Latest releases
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2,554 releases
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Hanna: Drumcree decision defies credible explanation
SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP says she is shocked by the Parades Commission's decision to allow a Portadown Orange Order parade along Garvaghy Road, arguing it cannot be credibly explained given local opposition. She urges restraint and accuses the DUP of distraction tactics amid Executive failures.
Community relations and legacy Issue: Parades Commission Garvaghy Road ruling Original release: Hanna: Drumcree decision defies credible explanation (opens in a new tab)Archived copy (captured later), Internet Archive capture of 15 October 2026 (opens in a new tab)
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Ulster Unionist Party responds to Drumcree determination
UUP Leader Jon Burrows MLA urges calm and measured language before Sunday's Drumcree parade, welcoming the Parades Commission's determination permitting a restricted parade along the Garvaghy Road. He says the conditions are substantial, expresses confidence Portadown District will comply, and…
Community relations and legacy Justice and policing Issue: Parades Commission Portadown District Drumcree procession notification Original release: Ulster Unionist Party responds to Drumcree determination (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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Alliance responds to Drumcree decision
Alliance Deputy Leader Eóin Tennyson MLA responds to the Parades Commission's determination on the Drumcree parade, saying he was disappointed by the decision after arguing restrictions should stay to allow more time for mediation. He urges all concerned to act responsibly and asks the Orange…
Community relations and legacy Issue: Parades Commission Portadown District Drumcree procession notification Original release: Alliance responds to Drumcree decision (opens in a new tab)Archived copy, Internet Archive capture of 1 October 2026 (opens in a new tab)
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Carroll: Garvaghy Road Residents "Won't Take this Lying Down"
People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll says Garvaghy Road residents oppose the planned Orange Order march, citing nearly 4,000 petition signatures, and calls on the British and Irish governments to intervene and stop it. The party says it has written to the Parades Commission objecting to the march.
Community relations and legacy Justice and policing Issue: Orange Order application to march down Garvaghy Road Original release: Carroll: Garvaghy Road Residents "Won't Take this Lying Down" (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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Brett: Paul Butler’s record must not be erased
North Belfast DUP MLA Phillip Brett says Paul Butler should not be publicly venerated and that his criminal record must not be erased, criticising descriptions of him as a 'human rights activist' that omit his convictions, including for the 1974 murder of Reserve RUC officer John Rodgers.
Community relations and legacy Justice and policing Original release: Brett: Paul Butler’s record must not be erased (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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Mary Lou McDonald expresses deep sadness at sudden death of Pól de Buitléir
Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald TD offers condolences after the unexpected death of former MLA Pól de Buitléir, describing him as a republican, Irish language advocate and former Lisburn councillor. She pays tribute to his community work and his support for families affected by loss.
Other Community relations and legacy Issue: Death of former Sinn Féin MLA Pól de Buitléir Original release: Mary Lou McDonald expresses deep sadness at sudden death of Pól de Buitléir (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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Maskey pays tribute to former Sinn Féin MLA Pól de Buitléir on his passing
Paul Maskey MP pays tribute to Pól de Buitléir, a former councillor and MLA, following news of his death. Maskey recalls his time as an ex-prisoner, his Lisburn council service and his years supporting victims' families.
Other Community relations and legacy Original release: Maskey pays tribute to former Sinn Féin MLA Pól de Buitléir on his passing (opens in a new tab)Archived copy, Internet Archive capture of 25 September 2026 (opens in a new tab)
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Ennis should withdraw Somme remarks, Erskine
DUP MLA Deborah Erskine calls on Sinn Féin's Sinéad Ennis to withdraw her remarks describing deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly's attendance at the Somme commemorations as theatrics. Erskine says the event honoured shared sacrifice and that Committee members will keep seeking answers from…
Community relations and legacy Issue: Ennis remarks on Little-Pengelly attending Somme commemorations Original release: Ennis should withdraw Somme remarks, Erskine (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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DUP delegation presses Parades Commission for fair decision on…
DUP Leader Gavin Robinson, leading a delegation to the Parades Commission, urges a fresh and lawful assessment of Portadown District's notified Drumcree procession, arguing the Commission must give clear reasons. Carla Lockhart MP says the correct legal tests should produce a positive determination.
