Latest releases
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2,922 releases
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Ulster Unionist Councillor, Leah Kirkpatrick, becomes first-ever female Antrim and Newtownabbey Mayor
The Ulster Unionist Party announces that councillor Leah Kirkpatrick will become Antrim and Newtownabbey's first woman mayor, succeeding a run of ten men since the 2015 super council was formed. Alderman Mark Cosgrove and South Antrim MLA Steve Aiken praise her record on accessibility and…
Local government Disability and equality Original release: Ulster Unionist Councillor, Leah Kirkpatrick, becomes first-ever female Antrim and Newtownabbey Mayor (opens in a new tab)
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Gillian McCollum and Vicky Moore selected as Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Ards and North Down
Alliance Councillors Gillian McCollum and Vicky Moore say they have been appointed Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Ards and North Down for 2025/26, pledging to promote belonging, support families with learning disabilities, tackle the mental‑health crisis, end violence against women and girls, fightpover
Local government Disability and equality Issue: Appointment of Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Ards and North Down Original release: Gillian McCollum and Vicky Moore selected as Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Ards and North Down (opens in a new tab)
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Richard Stewart announced as Deputy Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council
Alliance Causeway Councillor Richard Stewart says he will become Deputy Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, making him the first openly gay person to take that role in the Council's history. He says he hopes the appointment signals that everyone has a place in public life.
Local government Disability and equality Issue: Richard Stewart appointed Deputy Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Original release: Richard Stewart announced as Deputy Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council (opens in a new tab)
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Long pays tribute to Sir Kenneth Bloomfield following his passing
Alliance Leader Naomi Long MLA pays tribute to Sir Kenneth Bloomfield, the late former senior civil servant, recalling his public service, his time as Victims' Commissioner, and his family's experience during the Troubles, and offers sympathy to his family.
Other Community relations and legacy Issue: Death of Sir Kenneth Bloomfield Original release: Long pays tribute to Sir Kenneth Bloomfield following his passing (opens in a new tab)
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Farmers Have Found Their Voice – The Minister Must Listen or Go
TUV MLA Timothy Gaston says farmers at the NAP consultation event in Greenmount rejected proposals that must be withdrawn, criticising Minister Muir's absence and Department officials' lack of answers on water quality and food security.
Agriculture and rural affairs Environment and climate Issue: NAP consultation event at Greenmount Original release: Farmers Have Found Their Voice – The Minister Must Listen or Go (opens in a new tab)
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Eastwood to host Ulster GAA in organisation’s first official visit to Westminster
Alliance MP Sorcha Eastwood says she is proud to host Ulster GAA on its first official visit to Westminster and calls for Casement Park to be finished without further delay. She says she will press the UK Government on the project and keep the association's views in decision-making.
Infrastructure and transport Issue: Ulster GAA first official visit to Westminster Original release: Eastwood to host Ulster GAA in organisation’s first official visit to Westminster (opens in a new tab)
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SDLP nominates Johnston as Deputy Chair of Mid Ulster
SDLP MLA... no, Moyola councillor Denise Johnston is to be nominated by the SDLP for Deputy Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, taking up the post on 2 June. The party says she will champion victims' causes, Lough Neagh pollution and stronger road safety measures.
Local government Community relations and legacy Original release: SDLP nominates Johnston as Deputy Chair of Mid Ulster (opens in a new tab)
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Lough Neagh remains a critical priority for Sinn Féin – Kearney
Sinn Féin MLA Declan Kearney, with party leader Michelle O'Neill MLA, says they met Lough Neagh commercial fishermen and families about the latest crisis facing the industry, following a recent eel fishing moratorium. He says fishermen stressed the need for urgency to secure the lough's future…
Environment and climate Agriculture and rural affairs Issue: Lough Neagh eel fishing moratorium and commercial fishing crisis Original release: Lough Neagh remains a critical priority for Sinn Féin – Kearney (opens in a new tab)
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We all have a role to play in making our roads safer – Erskine
DUP MLA Deborah Erskine, chair of the Assembly Infrastructure Committee, calls for a more co-ordinated, cross-departmental approach to speeding after new figures on road deaths and serious injuries from 2019 to 2023. She urges greater urgency from the Minister and stakeholders including the PSNI.
