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16/03/2022
Other News In Brief
SF Dismiss David Frost 'Interference' In NI Elections
Sinn Féin have described a call by Tory Lord, David Frost that the Assembly should have another election in 2024 prior to the Protocol consent vote in the Assembly, as "interference" in NI's democratic process.
Brexit spokesperson and South Antrim MLA Declan Kearney said: "This intervention by the unelected Tory Lord, David Frost, who himself has no electoral mandate either in the north or Britain, is the latest in a long line of attempts by British Tories to interfere in our democratic processes.
"This sort of negative 'kite flying' by David Frost simply serves to further expose the total lack of commitment of this Tory government for the democratic basis of our power sharing institutions. His own reckless and destructive approach during 2021 as Tory Brexit Minister is clear evidence of that.
"David Frost is calling for a referendum on the protocol which he negotiated and he continues to ignore the result of 2016 referendum where the majority of people here rejected Brexit.
"Since that referendum the majority of people here have expressed their support for the Protocol and I am confident that when people go to the polls in May they will again vote for parties which reflect those views. The democratic will of our electorate should be respected.
"No second Assembly election in 2024 at the behest of either Tories or political unionism should be countenanced.
"Sinn Féin will oppose any Tory attempt which is designed to undermine the electoral process or continued attempts to hollow out the international law upon which the Protocol is premised."
SDLP Urge Young People To Respect Their Neighbours This St. Patrick's Day
The SDLP in South Belfast has called on young people to treat local neighbours with respect while enjoying St Patrick's Day.
With limited progress having been made on regeneration and addressing anti-social behaviour in the area, local SDLP representatives urged people to enjoy the day responsibly.
South Belfast MP Claire Hanna said: "People of all generations and backgrounds look forward to celebrating St Patrick's Day, but unfortunately behaviour in the Holyland has been rotten in recent years. It's not only a nightmare for local residents, including many older people and young children, it has left young people with police records or academic sanctions.
"Craic on a day of celebration shouldn't include criminal damage and verbal abuse but unfortunately that has been a feature of large gatherings here in the past. There is a lot public bodies and landlords need to do to regenerate and build cohesion in this neighbourhood, but that doesn't stop anyone exercising personal responsibility and not getting involved in the ignorant, loutish behaviour that has become synonymous with the Holyland on St Patrick's Day, and tarnishes students and young people. Go out, celebrate with friends, but stay away from the Holyland this week."
South Belfast MLA Matthew O'Toole said:
"The last couple of years have been unbelievably difficult for young people, who have missed out on so much experience and so much living. Many will understandably want to celebrate St Patrick's Day, but our message is simple: celebrate but avoid the Holyland. The community there is clear that it doesn't want disturbance and the area will have a heavy police presence on the day. There are countless places across the city, the north and the entire island of Ireland where young people will be welcomed but the Holyland community is clear that it doesn't want the kind of scenes witnessed in the past.
"For those who do go, bear in mind that your actions could have consequences: both the police and university representatives will be on the ground for the duration. In short, there are better and more appropriate places to have a good time on St Patrick's Day."
Cllr Gary McKeown said: "We want the Holyland to be a neighbourhood that is welcoming for young people, families and older people, but that can only work if everyone respects the community around them. Too many people see this area as an excuse to party and cause havoc – if that is your plan this St Patrick's Day, then stay away. Ultimately we need strategic leadership to make the Holyland realise its potential as a fantastic, integrated area where people want to live."
South Belfast representative Elsie Trainor said: "Tomorrow marks the first proper St Patrick's Day celebrations in Belfast since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. It will be wonderful to see people come together to celebrate, but we also need to be mindful and respectful of local residents in South Belfast and right across our city. I have spoken to residents in the Holyland and I know how much anxiety they feel about anti-social behaviour right through the year, but it reaches fever pitch in the build up to St Patrick's Day. There's no reason people cannot go out tomorrow and enjoy their day without subjecting residents to a horrendous ordeal. I'd urge everyone to take care and think of others during this year's events."
Three Viable Pipe Bombs Recovered In L'Derry
Three pipe bombs have been recovered in the Fahan Street area of L'Derry.
Following the discovery of the viable explosive devices in a busy residential area, the PSNI said that they were "staggered at the recklessness" of the incident.
According to reports, police are investigation a potential link between these devices and a device discovered in Dungiven last year, which is believed to have been made by the New IRA.
Speaking on BBC Radio Foyle Ch Supt Henderson, the PSNI area commander in the city, said that the incident showed those responsible had a "complete disregard" for the people who live in the city.
Anyone with any information about the devices is urged to contact police.
Sinn Féin have described a call by Tory Lord, David Frost that the Assembly should have another election in 2024 prior to the Protocol consent vote in the Assembly, as "interference" in NI's democratic process.
Brexit spokesperson and South Antrim MLA Declan Kearney said: "This intervention by the unelected Tory Lord, David Frost, who himself has no electoral mandate either in the north or Britain, is the latest in a long line of attempts by British Tories to interfere in our democratic processes.
"This sort of negative 'kite flying' by David Frost simply serves to further expose the total lack of commitment of this Tory government for the democratic basis of our power sharing institutions. His own reckless and destructive approach during 2021 as Tory Brexit Minister is clear evidence of that.
"David Frost is calling for a referendum on the protocol which he negotiated and he continues to ignore the result of 2016 referendum where the majority of people here rejected Brexit.
"Since that referendum the majority of people here have expressed their support for the Protocol and I am confident that when people go to the polls in May they will again vote for parties which reflect those views. The democratic will of our electorate should be respected.
