Monthly Archives: May 2015

One of Carrick’s controlled schools has emphasised its own integrated ethos after approval was granted to expand pupil numbers at Ulidia. Downshire School had previously expressed opposition to the plans, along with Carrickfergus Grammar and Carrick College. “Although Downshire School does not carry official ‘integrated’ status, our school community is made up of children (and staff) from many different religions and cultures and we celebrate and promote respect for inclusion and diversity. We therefore may be considered ‘integrated’ in everything except funding,” said the school’s principal, Jackie Stewart. “We will continue to provide a quality education for our pupils in a supportive and caring environment and will, as always, engage positively with all our neighbouring post-primary schools through the Carrickfergus Learning Community.” Parliamentary reports show first speaker only – follow this lnk for the full transcription. Articles may come from parliamentary reports, various public news feeds and Google News Search. … Continue reading →

Social Development Minister Mervyn Storey is to seek an update from the Housing Executive over the issue of abandoned cars on Taylors Avenue. The Minister was responding to a question raised by East Antrim MLA Roy Beggs, who had previously provided court evidence which resulted in an ASBO being awarded against an individual linked to 90 abandoned cars in the area. Speaking in the Assembly, Mr Beggs said: “Does that antisocial behaviour order still apply and what action has the Northern Ireland Housing Executive taken to invoke the tenancy agreements of occupants of Taylors Avenue who may be continuing to contribute to the abandonment of vehicles in the area?” Responding, the Minister indicated that the Housing Executive’s non-statutory interventions included warning letters, acceptable behaviour contracts, mediation and community support. “In addition, the Housing Executive is a founding partner and participant, along with the PSNI and councils, in antisocial behaviour forums … Continue reading →

Barry McElduff By Noel McAdam political correspondent – 28 May 2015 A Sinn Fein MLA has come under fire after suggesting Northern Ireland should be “scrapped”. Barry McElduff’s remark on social media came as the crisis enveloping Stormont over welfare reform continued. He also said a United Ireland was the “only chance we have”. The West Tyrone MLA was responding to a tweet from comedian Tim McGarry who joked there was a “simple solution” to the welfare crisis. “Scrap the Assembly, let #FIFA run Northern Ireland. They certainly know how to raise funds,” the Hole in the Wall Gang star quipped. To which Mr McElduff replied: “Scrap ‘NI’ maybe. United Ireland only chance we have.” The DUP’s Stephen Moutray hit back: “It is very hard to take this as a joke this week. Barry would be better spending his time getting his party to honour the Stormont House Agreement, which … Continue reading →

The future of government in Stormont hangs in the balance. Photo by: Google Images The Northern Irish government in Stormont is currently in an unstable stalemate following the failed attempt of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) to pass a welfare reform bill, the Stormont House Agreement (SHA), through the assembly. As it stands, yesterday’s failure to pass legislation to implement these welfare reforms will see government departments running out of money this July. The DUP warned that a failure to pass these reforms could see Stormont losing responsibility for welfare decisions in Northern Ireland with responsibility transferring to Westminster instead, without the consent of the assembly. Pressure is now mounting on Northern Ireland’s Secretary of State Theresa Villiers to intervene in the stalemate and prevent this from happening before government departments and the assembly collapse. DUP Finance Minister Arlene Foster has until this Friday to approve a budget, but the … Continue reading →

Despite the majority of MLAs voting in favour of the bill, a petition of concern lodged by Sinn Féin, the SDLP and the Green Party’s Steven Agnew meant it failed to receive cross-community support. This puts into doubt the viability of the power-sharing institutions, which are being hit by Treasury penalties for the non-implementation of the long-delayed proposed legislation. Ms Villiers said: “The defeat of Welfare Bill leaves Executive finances in disarray. We all need to reflect carefully on the way forward.” She described the fall of the Welfare Reform Bill as “a missed opportunity to replace a failed system with one that helps people into work and is fairer to taxpayers”. The devolution of corporation tax powers and new structures to address the legacy of the Troubles could also be at risk, while jobs could be lost in the civil service. MLAs vote 97 voted. 58 voted aye. 39 … Continue reading →