Infrastructure and transport Issue: Northern Ireland road casualty figures on speeding, 2019 to 2023 Original release: We all have a role to play in making our roads safer – Erskine (opens in a new tab)
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OEP evidence indicates pressing need to reduce our impact on natural environment, says Blair
Alliance Environment spokesperson John Blair MLA says Office for Environmental Protection evidence to the agriculture committee shows wastewater infrastructure and the agri-food sector are placing unsustainable pressure on the environment. He calls for cross-sector collaboration, including on the…
Environment and climate Agriculture and rural affairs Issue: OEP evidence to Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs on environmental pressures Original release: OEP evidence indicates pressing need to reduce our impact on natural environment, says Blair (opens in a new tab)
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Sinn Féin Leader issues progress report on overhaul of governance procedures
Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald says a progress report shows Sinn Féin has appointed a new HR Manager, a Director of National Corporate Governance and set up a Governance Hub, updated child‑protection policy, is finalising an employee handbook and a legal review of disciplinary procedures as part
Other Issue: Sinn Féin governance procedures overhaul progress report Original release: Sinn Féin Leader issues progress report on overhaul of governance procedures (opens in a new tab)
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Education Minister cuts first sod at Kilronan Special School
Education Minister Paul Givan cuts the first sod on a £4.9 million School Enhancement Programme at Kilronan Special School, Magherafelt, announcing a single‑storey extension with specialist classrooms and support facilities, and saying the investment will benefit pupils, staff and local families and
Education Disability and equality Issue: Kilronan Special School SEP project start Original release: Education Minister cuts first sod at Kilronan Special School (opens in a new tab)
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Lavery welcomes Pride approval for Lurgan Park
Alliance Lurgan Councillor Peter Lavery welcomes the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council vote, passed 16 to 14, allowing Lurgan Pride to hold its August event in Lurgan Park. He criticises DUP and TUV opposition as shameful and discriminatory.
Disability and equality Local government Issue: Lurgan Pride event approval in Lurgan Park by ABC Council Original release: Lavery welcomes Pride approval for Lurgan Park (opens in a new tab)
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Communities Minister’s painfully slow progress on delivery frustrating, says Armstrong
Alliance's Kellie Armstrong MLA says the Communities Minister's slow progress on social strategies, including anti-poverty, disability and LGBTQI+ plans, is delaying their outcomes. She questions the 'phased approach' used and calls for urgency before the multi-year budget.
Disability and equality Original release: Communities Minister’s painfully slow progress on delivery frustrating, says Armstrong (opens in a new tab)
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Patsy McGlone: Incentives and clarity for farmers needed amid nutrients action programme changes
SDLP Opposition AERA Spokesperson Patsy McGlone MLA calls on DAERA to match nutrients action programme regulation with increased financial support and a realistic lead-in time for farmers. He cites Irish Government low-emission slurry spreading and advisory supports as a model.
Agriculture and rural affairs Environment and climate Issue: DAERA consultation on Nutrients Action Programme review and 2026-2029 programme Original release: Patsy McGlone: Incentives and clarity for farmers needed amid nutrients action programme changes (opens in a new tab)
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Hunter Applauds Landmark Vote by Camogie Association
SDLP East Derry MLA Cara Hunter welcomes the Camogie Association special Congress vote, which overwhelmingly backed letting players choose between shorts and skorts in matches. She calls it a long-overdue win for camogie players and for women in sport.
Disability and equality Issue: Camogie Association special Congress vote on shorts or skorts Original release: Hunter Applauds Landmark Vote by Camogie Association (opens in a new tab)
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McCrossan expresses deep sadness following A5 tragedy
SDLP West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan expresses sorrow after a fatal crash on the A5 near Omagh that left one person dead and another seriously hurt. He sends prayers to the bereaved family and thanks emergency responders for their quick response at the scene.
Infrastructure and transport Issue: Fatal A5 crash near Omagh, May 2025 Original release: McCrossan expresses deep sadness following A5 tragedy (opens in a new tab)
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Nutrient Action Programme proposals unworkable – McAleer
Sinn Féin MLA Declan McAleer says the Nutrient Action Programme proposals – cutting the P balance to 8 kg/ha from 2029 and mandating Low Emission Slurry Spreading Equipment by 2030 – are unworkable, could force farmers out of business and ignore local conditions, and urges the Minister to listen and
Agriculture and rural affairs Environment and climate Issue: DAERA consultation on Nutrients Action Programme review and 2026-2029 programme Original release: Nutrient Action Programme proposals unworkable – McAleer (opens in a new tab)
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Greenisland Church of the Holy Name bouncing back after fire
TUV Carrickfergus councillor David Clarke welcomes the new opening of the Church Parish Community Shop on Station Road, Greenisland, after last year’s fire, urges residents to shop locally and looks forward to the church and hall reconstruction.
Other Issue: Reopening of Greenisland Church Parish Community Shop Original release: Greenisland Church of the Holy Name bouncing back after fire (opens in a new tab)
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TUV challenges the Equality Commission on its attitude to Irish language in light of polling evidence
TUV MLA Timothy Gaston writes to the Equality Commission challenging it to produce evidence that Irish language signage is a neutral act, citing LucidTalk and Analogical Research polling on unionist reaction. He asks the Commission to reassess its position, consider a 'chill factor' effect on…
Disability and equality Issue: Irish language signage at Grand Central Station announcement Original release: TUV challenges the Equality Commission on its attitude to Irish language in light of polling evidence (opens in a new tab)