders to agree Cross-Party Compact on health reform (opens in a new tab)Archived copy, Internet Archive capture of 15 October 2026 (opens in a new tab)