Alliance: Police Ombudsman Report 'Incredibly Disturbing'

Alliance Deputy Leader Stephen Farry has said that the findings of the Police Ombudsman relating to a range of murders and attempted murders carried out by loyalist paramilitaries in the 1990s are "incredibly disturbing".

Marie Anderson said she was deeply concerned by the scale and scope of failings relating to eight attacks in which 11 people were murdered by the UDA/UFF in South Belfast, including five people at the Sean Graham bookmakers in the Lower Ormeau in February 1992.

Dr Farry said: "This Ombudsman's report delivers a number of incredibly disturbing findings regarding a series of failings by the RUC in terms of the management of agents and deficiencies of investigations.

"Today's report will bring a range of mixed emotions for the families, from relief a comprehensive report has been published, or renewed trauma over the deaths of loved ones and thoughts whether deaths were avoidable.

"The clear responsibility for these murders lies with the loyalist paramilitaries that planned the attacks and pulled the triggers. However, it is right the spotlight also falls on the actions and inactions of the RUC. It is notable the Ombudsman has once again identified collusive behaviours.

"This report is not an indictment of all police officers, but rather points to failures in culture, policy and practice. We now have a much-reformed police service in Northern Ireland, but nevertheless we need to see ongoing reassurance lessons have been learnt. The Policing Board should play the central role in that.

"The Police Ombudsman's report is further evidence of the pressing need for a comprehensive mechanism to deal with the past and give people the justice, truth and closure they deserve."

Politicians Must Get Back To Work – SDLP

Northern Ireland's politicians need to focus on doing their jobs as legislators in the Assembly rather than feeding crisis and chaos for narrow party political gain, SDLP leader Nichola Mallon has said.

The SDLP's Minister said that no party should give in to the DUP's goal of an early election where they can stoke up fear and division while vital legislation on welfare mitigations, period poverty and violence against women is left to fall.

Nichola Mallon MLA said: "Politicians were away from their desks as legislators for three whole years at the beginning of this mandate after Sinn Féin collapsed the government. Now the DUP are seeking a similar outcome because they're lagging behind in the polls and think this will provide a quick fix to their electoral problems.

"It is outrageous for political parties to put their own selfish interests ahead of the needs of people in our communities who are struggling to heat their homes and feed their families. Not one DUP MLA has stood up and explained how Paul Givan's resignation helps someone waiting for cancer surgery. They haven't explained how it helps people with huge energy bills or parents trying to get a school place for their children.

"The suggestion that an early election will solve anything is a fantasy. That is exactly what the DUP wants – an opportunity to create a toxic environment that preys on people's worst fears and ramps up division. No party should be prepared to indulge that and to risk vital legislation on welfare mitigations for people facing a cliff edge, protections for women and girls from violence and many other issues.

"Politicians have been away from their desks for far too long this mandate. We have a responsibility to use every minute of the time remaining to transform the lives of the people we represent for the better. It is time to show that we will put people first and party political advantage second."

New Financial Services Assured Skills Academies Announced

Forty new high quality training places have ben announced in a series of Financial Services Assured Skills Academies with FinTrU.

Funded by the Department for the Economy the Academy is open to applications from people with a degree in any discipline. Successful applicants will receive a four-week training programme with either Belfast Met or North West Regional College and the Ulster University leading to a potential offer of employment with FinTrU in their Belfast or North West office.

Participants who complete the course are guaranteed an interview for a role with FinTrU.

Encouraging eligible individuals to apply Economy Minister Gordon Lyons said: "I am pleased to announce another Assured Skills Academy with FinTrU. These are exciting opportunities for people with a degree in any discipline to learn the skills they need to start a rewarding career in financial services.

"Assured Skills Academies have a strong track record of providing high quality training whilst also providing businesses with the skills and talent they need to grow. With no experience needed participants will receive practical, real-world training and be well placed to compete for a job with FinTrU after the training.

"With a weekly training allowance of £155 also provided, this is an excellent opportunity and I urge anyone who is interested and eligible to apply."

Applications for the FinTrU Assured Skills Academy are open until 21 March 2022 and interviews will be held between 28 March and 6 April 2022.