Community relations and legacy Justice and policing Issue: Parades Commission Portadown District Drumcree procession notification Original release: DUP delegation presses Parades Commission for fair decision on… (opens in a new tab)Archived copy, Internet Archive capture of 26 September 2026 (opens in a new tab)
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Hanna welcomes ICRIR findings on O’Kelly murder
SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP welcomes ICRIR findings into the killing of party founder Rory O'Kelly by the Provisional IRA, and calls on the IRA to provide truth and accountability to his family. She says the SDLP will push to amend the Troubles legacy legislation so all families can access truth…
Community relations and legacy Justice and policing Issue: ICRIR findings on Rory O'Kelly killing Original release: Hanna welcomes ICRIR findings on O’Kelly murder (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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Bradshaw welcomes passage to Committee Stage of Flags & Emblems Bill
Alliance Executive Office Spokesperson Paula Bradshaw welcomes the Assembly's decision to advance her Flags and Emblems Bill to Committee Stage, arguing that the status quo on flags in public spaces is not working. She urges genuine consent in community agreement and says the Bill will allow…
Community relations and legacy Issue: Flags and Emblems Bill advances to Committee Stage at Stormont Original release: Bradshaw welcomes passage to Committee Stage of Flags & Emblems Bill (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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Dublin, as ever, frustrates exposure of truth
TUV leader Jim Allister says Dublin will not let Garda officers or state officials give evidence in Belfast to the Omagh Inquiry, and calls on the Inquiry to publish how many of its questions for Dublin witnesses were permitted.
Community relations and legacy Justice and policing Issue: Omagh Inquiry Dublin witness evidence refusal Original release: Dublin, as ever, frustrates exposure of truth (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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McIlveen welcomes recognition of IRA attack on Belfast Telegraph
DUP Deputy Leader Michelle McIlveen MLA welcomes official recognition of the 50-year-old IRA bombing of the Belfast Telegraph's Royal Avenue offices, and says the Paton family's efforts have kept the attack in public memory. She urges that the past not be sanitised and points to a memorial service…
Community relations and legacy Issue: Belfast Telegraph Royal Avenue IRA bombing 50th anniversary recognition Original release: McIlveen welcomes recognition of IRA attack on Belfast Telegraph (opens in a new tab)Archived copy (captured later), Internet Archive capture of 11 November 2026 (opens in a new tab)
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Sharp rise in attacks on Orange Halls deeply worrying – Forsythe
DUP South Down MLA Diane Forsythe says attacks on Orange and Apprentice Boys halls recorded in 2025/26 rose to 17 from 11, and calls for the Justice Minister to explain how prosecutions and convictions for these incidents will be recorded. She says she will seek more information from the PSNI.
Justice and policing Community relations and legacy Issue: PSNI figures on attacks on Orange and Apprentice Boys halls 2025/26 Original release: Sharp rise in attacks on Orange Halls deeply worrying – Forsythe (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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SDLP warns against reopening old wounds on Garvaghy Road
SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP says the party opposes the Portadown LOL District No. 1 parade notification on Garvaghy Road, telling the Parades Commission that residents do not want old wounds reopened or community relations damaged. She calls on political leaders to lower the temperature.
Community relations and legacy Issue: Orange Order application to march down Garvaghy Road Original release: SDLP warns against reopening old wounds on Garvaghy Road (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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Mediator appointment a welcome and important step towards lasting resolution
UUP Leader Jon Burrows MLA welcomes the selection of a mediator to address the long‑running Drumcree dispute, calling it a crucial move toward a durable settlement and urging all parties to engage in constructive, peaceful dialogue.
Community relations and legacy Issue: Mediator appointment for Drumcree dispute Original release: Mediator appointment a welcome and important step towards lasting resolution (opens in a new tab)
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O’Dowd invited An Taoiseach to meet with Garvaghy Road residents
Upper Bann MLA John O'Dowd invites Taoiseach Micheál Martin to come to Garvaghy Road and meet residents opposing an Orange Order march. He says the Irish Government has been silent on the issue and urges a meeting before the Parade Commission's determination.
Community relations and legacy Issue: Orange Order application to march down Garvaghy Road Original release: O’Dowd invited An Taoiseach to meet with Garvaghy Road residents (opens in a new tab)
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Sinn Féin representatives meet with British Secretary of State on legacy proposals
Sinn Féin MP John Finucane and MLA Deirdre Hargey say they met Secretary of State Chris Bryant on the British Government's legacy proposals, and call for no special protections for state forces in the final legislation. They say they will reserve judgement until amendments expected in mid-October…
Community relations and legacy Justice and policing Issue: Sinn Féin meeting with Secretary of State on legacy proposals Original release: Sinn Féin representatives meet with British Secretary of State on legacy proposals (opens in a new tab)
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Eastwood demands equitable access to new breast cancer treatment for patients in Northern Ireland
Alliance MP Sorcha Eastwood calls for equitable access to Enhertu, a life-extending breast cancer drug now available on the NHS in England, for patients in Northern Ireland. She has written to Health Minister Robbie Butler seeking an urgent timetable for its availability locally.
Health Disability and equality Issue: Enhertu breast cancer drug availability in Northern Ireland Original release: Eastwood demands equitable access to new breast cancer treatment for patients in Northern Ireland (opens in a new tab)
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Finucane comments following conclusion of Noah Donohoe inquest
Sinn Féin MP John Finucane offers sympathy to Fiona Donohoe and her family as the Noah Donohoe inquest closes, praising her persistent pursuit of the truth. He says the findings must now bring accountability and action.
Community relations and legacy Justice and policing Issue: Noah Donohoe inquest findings Original release: Finucane comments following conclusion of Noah Donohoe inquest (opens in a new tab)