Tag Archives: Carrickfergus

Appeal for Public Help in Police Investigation of Gourley Murder

Commenting on the news that police have officially launched a murder enquiry based on new evidence about the disappearance of Carrickfergus man Mark Gourley in March 2009, UUP MLA Roy Beggs has appealed for public co-operation. “First of all for the sake of his family, I would urge anyone who has any information about what happened to Mark Gourley to tell the police immediately” said the East Antrim Assemblyman. “‘The Disappeared’ is a term which has been most associated with the IRA over the years, but it seems that in this case so called loyalist paramilitaries have copied their republican counterparts’ old habits. We must remember that the term ‘disappeared’ is a euphemism for someone who has been kidnapped, murdered and their body disposed of to conceal the vile cause of their death. ” Roy Beggs added: “This horrible situation is a reminder that unfortunately, paramilitary groups have still not … Continue reading

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Beggs Lobbies for Road Safety Measures at Marshallstown Road junction

East Antrim Ulster Unionist Party MLA Roy Beggs has welcomed the priority given to improve the safety of the junction at Marshallstown/ Beltoy Road, near Carrickfergus. Roy Beggs MLA explained: “There have been a series of traffic accidents at the junction of Marshallstown and Beltoy Road near Carrickfergus in recent months. Property damage has occurred, but I am very concerned that if measures are not taken to deter speeding on both roads, a more serious accident could happen. I recently brought this situation to the direct attention of Danny Kennedy, the Minister for Regional Development, and am pleased to have received a positive response.” DRD Roads Service installed high visibility direction signing and anti-skid surfacing material 11 years ago. However a collision on 8th January this year has resulted in damage to the direction signs and high visibility backing boards. These are being replaced and as an interim measure additional … Continue reading

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More Criminal Damage at Electricity Sub Stations

Roy Beggs MLA has called for support from the public to help police identify those who caused the criminal damage at the Joymount Electrical Substation in Carrickfergus on Friday night. The Ulster Unionist MLA said “The deliberate damage caused to the electrical supply resulted in the loss of power to thousands of homes within the Carrickfergus Area. Whilst the loss of lighting is inconvenient and causes unnecessary risks, the loss of electrical power also results in central heating systems being unable to operate. This has resulted in vulnerable individuals -the old and the young coming more susceptible to cold weather. Those who deliberately damaged this property have not only risked their own lives but the lives of others. They have also caused significant unnecessary cost to electricity users in terms of the emergency actions that had to be carried out and the subsequent repairs. All of this will ultimately have … Continue reading

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Beggs Calls for Calm after Carrickfergus Street Violence

Roy Beggs MLA has echoed the view of his Party Leader, Mike Nesbitt that recent street violence is damaging the community and the image of Northern Ireland, and that politics must be seen to work rather than violence on our streets. Roy Beggs said, “What would the Queen or the Baron of Carrickfergus make of the recent violence on our streets? I would urge everyone to give dialogue and politics a chance. The Unionist Forum allows for all unionists to engage and for issues of concern to be taken forward and worked on at a political level. It is clear that when protest is brought onto our streets at this time, things can easily get out of control and violence can erupt. Police Officers, protestors or ordinary citizens could easily be injured and young people could end up with a criminal record, reducing their future prospects. The violence has also adversely affecting … Continue reading

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Roy Beggs condemns attacks on Alliance Party Offices and Police

Roy Beggs MLA has condemned the attack on the Alliance Party Offices and Police in Carrickfergus. The Ulster Unionist East Antrim MLA said, “There can be no excuse for this arson attack and for the attack on the Police using bottles and stones whilst they were trying to prevent criminal activity and trying to uphold law and order.’ “Most local people who gathered sought to peacefully protest against the decision to remove the Union Flag from Belfast City Hall. I would urge an end to this lawlessness by the few. Such criminality does nothing for the Union. People need to engage in constructive action to strengthen the union, not destructive, illegal actions that weaken it. As my Party Leader said “what unionism needs today is brains, not brawn.”’

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