SDLP Write To PM Over Actions Of DUP

The SDLP leadership have written to Prime Minister Boris Johnson to remind the British Government of its obligations to the people of Northern Ireland as co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement and under the Withdrawal Agreement.

Colum Eastwood and Nichola Mallon said that the actions of the DUP Leadership amount to a 'gross betrayal' of families across Northern Ireland who are struggling to provide for their children, heat their homes and deal with the cost of living.

Colum Eastwood MP said: "The actions of the DUP leadership represent a gross betrayal of people in Northern Ireland. Whatever community you're from, whatever your background or beliefs, no one benefits from this cynical, and totally predictable, electioneering stunt.

"Resigning from government when people are struggling to provide for their families, heat their homes and deal with the cost of living tells you all you need to know about the DUP – for them the party will always come first and ordinary people come last.

"People deserve better than a choice between bad government or no government. That has been the cycle of the last fifteen years and it has delivered nothing but failure. It is time to break that cycle and offer people a different choice.

"We have written to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson this morning to remind him of his obligations as co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement and a signatory to the Withdrawal Agreement. The party political interests of the DUP cannot be allowed to eclipse the interests of people waiting on hospital treatment, people in need of welfare mitigations, people who expect and deserve basic public services."

SDLP Deputy Leader and Executive Minister Nichola Mallon MLA said: "This DUP drama has been concocted by Jeffrey Donaldson as a last desperate attempt to resuscitate their flagging poll numbers ahead of an Assembly election in May. We've come to expect shameless stunts from the DUP but putting ordinary people in the firing line is unforgivable.

"What message does this send to thousands of people on hospital waiting lists? What does it say to parents desperately trying to get additional support for their children? The selfishness is astounding.

"I am in the Executive fighting for people every day on behalf of the SDLP. It is so infuriating that others are only in it for themselves. We will continue to put people first and we will robustly challenge the actions of the DUP."

New Commissioner For Victims And Survivors Announced

A new Commissioner for Victims and Survivors (CVS) has been appointed by the Office of the First and deputy First Minister.

The appointment of Ian Jeffers, who will take up the position for a four-year term from 9 May 2022, was one of the last acts carried out by First Minister Paul Givan before announcing his resignation.

Mr Givan said: "I am delighted to announce that the deputy First Minister and I have appointed a new Commissioner for Victims and Survivors.

"We wish the new Commissioner well as he takes forward the valuable work in ensuring the needs of victims and survivors continue to be met."

The deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said: "I would like to take this opportunity to personally welcome Ian Jeffers to this important post. I am confident that his skills and experience will be a valuable asset to the work of the Commission in addressing the needs of victims and survivors."

Proposed Maritime Museum Granted Planning Permission

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has granted planning permission for a new Maritime Museum and Archive at Ebrington Square in L'Derry.

The planning application was brought forward by Derry City and Strabane District Council.

Granting planning permission Minister Mallon said: "This is great news for the city and wider North West which will provide a catalyst for the physical, economic and social regeneration of Ebrington Square, a significant development site within the city. It will see the creation of a new tourist attraction to tell the story of Derry's maritime history. It will also act to promote an increase in footfall from the city across the Peace Bridge to the Waterside, as it will provide for linked tourist trips visiting the walled city and other attractions on the Cityside of the river.

"I also believe the proposal secures the viable and long term beneficial reuse of a number of listed buildings, will make a positive contribution to the surrounding townscape, be sensitive to the listed building interest in terms of design, scale and use of materials and serve to enliven Ebrington Square.

"After years of neglect of the North West, I know that progress for Ebrington will mean so much to the people of Derry and let's hope that this Museum will not only tell Derry's story but will also help build a new one as the city transforms into a cultural and tourism hub in the North West of Ireland."