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13/09/2012
NI To Get First Gold Post Boxes
Royal Mail has backed down in the face of public pressure and agreed to paint three post boxes gold in Northern Ireland.
It had previously said that the hometowns of Team Ireland athletes would not benefit from the honour, as it was intended for Team GB athletes only.
But now the organisation has announced that Eglinton, Glengormley and Seaforde will each get gold-painted post boxes.
SDLP MLA for Derry Pat Ramsey said: "I welcome this change of heart by Royal Mail. They listened to people, took their views on board and this response is very well received.
"The spectacular achievements in the recent Paralympics are an inspiration to us all. It is only right and proper that it should be respected and recognised in this way by Royal Mail. I have no doubt both of these gold post boxes will be inundated with congratulatory mail".
World record Paralympic sprinter Jason Smyth, who won two gold medals at London 2012, is from Eglinton.
The Glengormley post box is to honour double gold winner Michael McKillop, a middle distance runner who also won the Whang Youn Dai achievement award.
And in Seaforde, a congratulatory post box will be painted gold for swimmer Bethany Forde.
Barbara Roulson of Royal Mail said: "Honorary gold post boxes for Jason, Michael and Bethany are an appropriate tribute for our local Paralympic heroes given their tremendous achievements and the very clear community support for this."
(NE)
It had previously said that the hometowns of Team Ireland athletes would not benefit from the honour, as it was intended for Team GB athletes only.
But now the organisation has announced that Eglinton, Glengormley and Seaforde will each get gold-painted post boxes.
SDLP MLA for Derry Pat Ramsey said: "I welcome this change of heart by Royal Mail. They listened to people, took their views on board and this response is very well received.
"The spectacular achievements in the recent Paralympics are an inspiration to us all. It is only right and proper that it should be respected and recognised in this way by Royal Mail. I have no doubt both of these gold post boxes will be inundated with congratulatory mail".
World record Paralympic sprinter Jason Smyth, who won two gold medals at London 2012, is from Eglinton.
The Glengormley post box is to honour double gold winner Michael McKillop, a middle distance runner who also won the Whang Youn Dai achievement award.
And in Seaforde, a congratulatory post box will be painted gold for swimmer Bethany Forde.
Barbara Roulson of Royal Mail said: "Honorary gold post boxes for Jason, Michael and Bethany are an appropriate tribute for our local Paralympic heroes given their tremendous achievements and the very clear community support for this."
(NE)
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Warm Welcome For Post Office Pensions' Deal
There was cross-party agreement in Northern Ireland this week to welcome the news of Royal Mail's success in retaining the benefit's payment system for its Post Office outlets. Robin Newton, the East Belfast DUP MLA, (pictured) welcomed Royal Mail's winning the contract to handle pensions and benefits payments.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
