Monthly Archives: July 2015

Sinn Féin and the SDLP are expected to come under renewed pressure to agree a deal on welfare reform after warnings that Stormont’s precarious financial situation cannot be sustained. The executive’s spending difficulties look set to deepen with a fresh round of Tory cuts placing further pressure on budgets. It had been hoped the Stormont House Agreement would resolve the long-running welfare reform impasse through a series of bespoke measures implemented by the executive. However, a decision by Sinn Féin in March to block legislation in the assembly derailed the pre-Christmas deal and plunged the intitutions back into financial uncertainty. The assembly’s passing of a budget bill at the end of last month created some breathing space but additional spending cuts announced by George Osborne in recent weeks coupled with further welfare changes bring a renewed urgency to the need to make a deal. The British chancellor told MPs yesterday … Continue reading →

Ulster Unionist Party MLA for East Antrim, Roy Beggs, has pressed the DETI Minister Jonathan Bell on how he plans to maximise the tourism industry in East Antrim, during Question Time at the Northern Ireland Assembly. Noting that Mr Bell had spoken of the Causeway coastal route, Mr Beggs asked if he agreed it was important not just to capture day trippers, but also to encourage overnight stays so that local hotels, bed and breakfasts and restaurants gain from such stays . He urged Mr Bell to work with other departments to maximise visitor numbers. Mr Beggs added “It is important that we make the most of our local assets like Carrickfergus Castle, that East Antrim has. I am also aware that Carnfunnock Country Park, Larne, was recently awarded with the top prize for large family visitor attraction by NI4Kids, and I would like to congratulate Mid East Antrim Borough … Continue reading →

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East Antrim MLA Oliver McMullan has called for the removal of all “offensive” flags in Carrickfergus. The Sinn Féin representative was commenting after the erection of Nazi and Confederate emblems close to a bonfire site in Glenfield estate sparked public outcry. Welcoming the removal of these items, Mr McMullan added: “However, during the public discussion on these flags everyone was queuing up to condemn the Nazi flag while ignoring the fact there are also loyalist paramilitary flags in the same area. “Instead of selective condemnation, unionist public representatives and community leaders need to step up to the mark and ensure that all offensive racist and sectarian flags are removed.” Police say they received calls on Tuesday evening from members of the public reporting their distress and concern at the appearance of swastika-bearing and Confederate emblems close to a bonfire site. Speaking in the early hours of Wednesday morning (Wednesday) Superintendent … Continue reading →

Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has said graffiti discovered in Carrick aimed at intimidating him will not succeed. Mr Dickson was speaking after the PSNI alerted him to the offensive graffiti, which appeared in the Glenfield area after he spoke out against the flying of swastika flags in the town. “Those behind this graffiti obviously thought they could intimidate me, but they won’t succeed,” he said. “I will always speak up for what is right. Those behind this graffiti, or the flying of offensive flags in the town, do not represent the majority, who want Carrickfergus to remain an open and welcoming place and I will continue to give that majority a voice. “This attack will not deter me in continuing to deliver a tolerant and respectful future for everyone across East Antrim.” Meanwhile, a number of political representatives from the area have spoken out against the graffiti. Fellow East Antrim … Continue reading →