Latest releases
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11,733 releases
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de Faoite expresses disappointment at failed Belfast Eurovision bid
SDLP councillor Séamas de Faoite says he is disappointed Belfast was not shortlisted to host the 2023 Eurovision, thanks supporters of the bid and argues the city can still stage large events. He blames the lack of a functioning Executive for hampering the bid.
Local government Issue: Belfast bid to host Eurovision 2023 shortlist Original release: de Faoite expresses disappointment at failed Belfast Eurovision bid (opens in a new tab)
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‘Action not appeals needed to tackle obscene energy corporation profits’ – Finucane
Sinn Féin MP John Finucane calls on the British government to take action rather than make appeals to halt excessive energy company profits, urging it to cut fuel taxes and make energy firms pay their fair share to lower bills.
Economy and employment Public finance and taxation Original release: ‘Action not appeals needed to tackle obscene energy corporation profits’ – Finucane (opens in a new tab)
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‘Time for global anti-apartheid movement to support occupied Palestine’ – Kearney
Sinn Féin National Chairperson Declan Kearney calls for a global anti-apartheid movement to support Palestinians against Israel's occupation, writing in his An Phoblacht blog. He says international law must be enforced and that EU, Western and Irish government foreign policy towards Palestine is…
International affairs Original release: ‘Time for global anti-apartheid movement to support occupied Palestine’ – Kearney (opens in a new tab)
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Belfast International Airport a key economic driver in South Antrim – Kearney
Sinn Féin MLA Declan Kearney says he met senior management at Belfast International Airport to hear about plans for future development, including new western and eastern air routes, enhanced site amenities and better public transport and rail links.
Economy and employment Infrastructure and transport Original release: Belfast International Airport a key economic driver in South Antrim – Kearney (opens in a new tab)
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Teachers deserve fair pay- Mason
Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason urges the DUP to return to the Executive so teachers and school staff can receive fair pay amid the cost of living crisis. She criticises the education minister's suggestion that pay could be docked for industrial action.
Economy and employment Education Issue: Education minister's suggestion of pay deductions for teacher industrial action Original release: Teachers deserve fair pay- Mason (opens in a new tab)
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Urgent action needed to cut school uniform costs – Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD
Sinn Féin's education spokesperson Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD calls for urgent action to reduce school uniform costs, saying families face spiralling back-to-school bills amid the cost of living crisis. He points to his party's legislation requiring affordable uniform policies and urges the…
Education Economy and employment Original release: Urgent action needed to cut school uniform costs – Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD (opens in a new tab)
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“Back-To-School Costs Pushing Families Against the Wall” - Mullen
Aontú deputy leader Cllr Denise Mullen says back-to-school costs are pushing families into debt, citing an average uniform price of £826 and a 38% debt figure, and calls on Stormont to end its political impasse. She describes the uniform grant increase as inadequate.
Education Economy and employment Original release: “Back-To-School Costs Pushing Families Against the Wall” - Mullen (opens in a new tab)
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de Faoite: Eurovision unique opportunity for Belfast
SDLP councillor Séamas de Faoite says Belfast's bid to host next year's Eurovision would be a major opportunity, bringing visitors, economic gains and urban improvements, and urges public backing ahead of the shortlist announcement.
Local government Issue: Belfast bid to host Eurovision 2023 shortlist Original release: de Faoite: Eurovision unique opportunity for Belfast (opens in a new tab)
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Reid proposes recognition of Antrim camogie champions
SDLP councillor Eugene Reid proposes that Mid and East Antrim Borough Council formally recognise Antrim’s All‑Ireland junior camogie champions, urging Mayor Noel Williams to celebrate their achievement and prevent politicisation.
Local government Issue: Antrim junior camogie All-Ireland victory Original release: Reid proposes recognition of Antrim camogie champions (opens in a new tab)
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Families cannot afford to wait months for action on school uniforms- Sheehan
Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan welcomes the education minister's plan to look at making school uniforms more affordable but calls for action now. He urges insisting on competitive tendering, removing branded-item requirements and allowing cheaper high street alternatives, and calls for an Executive to…
Education Economy and employment Issue: Education Minister instructs officials on school uniform costs Original release: Families cannot afford to wait months for action on school uniforms- Sheehan (opens in a new tab)
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Chancellor busts devolution myth
TUV Upper Bann spokesperson Darrin Foster welcomes the Chancellor's confirmation that Westminster's energy cost payment does not need a Stormont executive. He says the money comes from HM Treasury and claims the point undercuts critics who linked the issue to the Protocol, and that many Unionists…
Constitutional affairs Public finance and taxation Issue: Chancellor confirms energy cost payment does not require Stormont executive Original release: Chancellor busts devolution myth (opens in a new tab)
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Chancellor must move quickly to include NI in £400 energy payment…
DUP Economy Minister Gordon Lyons, East Antrim MLA, urges the Chancellor to bring Northern Ireland into the Treasury's £400 energy payment, proposing direct Treasury payments to local energy suppliers after a Belfast meeting. He also says tax cuts would have been a better route.
