Monthly Archives: December 2019

Christmas Presents Stolen In West Belfast Burglary Police have called for vigilance after Christmas presents were stolen during a burglary in west Belfast. It’s understood a thief entered a property via an unlocked door in recent days, resulting in the loss of gifts bought for the festive season. A PSNI spokesperson warned: “As we approach Christmas the criminals are often out there to steal your presents. “Always lock your doors and keep presents out of sight!” Only Hours Remain To Prevent Health Strike- UUP The Ulster Unionist Party has demanded action as just hours remain to reach a settlement with healthcare unions and prevent looming strike action. Party Health Spokesperson Roy Beggs issued an appeal ahead of planned industrial action on Wednesday 18 December, with hospitals and Emergency Departments to come under significant pressure. Health unions and staff are fighting for pay parity and safe staffing levels. The action comes … Continue reading →

The PSNI has said it is working hard to avoid reprisal attacks following the murder of a high-profile loyalist in Carrickfergus. George Gilmore, 44, died after he was . A dispute between loyalist factions in the town has been ongoing for months. Det Ch Supt Raymond Murray said the “landscape and environment” in Northern Ireland meant retaliation was a possibility. Police have described the murder as a “ruthless attack in broad daylight” and appealed for help in indentifying those involved. One of the bullets fired during the attack could have hit someone else, police said. “At least one of the bullets that was fired at the victim missed and went through the front door of the house and could well have hit an occupant,” said Det Ch Supt Murray on Tuesday. He also said a link to the south-east Antrim element of the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) paramilitary group was … Continue reading →

Police have started a murder inquiry after a high-profile loyalist who was shot as part of a paramilitary feud in County Antrim died in hospital. George Gilmore, who was 44, was in his car when he was . A dispute between loyalist factions in the town has been ongoing for months. Police have described the murder as a “ruthless attack in broad daylight” and have appealed for help in indentifying those involved. Det Ch Supt Raymond Murray of the Police Service of Northern Ireland said: “Our thoughts are with the Gilmore family at this time as they come to terms with their loss. “Those involved had no consideration for the local community when they carried out their attack in a residential street populated with families, young children and older people.” ‘Tit-for-tat war‘ The feud involves two factions of the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) paramilitary group, Democratic Unionist Party MP Sammy … Continue reading →

An Ulster Unionist councillor has resigned after “a driving incident” earlier this month. Councillor Mark McKinty said he was “genuinely sorry” following the driving incident. His position on Mid and East Antrim Borough Council will be vacated. The Ulster Unionist Party said, in a statement, it would “start a process” to fill the seat. A party spokesperson said: “Councillor Mark McKinty has tendered his resignation to the leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, Robin Swann MLA. “He informed the party leader that he expected to receive justified sanction this week for a driving incident earlier in the month. He stated that this was unacceptable for a public representative and damaged trust in democracy. He made clear that he was genuinely sorry to all those who he had let down.” The spokesperson continued: “We will now start a process to fill the position being vacated by Councillor McKinty on Mid and … Continue reading →

Sinn Féin’s Oliver McMullan has described his victory in East Antrim as “a ringing endorsement” of his party’s policies. The man from the Glens of Antrim, who won the seat in 2011, was elected below quota after 12 stages of counting. Also elected below quota on the 12th count was the DUP’s Alastair Ross. “We are delighted that we have secured three seats. We always knew it was going to be tight for the last two seats, but we thank the electorate for coming out and endorsing what I think is a positive vision from the Democratic Unionist Party, ” he commented. Northern Ireland decides DUP and Sinn Féin likely to emerge as the two largest parties in the Stormont Assembly 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. Content … Continue reading →