-
Please select facebook feed.
Monthly Archives: September 2015
Civil Service (Special Advisers) (Amendment) Bill: First Stage
Mr Beggs: First, I recognise the professional manner in which the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency collects statistics to ensure that they are robust. This research was carried out in a very professional manner, which means that we are working with figures that are as accurate as possible. When I look through the 52 indicators, I see a degree of validity in each one of them: a reason why it has been included. I do not think that there is a need for vast change, although there may be a need for tweaking. Certainly, like my colleague, I am open to taking a good look at and re-evaluating them. However, any change will need to stand up to scrutiny, not only from rural communities but from those in need in urban communities. I note from the information pack provided to us by the Library, for which I am grateful, … Continue reading
Tributes paid to the late Joan Drummond MBE
Tributes have been paid to former UUP Mayor of Larne Joan Drummond MBE, who passed away at the age of 77 on September 10. Mrs Drummond served on Larne Borough Council from 1989 to 2005, and was awarded an MBE in 2000. East Antrim UUP MLA Roy Beggs Jnr described Mrs Drummond as a “wise and calming influence” in local politics. He stated: “It is with great sadness, that I have learned that Joan Drummond MBE has passed away. “She was a wise and calming influence in local government in Larne for many years. “Her approach to politics was based on service to the community and trying to help the most vulnerable. “She lived and worked in the heart of Craigyhill, and all her voluntary work associated with the Linn Community Centre revolved around helping and improving her local neighbourhood. “I know she was held in very high regard right … Continue reading
Tributes paid to former Mayor of Larne Joan Drummond MBE
Tributes have been paid to former UUP Mayor of Larne Joan Drummond MBE, who has passed away. Mrs Drummond served on Larne Borough Council from 1989 to 2005, and was awarded an MBE in 2000. East Antrim UUP MLA Roy Beggs Jnr described Mrs Drummond as a “wise and calming influence” in local politics. He stated: “It is with great sadness, that I have learned that Joan Drummond MBE has passed away. “She was a wise and calming influence in local government in Larne for many years. “Her approach to politics was based on service to the community and trying to help the most vulnerable. “She lived and worked in the heart of Craigyhill, and all her voluntary work associated with the Linn Community Centre revolved around helping and improving her local neighbourhood. “I know she was held in very high regard right across the community, and I like many … Continue reading
Nesbitt brands DUP withdrawal a ‘way of clinging to reins of power’
Peter Robinson’s decision to step aside and withdraw most of his party’s ministers from the Executive has been branded a “smokescreen” by Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt. He said: “Peter Robinson clearly cannot make a decision as to whether he wants be in or out of the Executive. On Wednesday he said the DUP ministers would leave the Executive en masse, yet only 24 hours later his position has shifted to only some of his ministers resigning. UUP leader Mike Nesbitt and party colleagues speak to the press at Parliament Buildings. Picture: Jonathan Porter/PressEye “In fact he has not even resigned himself, opting to use the idiosyncrasy of standing aside. Few people will see this as anything but a smokescreen.” Mr Nesbitt said his DUP counterpart was guily of “incredibly weak leadership,” and added: “Instead of the focus remaining firmly on Sinn Fein, people are now trying to determine exactly … Continue reading
Firm decision-making from MLAs… to give themselves free coffees
Peter Robinson’s decision to step aside and withdraw most of his party’s ministers from the Executive has been branded a “smokescreen” by Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt. He said: “Peter Robinson clearly cannot make a decision as to whether he wants be in or out of the Executive. On Wednesday he said the DUP ministers would leave the Executive en masse, yet only 24 hours later his position has shifted to only some of his ministers resigning. UUP leader Mike Nesbitt and party colleagues speak to the press at Parliament Buildings. Picture: Jonathan Porter/PressEye “In fact he has not even resigned himself, opting to use the idiosyncrasy of standing aside. Few people will see this as anything but a smokescreen.” Mr Nesbitt said his DUP counterpart was guily of “incredibly weak leadership,” and added: “Instead of the focus remaining firmly on Sinn Fein, people are now trying to determine exactly … Continue reading
