14/02/2013
Invest NI Flag Update Called Off
An Invest NI update to the Assembly on the economic impact of the union flag protests has been called off.
The Invest NI director of international investment was to have addressed a committee at the Assembly on Thursday.
Committee chairman Patsy McGlone has revealed Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster wants to brief the committee on the matter herself.
As a result, he decided to withdraw the Invest NI official.
A meeting with Minister Foster is to be arranged at a later date.
The meeting follows evidence that the protests have caused severe damage to the economy.
Loyalists have been protesting since Belfast City Councillors decided on 3 December last year to limit the number of days the union flag is flown on top of Belfast City Hall.
While most have been peaceful, some of the protests have degenerated into rioting, in which police officers were attacked with bottles, golf balls, missiles and petrol bombs.
NI Secretary of State Theresa Villiers has said negative images of the city were threatening jobs and urged politicians to find a way forward.
The cost of policing the flag protests is believed to be more than £7m.
(IT/GK)
The Invest NI director of international investment was to have addressed a committee at the Assembly on Thursday.
Committee chairman Patsy McGlone has revealed Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster wants to brief the committee on the matter herself.
As a result, he decided to withdraw the Invest NI official.
A meeting with Minister Foster is to be arranged at a later date.
The meeting follows evidence that the protests have caused severe damage to the economy.
Loyalists have been protesting since Belfast City Councillors decided on 3 December last year to limit the number of days the union flag is flown on top of Belfast City Hall.
While most have been peaceful, some of the protests have degenerated into rioting, in which police officers were attacked with bottles, golf balls, missiles and petrol bombs.
NI Secretary of State Theresa Villiers has said negative images of the city were threatening jobs and urged politicians to find a way forward.
The cost of policing the flag protests is believed to be more than £7m.
(IT/GK)
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27 June 2014
Funding Secured For Voluntary Teacher Redundancies
Funding has been found for 30 voluntary redundancies, Education Minister John O'Dowd has announced. It follows protests held earlier this week over the low number of voluntary redundancies that the minister had approved. Previously 46 voluntary redundancies had been allowed but only in schools that where due to close or that were being amalgamated.
Funding Secured For Voluntary Teacher Redundancies
Funding has been found for 30 voluntary redundancies, Education Minister John O'Dowd has announced. It follows protests held earlier this week over the low number of voluntary redundancies that the minister had approved. Previously 46 voluntary redundancies had been allowed but only in schools that where due to close or that were being amalgamated.
20 February 2013
Crusaders Call For End To Flag Protests
North Belfast football club Crusaders have called for an end to union flag protests around their stadium, after a game against Cliftonville last Saturday was cancelled.
Crusaders Call For End To Flag Protests
North Belfast football club Crusaders have called for an end to union flag protests around their stadium, after a game against Cliftonville last Saturday was cancelled.
06 March 2013
St George's Rent Request Dismissed
Belfast City Council has turned down a request from St George's market traders for two months rent free to compensate for lost trade during Union Flag Protests. The traders have noted their disappointment but have welcomed the councils plans not increase stall fees for 2014. Free rent would have cost the council just over £65,000.
St George's Rent Request Dismissed
Belfast City Council has turned down a request from St George's market traders for two months rent free to compensate for lost trade during Union Flag Protests. The traders have noted their disappointment but have welcomed the councils plans not increase stall fees for 2014. Free rent would have cost the council just over £65,000.
05 February 2013
75% Believe Flag Protests Should Stop
Over 75% of people believe the union flag protests at Belfast City Hall should stop, according to the BBC. BBC Spotlight surveyed the public in an opinion poll on the continuing protests over the limiting of the flying of the union flag at City Hall. Belfast City Councillors voted on 3 December to restrict the flying of the flag to designated days.
75% Believe Flag Protests Should Stop
Over 75% of people believe the union flag protests at Belfast City Hall should stop, according to the BBC. BBC Spotlight surveyed the public in an opinion poll on the continuing protests over the limiting of the flying of the union flag at City Hall. Belfast City Councillors voted on 3 December to restrict the flying of the flag to designated days.
27 February 2013
Loyalists Arrested Over Flag Protests
Leading members of the loyalist union flag protests in Belfast have been taken into custody. Spokesmen for the Ulster People's Forum Jamie Bryson, 23, and Willie Frazer, 52, were arrested earlier. They are being questioned over organising and participating in unlawful parades.
Loyalists Arrested Over Flag Protests
Leading members of the loyalist union flag protests in Belfast have been taken into custody. Spokesmen for the Ulster People's Forum Jamie Bryson, 23, and Willie Frazer, 52, were arrested earlier. They are being questioned over organising and participating in unlawful parades.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.