"No second Assembly election in 2024 at the behest of either Tories or political unionism should be countenanced.
"Sinn Féin will oppose any Tory attempt which is designed to undermine the electoral process or continued attempts to hollow out the international law upon which the Protocol is premised."
SDLP Urge Young People To Respect Their Neighbours This St. Patrick's Day
The SDLP in South Belfast has called on young people to treat local neighbours with respect while enjoying St Patrick's Day.
With limited progress having been made on regeneration and addressing anti-social behaviour in the area, local SDLP representatives urged people to enjoy the day responsibly.
South Belfast MP Claire Hanna said: "People of all generations and backgrounds look forward to celebrating St Patrick's Day, but unfortunately behaviour in the Holyland has been rotten in recent years. It's not only a nightmare for local residents, including many older people and young children, it has left young people with police records or academic sanctions.
"Craic on a day of celebration shouldn't include criminal damage and verbal abuse but unfortunately that has been a feature of large gatherings here in the past. There is a lot public bodies and landlords need to do to regenerate and build cohesion in this neighbourhood, but that doesn't stop anyone exercising personal responsibility and not getting involved in the ignorant, loutish behaviour that has become synonymous with the Holyland on St Patrick's Day, and tarnishes students and young people. Go out, celebrate with friends, but stay away from the Holyland this week."
South Belfast MLA Matthew O'Toole said:
"The last couple of years have been unbelievably difficult for young people, who have missed out on so much experience and so much living. Many will understandably want to celebrate St Patrick's Day, but our message is simple: celebrate but avoid the Holyland. The community there is clear that it doesn't want disturbance and the area will have a heavy police presence on the day. There are countless places across the city, the north and the entire island of Ireland where young people will be welcomed but the Holyland community is clear that it doesn't want the kind of scenes witnessed in the past.
"For those who do go, bear in mind that your actions could have consequences: both the police and university representatives will be on the ground for the duration. In short, there are better and more appropriate places to have a good time on St Patrick's Day."
Cllr Gary McKeown said: "We want the Holyland to be a neighbourhood that is welcoming for young people, families and older people, but that can only work if everyone respects the community around them. Too many people see this area as an excuse to party and cause havoc – if that is your plan this St Patrick's Day, then stay away. Ultimately we need strategic leadership to make the Holyland realise its potential as a fantastic, integrated area where people want to live."
South Belfast representative Elsie Trainor said: "Tomorrow marks the first proper St Patrick's Day celebrations in Belfast since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. It will be wonderful to see people come together to celebrate, but we also need to be mindful and respectful of local residents in South Belfast and right across our city. I have spoken to residents in the Holyland and I know how much anxiety they feel about anti-social behaviour right through the year, but it reaches fever pitch in the build up to St Patrick's Day. There's no reason people cannot go out tomorrow and enjoy their day without subjecting residents to a horrendous ordeal. I'd urge everyone to take care and think of others during this year's events."
Three Viable Pipe Bombs Recovered In L'Derry
Three pipe bombs have been recovered in the Fahan Street area of L'Derry.
Following the discovery of the viable explosive devices in a busy residential area, the PSNI said that they were "staggered at the recklessness" of the incident.
According to reports, police are investigation a potential link between these devices and a device discovered in Dungiven last year, which is believed to have been made by the New IRA.
Speaking on BBC Radio Foyle Ch Supt Henderson, the PSNI area commander in the city, said that the incident showed those responsible had a "complete disregard" for the people who live in the city.
Anyone with any information about the devices is urged to contact police.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
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16 March 2023
PSNI Working To Ensure People's Safety On St Patrick's Day
The PSNI in Derry City & Strabane have been working alongside the District Council in the run-up to St Patrick's Day to ensure everyone attending has a safe and enjoyable day. Superintendent Willy Calderwood says officers will have a visible presence on the ground throughout the day working to keep people safe.
PSNI Working To Ensure People's Safety On St Patrick's Day
The PSNI in Derry City & Strabane have been working alongside the District Council in the run-up to St Patrick's Day to ensure everyone attending has a safe and enjoyable day. Superintendent Willy Calderwood says officers will have a visible presence on the ground throughout the day working to keep people safe.
19 March 2015
Over 30 People Arrested On St Patrick's Day
Over 30 arrests were made on St Patrick's day, the police have confirmed. The youngest of the 33 arrests was a 13-year-old boy. He was arrested in the Donegall Square area on suspicion of causing danger to a road user. He was released and given a discretionary disposal.
Over 30 People Arrested On St Patrick's Day
Over 30 arrests were made on St Patrick's day, the police have confirmed. The youngest of the 33 arrests was a 13-year-old boy. He was arrested in the Donegall Square area on suspicion of causing danger to a road user. He was released and given a discretionary disposal.
02 March 2018
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
28 February 2022
10-Day St Patrick's Day Celebrations Announced
Belfast City Council has announced a series of events to mark St Patrick's Day, with an extended programme from 10-20 March.
10-Day St Patrick's Day Celebrations Announced
Belfast City Council has announced a series of events to mark St Patrick's Day, with an extended programme from 10-20 March.
21 February 2020
NI Charity Advocates For Youths Growing Up In Care
A local charity is calling on the United Nations to officially designate Care Day as the International Day of Care Experienced People to support children and young people who are or have been in care.
NI Charity Advocates For Youths Growing Up In Care
A local charity is calling on the United Nations to officially designate Care Day as the International Day of Care Experienced People to support children and young people who are or have been in care.
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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.
