14/03/2022

Other News In Brief

SDLP Announce Siobhan McAlister To Stand In East Antrim

The SDLP has announced that Siobhan McAlister will stand for the party in East Antrim in the upcoming election.

Making the announcement, SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood said: "Politicians and political parties who have let people in East Antrim down for years have become far too comfortable. This is one of the most geographically diverse, visually stunning and industrially important constituencies in Northern Ireland. People here deserve an MLA who will take on and take down the lazy consensus that this is as good as it gets.

"That's why I am delighted that Siobhán McAlister will be the SDLP candidate in May's Assembly election. Siobhán is a key member of our team, serving as a senior adviser to Claire Hanna MP, and represents a new generation of political leaders stepping up to change the lives of people across the North for the better."

Siobhán McAlister said: "I was born and grew up in Cushendall, I know the people of East Antrim, the challenges they face and the hopes they have for the future. But I also know that they have been badly let down by politicians and political parties that are more interested in walking out of government than stepping up for people here.

"As a young woman from this area, I'm also very aware that our community has never had a female MLA. Women here have not had their voices heard for far too long and it's about time we put an end to that.

"We have had the same parties at the head of government here for the 15-years and it is time to believe in a party and a candidate that puts people first and focuses on delivering for you."

Geraldine Hanna Named New Victims Of Crime Commissioner Designate For NI

Justice Minister Naomi Long has announced the appointment of Geraldine Hanna as the Victims of Crime Commissioner Designate for Northern Ireland.

The appointment was made following an open competition and Geraldine will take up office on 13 June 2022 for a term of three years with the potential for an extension of up to one year.

Naomi Long said: "The Victims of Crime Commissioner Designate is a new and important role that will give all victims of crime a voice, promoting their rights under the Victim Charter, raising their issues with Government and criminal justice organisations, as well as driving forward systemic improvements for victims of crime and contributing to a more cohesive, coordinated and victim centred criminal justice system.

"I would like to congratulate Geraldine on her appointment. This new Victims of Crime Commissioner Designate role will be challenging, but I am confident that it will strengthen and enhance existing provision to support victims of crime and will help to put the victims' needs and interests where they should be.

"I know that Geraldine's extensive experience and skills in working with victims of crime will be invaluable in her new role and I wish her every success."

DUP Announce Paul Rankin To Takes Edwin Poots's Lagan Valley Seat

The DUP's Paul Rankin has been nominated by the Party to fill the vacancy in the Northern Ireland Assembly for the Lagan Valley constituency, vacated by Edwin Poots' move to South Belfast.

Making the announcement, DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said: "I am delighted to welcome Paul Rankin to the DUP’s Assembly Team, to serve the people of Lagan Valley. Paul has a sterling record of hard work and delivery for the people of this area, with over 20 years of experience as an elected representative.

"I have worked closely with Paul for many years to champion the case for Lagan Valley and its people. I know he will be a diligent and dedicated servant of their interests in the Northern Ireland Assembly.

"In just over 50 days, the people of Northern Ireland will have the opportunity to set the future direction of our Province. The DUP has a plan to build a better Northern Ireland and to ensure progress is achieved on the basis of moving forward together.

"I look forward to taking this positive vision to the people, leading from the front, so we can deliver our plan for a better Northern Ireland."


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