Menu
18/08/2017
Other News In Brief
Sinn Fein Slammed Over Hypocrisy On Welfare
SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan has described Sinn Féin's sudden concern over the impact of welfare reforms as "rank hypocrisy" after the party ignored SDLP objections to the measures and voted them through the Assembly.
Mr Durkan said that it was "disingenuous in the extreme" for MP Elisha McCallion to attack the Universal Credit rollout after her party was responsible for giving welfare powers to the Tories.
He said: "The rollout of universal credit has been an unmitigated disaster. In England, Scotland and Wales, new welfare rules have shunted more and more families into poverty, forcing them to turn to food banks and loan sharks for basic living essentials. All parties should be doing all we can to avert that hardship falling on people here.
"But it is rank hypocrisy for Sinn Féin MPs to cry crocodile tears over Universal Credit and welfare reform after they berated and bemoaned these very concerns when the SDLP raised them throughout the legislative process. Worse than that, they were complicit in the shameful return of welfare powers to this Tory government.
"It is disingenuous in the extreme for MPs like Elisha McCallion to now try to whitewash Sinn Féin's welfare shame. Even more so given that she will not stand against the Tories at Westminster where this has all been decided, thanks to her party."
Safety And Quality Of Drinking Water In NI Remains High
The safety and quality of drinking water in Northern Ireland remains high, according to a new report.
The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI), which is responsible for regulating drinking water quality, has published its Annual Report for 2016.
The results are based on samples taken from water treatment works, service reservoirs and consumers' taps. The latest DWI report reveals that in 2016, overall compliance was reported as 99.86% in Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) Chief Executive David Small said: "The Drinking Water Inspectorate's latest report is reassuring for consumers and confirms that the standard of our drinking water, which must meet strict regulatory standards, remains consistently high.
"It is the Drinking Water Inspectorate's role to provide independent assurance to consumers that NI Water continues to meet its regulatory responsibilities. Their aim is to safeguard the delivery of safe, clean drinking water for consumers, through the independent and effective regulation of drinking water quality."
Sinn Fein Condemns Barcelona Attack
Sinn Féin leader in the north Michelle O'Neill has condemned the Barcelona attack as a "horrific attack on men, women and children".
Expressing sympathy and solidarity with the families of those killed and injured, she said: "The horrific attack in Barcelona was an appalling and indiscriminate slaughter of men, women and children.
"The scale of the devastation caused is heart-breaking.
"It is sickening to think that people deliberately set out to kill and maim people who were simply out enjoying a summer evening in one of the world's most beautiful and welcoming cities.
"My thoughts are with the families and friends of all those who have lost loved ones and those who were injured, as well as the emergency services who attended the scene."
(CD/LM)
SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan has described Sinn Féin's sudden concern over the impact of welfare reforms as "rank hypocrisy" after the party ignored SDLP objections to the measures and voted them through the Assembly.
Mr Durkan said that it was "disingenuous in the extreme" for MP Elisha McCallion to attack the Universal Credit rollout after her party was responsible for giving welfare powers to the Tories.
He said: "The rollout of universal credit has been an unmitigated disaster. In England, Scotland and Wales, new welfare rules have shunted more and more families into poverty, forcing them to turn to food banks and loan sharks for basic living essentials. All parties should be doing all we can to avert that hardship falling on people here.
"But it is rank hypocrisy for Sinn Féin MPs to cry crocodile tears over Universal Credit and welfare reform after they berated and bemoaned these very concerns when the SDLP raised them throughout the legislative process. Worse than that, they were complicit in the shameful return of welfare powers to this Tory government.
"It is disingenuous in the extreme for MPs like Elisha McCallion to now try to whitewash Sinn Féin's welfare shame. Even more so given that she will not stand against the Tories at Westminster where this has all been decided, thanks to her party."
Safety And Quality Of Drinking Water In NI Remains High
The safety and quality of drinking water in Northern Ireland remains high, according to a new report.
The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI), which is responsible for regulating drinking water quality, has published its Annual Report for 2016.
The results are based on samples taken from water treatment works, service reservoirs and consumers' taps. The latest DWI report reveals that in 2016, overall compliance was reported as 99.86% in Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) Chief Executive David Small said: "The Drinking Water Inspectorate's latest report is reassuring for consumers and confirms that the standard of our drinking water, which must meet strict regulatory standards, remains consistently high.
"It is the Drinking Water Inspectorate's role to provide independent assurance to consumers that NI Water continues to meet its regulatory responsibilities. Their aim is to safeguard the delivery of safe, clean drinking water for consumers, through the independent and effective regulation of drinking water quality."
Sinn Fein Condemns Barcelona Attack
Sinn Féin leader in the north Michelle O'Neill has condemned the Barcelona attack as a "horrific attack on men, women and children".
Expressing sympathy and solidarity with the families of those killed and injured, she said: "The horrific attack in Barcelona was an appalling and indiscriminate slaughter of men, women and children.
"The scale of the devastation caused is heart-breaking.
"It is sickening to think that people deliberately set out to kill and maim people who were simply out enjoying a summer evening in one of the world's most beautiful and welcoming cities.
"My thoughts are with the families and friends of all those who have lost loved ones and those who were injured, as well as the emergency services who attended the scene."
(CD/LM)
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.
22 November 2024
Major Drug Bust In Omagh Linked To INLA
Detectives from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force have made a significant drug seizure in Omagh. Officers searched a van in the Doogary Road area on Thursday morning, 21st November, and recovered a substantial quantity of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of £750,000.
Major Drug Bust In Omagh Linked To INLA
Detectives from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force have made a significant drug seizure in Omagh. Officers searched a van in the Doogary Road area on Thursday morning, 21st November, and recovered a substantial quantity of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of £750,000.
14 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Belfast's St George's Market Hosts Festive Christmas Twilight Market Get ready for some festive cheer! St George's Market in Belfast is hosting its annual Christmas Twilight Market on Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th November from 4pm to 11pm. The market will be transformed into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights and a lively atmosphere.
Other News In Brief
Belfast's St George's Market Hosts Festive Christmas Twilight Market Get ready for some festive cheer! St George's Market in Belfast is hosting its annual Christmas Twilight Market on Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th November from 4pm to 11pm. The market will be transformed into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights and a lively atmosphere.
14 November 2024
Police Appeal Following Burglary In Ahoghill
Detectives are appealing for information following a report of a burglary in Ahoghill on Tuesday, 12th November. Police received a report that the back door of a house on the Ballymena Road was forced open shortly before 6pm.
Police Appeal Following Burglary In Ahoghill
Detectives are appealing for information following a report of a burglary in Ahoghill on Tuesday, 12th November. Police received a report that the back door of a house on the Ballymena Road was forced open shortly before 6pm.
-
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.
