Monthly Archives: March 2016

The Ulster Unionist Party has its sights set on winning at least two seats in South Antrim in this year’s Assembly election. Keen to build on its successes at the last Westminster and local government elections, the party is hoping to increase its number of seats in the constituency come May 5. Currently the UUP only has one South Antrim MLA – Adrian Cochrane-Watson. The former councillor was co-opted to the Assembly following Danny Kinahan’s election as Member of Parliament. In an effort to make its local representatives more accessible to constituents, the South Antrim UUP team has opened new premises in the Woodford Road area of Newtownabbey. The new office was officially opened last Friday by party leader Mike Nesbitt MLA in a ceremony that included Lord Empey of Shandon Roy Beggs MLA, the Antrim and Newtownabbey UUP council team and local party activists. Speaking at the event, Mr … Continue reading →

The Fire Service says that it is “business as usual” in Larne and that emergency cover will not be affected by the theft of an engine and damage to the local headquarters. East Antrim UUP MLA Roy Beggs had previously raised concerns over the future of the local service, stating: “The fire station itself is now structurally damaged and there are wider concerns for public safety with the loss of a fire engine and doubts about whether the station is safe for use.” However, an NIFRS spoksperson said that “contingency plans had been quickly put in place” following the incident, and a that a replacement fire appliance was sent to Larne Fire Station, which continues to operate with two fire engines. However, due to the main station’s structural damage, firefighters will be forced to temporarily operate out of a different venue. A spokesperson explained: “Due to the damage caused to … Continue reading →

Elected representatives say that the theft of a lifesaving fire engine used in emergency responsesfrom Larne Fire station “put lives at risk.” Sinn Féin MLA Oliver McMullan commented: “We are very lucky no-one was killed or seriously injured after the fire engine crashed into parked cars and buildings. “Not only was the danger in the appliance being driven by inexperienced drivers but it also removed this appliance from being on call. “If we had have had an emergency call out the Fire Service would have been one appliance short and this could have made the difference between life and death. “I hope the appliance is not too badly damaged and is returned to service as soon as possible. “I will also be asking the fire chiefs how civilians were able to gain access to this appliance and see what security measures can be implemented so this cannot occur again.” UUP … Continue reading →

Wilson says Republicans have stepped up efforts to recruit local youths East Antrim DUP representative Sammy Wilson spoke out after police uncovered a “significant terrorist hide” containing bomb making components and explosives at Carnfunnock Country Park. The haul was discovered after a member of the public reported a suspicious object to police on Saturday March 5. Police found a number of small plastic barrels buried in a wooded area 20 metres from the car park containing “a significant amount of bomb-making components including partially-constructed devices and a small quantity of explosives.” Mr Wilson believes the find indicates an escalation of terrorist activity as the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising approaches. “This doesn’t surprise me as these people will use anywhere to hide their ammunition and bombs,” he said. “Carnfunnock was ideal as it was an easy-to-access forested area where someone going in wouldn’t be unusual. Someone could have lost … Continue reading →