Monthly Archives: November 2017

29 could have still have resulted in a veto of marriage equality legislation with support from Jim Allister, the Assembly’s sole Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) MLA, who has spoken of his willingness to sign any petition that would block changes to marriage or abortion laws. Although the DUP is still the biggest party, the results mean completely new ground for Northern Ireland and could offer hope for the LGBT community here. Patrick Corrigan from Amnesty International NI has estimated that almost two thirds (57/90) of newly elected MLAs are in support of equal marriage legislation. Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, Mike Nesbitt, resigned from his position because of  the his party’s poor election performance and it is unclear whether the new leadership of the UUP will support members signing petitions of concern in order to block marriage equality. The UUP’s position on equal marriage under Mike Nesbitt’s leadership was that it was a “matter of personal conscience”. Mike Nesbitt … Continue reading →

Robin Newton By Suzanne Breen October 12 2017 Arlene Foster is staying silent on the growing controversy around Speaker Robin Newton, who won’t resign from his £87,500 a year job despite claims he misled the Assembly. Sinn Fein, the Ulster Unionists, SDLP, Alliance, the Greens and TUV were all united yesterday in calling on the DUP MLA to immediately step aside. But Mrs Foster last night remained silent when the Belfast Telegraph contacted her to comment on her position on the Speaker staying in his job. Meanwhile, Mr Newton issued a short statement but then went to ground and wouldn’t give any media interviews. In his statement, the East Belfast MLA denied allegations in a BBC Spotlight programme that he misled the Assembly over the true nature of his role with the UDA-linked organisation Charter NI. But he said he wouldn’t run again for Speaker if the Assembly returns. Spotlight … Continue reading →