Economy and employment Public finance and taxation Issue: Chancellor confirms energy cost payment does not require Stormont executive Original release: Chancellor must move quickly to include NI in £400 energy payment… (opens in a new tab)
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TUV raises concerns following illegal Republican parade in Dunclug
TUV leader Jim Allister says he wrote to the PSNI about a Dunclug republican parade held without a submitted 11/1 notice, citing anti-social behaviour and linking Sinn Fein leaders' glorification of murder to such events. Councillor Matthew Armstrong calls for a swift and robust police response.
Justice and policing Community relations and legacy Issue: Dunclug republican parade held without 11/1 notice Original release: TUV raises concerns following illegal Republican parade in Dunclug (opens in a new tab)
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Campbell calls for Westminster to help hard pressed households
DUP MP Gregory Campbell calls on Westminster to deliver the promised £400 per household energy support and urges measures on fuel, energy bills and rates. He says the Protocol blocks a VAT cut on energy efficiency measures in Northern Ireland.
Economy and employment Public finance and taxation Original release: Campbell calls for Westminster to help hard pressed households (opens in a new tab)
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Maskey condemns device left in West Belfast
Sinn Féin MP Paul Maskey condemns those behind a viable explosive device found on Norglen Parade in West Belfast, which forced residents from their homes, and urges the perpetrators to stop targeting the community. He asks anyone with knowledge to come forward to police.
Justice and policing Issue: Viable explosive device found on Norglen Parade, West Belfast Original release: Maskey condemns device left in West Belfast (opens in a new tab)
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Green Party welcomes the announcement of bank building reopening
Green councillor Áine Groogan welcomes the announcement that Primark will return to the historic Bank Buildings in Belfast later this year, following the 2018 fire, and praises its investment in the listed building. She calls for better protection of city centre built heritage and for greener…
Infrastructure and transport Economy and employment Issue: Primark return to Bank Buildings Belfast announcement Original release: Green Party welcomes the announcement of bank building reopening (opens in a new tab)
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Allen welcomes Chancellor's commitment to delivering an equivalent energy bill support scheme to Northern Ireland households
UUP MLA Andy Allen welcomes the Chancellor's renewed commitment to deliver equivalent energy bills support to Northern Ireland households, but says the delivery mechanism should already be in place. He also calls on energy providers to help through charitable donations or efficiency measures.
Economy and employment Public finance and taxation Issue: Chancellor confirms energy cost payment does not require Stormont executive Original release: Allen welcomes Chancellor's commitment to delivering an equivalent energy bill support scheme to Northern Ireland households (opens in a new tab)
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Mathison: Minister must follow through with action on school uniform crisis
Alliance MLA Nick Mathison says Education Minister must follow through on rising school uniform costs after she instructed officials to look for a common approach, calling the move too little too late for families facing hardship. He says he will bring forward private member's legislation if she…
Education Issue: Education Minister instructs officials on school uniform costs Original release: Mathison: Minister must follow through with action on school uniform crisis (opens in a new tab)
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Whyte: Bank buildings reopening key to revival of Belfast city centre
SDLP councillor Carl Whyte says the reopening of Bank buildings in Belfast later this year, after Primark announced a November reopening, is key to reviving the city centre. He calls for political will and a transformation programme to tackle drug dealing, crime, anti-social behaviour, empty units…
Economy and employment Local government Issue: Primark return to Bank Buildings Belfast announcement Original release: Whyte: Bank buildings reopening key to revival of Belfast city centre (opens in a new tab)
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McLaughlin: Postal workers deserve a fair wage
SDLP Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin backs postal workers' planned four days of strike action from August 26, saying their pay should rise with the cost of living. She urges Royal Mail to negotiate a pay deal with unions and staff before the strike begins.
Economy and employment Issue: Royal Mail postal workers four-day strike from August 26 Original release: McLaughlin: Postal workers deserve a fair wage (opens in a new tab)