Menu
01/04/2016
Irish President Pulls Out Of Belfast Centenary Dinner
Irish President Michael D Higgins has pulled out of attending a centenary dinner at the City Hall In Belfast on 08 April.
An agreement was made that the signing of the Ulster Covenant, the Easter Rising and the Battle of the Somme would all be commemorated with dinners.
The Alliance party has slammed the DUP after the party also decided to boycott the dinner.
Alliance Councillor Michael Long said he is disappointed with the DUP's decision.
Mr Long said: "It was an all-party approach to the decade of centenaries that was respectful to all traditions, and done with reconciliation and building a shared future in mind. Therefore it was disappointing the DUP has decided to not attend the Easter Rising dinner, which has led to President Higgins pulling out of the event.
"It is particularly hypocritical of the DUP, given the party will likely be in attendance at the Somme event in a few months."
SDLP Department for Communities spokesperson Cllr Nichola Mallon said: "This DUP decision to renege on an all-party agreement is a clear attempt to peddle to extremists in the run-up to the election. Faced with challenges from former flag protesters and the TUV, the party have buckled at the first opportunity they had to show leadership and mutual respect. Their so-called Fresh Start has been exposed as nothing more than a Phoney Start.
"Time after time the SDLP have sought to deepen understanding and cooperation within the community. It is why we have attended Remembrance Day ceremonies in the past, it is why we will be attending the commemoration of the battle of the Somme this year.
"After last week's snub by Alliance Leader David Ford to the Taoiseach and Irish people across the globe, more politicians from Northern Ireland seem determined to add insult to injury with today's snub to President Higgins."
(CD)
An agreement was made that the signing of the Ulster Covenant, the Easter Rising and the Battle of the Somme would all be commemorated with dinners.
The Alliance party has slammed the DUP after the party also decided to boycott the dinner.
Alliance Councillor Michael Long said he is disappointed with the DUP's decision.
Mr Long said: "It was an all-party approach to the decade of centenaries that was respectful to all traditions, and done with reconciliation and building a shared future in mind. Therefore it was disappointing the DUP has decided to not attend the Easter Rising dinner, which has led to President Higgins pulling out of the event.
"It is particularly hypocritical of the DUP, given the party will likely be in attendance at the Somme event in a few months."
SDLP Department for Communities spokesperson Cllr Nichola Mallon said: "This DUP decision to renege on an all-party agreement is a clear attempt to peddle to extremists in the run-up to the election. Faced with challenges from former flag protesters and the TUV, the party have buckled at the first opportunity they had to show leadership and mutual respect. Their so-called Fresh Start has been exposed as nothing more than a Phoney Start.
"Time after time the SDLP have sought to deepen understanding and cooperation within the community. It is why we have attended Remembrance Day ceremonies in the past, it is why we will be attending the commemoration of the battle of the Somme this year.
"After last week's snub by Alliance Leader David Ford to the Taoiseach and Irish people across the globe, more politicians from Northern Ireland seem determined to add insult to injury with today's snub to President Higgins."
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 November 2024
Alliance 'Deeply Concerned' Over Pace Of HIA Redress Scheme
The Alliance Party has raised concerns over the rate of progress on the redress scheme for Historical Institutional Abuse of children. The party's Executive Office spokesperson, Paula Bradshaw MLA, has called on the First and deputy First Minister (FMdFM) must meet victims and survivors urgently over memorialisation and other issues.
Alliance 'Deeply Concerned' Over Pace Of HIA Redress Scheme
The Alliance Party has raised concerns over the rate of progress on the redress scheme for Historical Institutional Abuse of children. The party's Executive Office spokesperson, Paula Bradshaw MLA, has called on the First and deputy First Minister (FMdFM) must meet victims and survivors urgently over memorialisation and other issues.
14 November 2024
Alliance Warns Of Post Office Closure Impact On Vulnerable
Alliance Communities spokespeople Sian Mulholland MLA and Kellie Armstrong MLA have warned that the closure of local Crown Post Office branches could disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.
Alliance Warns Of Post Office Closure Impact On Vulnerable
Alliance Communities spokespeople Sian Mulholland MLA and Kellie Armstrong MLA have warned that the closure of local Crown Post Office branches could disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.
20 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Alliance Calls For 'Immediate And Decisive' Action On Child Hunger The Alliance Party has called for "immediate and decisive" action to address the growing crisis of child hunger in Northern Ireland.
Other News In Brief
Alliance Calls For 'Immediate And Decisive' Action On Child Hunger The Alliance Party has called for "immediate and decisive" action to address the growing crisis of child hunger in Northern Ireland.
28 May 2021
UUP Door Is 'Open' To Disaffected DUP Members
New Ulster Unionist Party leader Doug Beattie said the door of his party was 'open' to any disaffected DUP councillors and members who may want to join.
UUP Door Is 'Open' To Disaffected DUP Members
New Ulster Unionist Party leader Doug Beattie said the door of his party was 'open' to any disaffected DUP councillors and members who may want to join.
28 November 2003
Final results in for 2003 NI Assembly election
UPDATE: With all counts declared on Friday evening the clear winners are the Rev Ian Paisley's Democratic Unionist Party who have claimed 10 more seats on the Assembly and Sinn Féin who have won 6 seats.
Final results in for 2003 NI Assembly election
UPDATE: With all counts declared on Friday evening the clear winners are the Rev Ian Paisley's Democratic Unionist Party who have claimed 10 more seats on the Assembly and Sinn Féin who have won 6 seats.
-
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.
