Monthly Archives: May 2014

Roy Beggs MLA, the Ulster Unionist Health spokesperson, has expressed concerns at suggestions to reduce the Health budget by £68m during this financial year. The East Antrim MLA told Finance minister Simon Hamilton in the Assembly: “From talking to nurses and doctors, I am aware that the health service is under extreme pressures at present. I had been advised that each Health and Social Services Trust had been in deficit. Given the pressures and the annual increase in demand for health services, it is incredulous that anyone is suggesting reducing the health service budget.” Mr Beggs warned: “Such a suggestion could cost lives.” During Question Time, Mr Beggs asked the minister: “What levels of additional resources were allocated to address pressures within the Department of Health as an outturn of the headroom within the 2013-14 budget?” Mr Hamilton replied: “The department were allocated an additional £57m in resources departmental expenditure … Continue reading →

Anyone who causes damage to the North Gate in Carrickfergus may be committing a criminal offence, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency has warned. The advice follows reports of anti-social behaviour at the historic town centre structure, according to East Antrim MLA, Roy Beggs Jr. “I have been advised that the wall at the North Gate is being climbed upon, defaced and damaged,” Mr Beggs said. “These actions afford little respect to the historic town centre wall and I would urge those responsible to desist immediately. “Those who have climbed the North Gate wall are also exposing themselves to a real risk of serious injury. The area simply isn’t meant to be used in this way. I would urge anyone who spots anti-social behaviour in the area to contact the local neighbourhood police.” ADOE spokesperson indicated the Environment Agency is working closely with Carrickfergus Council to make the most of the … Continue reading →

The Ulster Unionist Party has nominated its candidates for the forthcoming local government elections on May 22. The candidates were joined by their supporters at Mossley Mill, having submitted fully completed nomination papers and will stand for election to the new Newtownabbey and Antrim super council. The candidates were nominated as follows for their respective District Electoral Areas: Ballyclare – Cllr Jim Bingham, Vera McWilliam. Glengormley Urban – Cllr Mark Cosgrove, Michael Maguire. Three Mile Water – Ald Fraser Agnew, Ben Kelso. Macedon – Cllr John Scott. Also present at the nomination were Ulster Unionist Party MLAs Roy Beggs (East Antrim) and Danny Kinahan (South Antrim), as well as party supporters and members including East Antrim Chairman Roy McCune. Roy Beggs MLA said: “I am delighted that the Ulster Unionist Party is able to field such a strong set of candidates for this area and very much look forward to … Continue reading →