Menu
28/03/2022
Other News In Brief
Green Party Welcomes Passing Of Safe Access Zones Bill
The Green Party NI has welcomed the passing of their Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Bill of its Final Stage in the Assembly. The Bill will now go for Royal Assent before becoming law.
Party Leader Clare Bailey said: "The deliberate and concerted campaign of harassment and intimidation against women has to stop.
"During my time as a volunteer with the Marie Stopes clinic, I was spat at, splashed with holy water, called a murderer, and watched a woman run into oncoming traffic to escape these people. This needs to stop, this is not protest as I understand it.
"Health trusts have told us that they need to employ security staff, install safety glass, that their staff are being recorded as they go about their work, and that women presenting while miscarrying pregnancies are being targeted. This puts women’s lives at risk.
"Even during the committee scrutiny of this Bill, it emerged that Department officials had been threatened, demonstrating the extent of this campaign of harassment and intimidation.
"I am delighted that my Safe Access Zones Bill has received such widespread political support. Alongside the long-overdue commissioning of abortion services, this legislation will go a long way to ensuring that women’s right to access healthcare is protected."
SDLP Welcomes Rejection Of Waste Incinerator Plans
The SDLP has welcomed a decision from Minister for Infrastructure, Nichola Mallon, to reject plans for a waste incinerator in Mallusk.
South Antrim Assembly Candidate Cllr Roisin Lynch has long supported the campaign against the incinerator and said that this decision is an outstanding example of political leaders listening to the concerns of local communities and putting people first.
Cllr Roisin Lynch said: "This is an incredible result for all of the campaigners who have tirelessly worked to protect communities in Mallusk and across County Antrim that would have suffered if this incinerator project went ahead. Their steadfast commitment to protecting the health of our people and the environment we enjoy has been second to none.
"I am incredibly grateful to my SDLP colleague Minister Nichola Mallon who has taken this decision with the best interests of the people of South Antrim at heart. This is an example of what can be achieved when political leaders listen to local communities and put people first.
"The threat of this project has hung over our community for years. The action taken by the SDLP's Minister today is decisive and firmly in the corner of the people we represent.
"I want to thank Minister Nichola Mallon for taking this decision and every campaigner who has given their time, energy and commitment to this cause."
Election Chance To Break The Cycle Of Crises – Alliance
The forthcoming Assembly Election is a chance for the public to break the cycle of crises seen over the past mandate, Alliance Leader Naomi Long has said.
Alliance is running 24 candidates across every constituency in Northern Ireland and has one of the most diverse group of candidates in terms of age, gender, background, and sexual orientation of any party.
"This is the most important election since the Good Friday Agreement. It will decide not just how our institutions will function over the next five years, but whether they will function," said Mrs Long.
"It comes in the midst of a cost of living crisis, severe pressures on our health service, the need for managed recovery of public services, business and our community after two years of the pandemic, and yet instead of focusing on those key issues, the Executive has been collapsed by the DUP with those most in need of help unable to get it as a result.
"There is a chance to do things differently and better. No longer should we be plunged into this constant cycle of crisis and selfish political stunts. People want stability and a focus on progress and delivery. That's what Alliance is offering in this election.
"The 24 Alliance candidates not only have the ability and talent to deliver better but also reflect the diversity of Northern Ireland society in 2022. A 50/50 gender balance, four openly LGBT+ candidates, and significant numbers of young elected representatives, all achieved without the need for quotas, demonstrates our values of inclusion and diversity.
"Together, we can make the focus delivery, not division, and reform the Assembly and Executive so they can no longer be held to ransom by any party. Together, we can fix the health service, integrate our children’s education, and deliver a green new deal.
"Together, we can inspire hope, not fear. Fight poverty and inequality, not each other.
"A vote for Alliance in May is a vote to change our politics and people's lives for the better. On May 5, together, we can deliver."
The Green Party NI has welcomed the passing of their Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Bill of its Final Stage in the Assembly. The Bill will now go for Royal Assent before becoming law.
Party Leader Clare Bailey said: "The deliberate and concerted campaign of harassment and intimidation against women has to stop.
"During my time as a volunteer with the Marie Stopes clinic, I was spat at, splashed with holy water, called a murderer, and watched a woman run into oncoming traffic to escape these people. This needs to stop, this is not protest as I understand it.
"Health trusts have told us that they need to employ security staff, install safety glass, that their staff are being recorded as they go about their work, and that women presenting while miscarrying pregnancies are being targeted. This puts women’s lives at risk.
"Even during the committee scrutiny of this Bill, it emerged that Department officials had been threatened, demonstrating the extent of this campaign of harassment and intimidation.
"I am delighted that my Safe Access Zones Bill has received such widespread political support. Alongside the long-overdue commissioning of abortion services, this legislation will go a long way to ensuring that women’s right to access healthcare is protected."
SDLP Welcomes Rejection Of Waste Incinerator Plans
The SDLP has welcomed a decision from Minister for Infrastructure, Nichola Mallon, to reject plans for a waste incinerator in Mallusk.
South Antrim Assembly Candidate Cllr Roisin Lynch has long supported the campaign against the incinerator and said that this decision is an outstanding example of political leaders listening to the concerns of local communities and putting people first.
Cllr Roisin Lynch said: "This is an incredible result for all of the campaigners who have tirelessly worked to protect communities in Mallusk and across County Antrim that would have suffered if this incinerator project went ahead. Their steadfast commitment to protecting the health of our people and the environment we enjoy has been second to none.
"I am incredibly grateful to my SDLP colleague Minister Nichola Mallon who has taken this decision with the best interests of the people of South Antrim at heart. This is an example of what can be achieved when political leaders listen to local communities and put people first.
"The threat of this project has hung over our community for years. The action taken by the SDLP's Minister today is decisive and firmly in the corner of the people we represent.
"I want to thank Minister Nichola Mallon for taking this decision and every campaigner who has given their time, energy and commitment to this cause."
Election Chance To Break The Cycle Of Crises – Alliance
The forthcoming Assembly Election is a chance for the public to break the cycle of crises seen over the past mandate, Alliance Leader Naomi Long has said.
Alliance is running 24 candidates across every constituency in Northern Ireland and has one of the most diverse group of candidates in terms of age, gender, background, and sexual orientation of any party.
"This is the most important election since the Good Friday Agreement. It will decide not just how our institutions will function over the next five years, but whether they will function," said Mrs Long.
"It comes in the midst of a cost of living crisis, severe pressures on our health service, the need for managed recovery of public services, business and our community after two years of the pandemic, and yet instead of focusing on those key issues, the Executive has been collapsed by the DUP with those most in need of help unable to get it as a result.
"There is a chance to do things differently and better. No longer should we be plunged into this constant cycle of crisis and selfish political stunts. People want stability and a focus on progress and delivery. That's what Alliance is offering in this election.
"The 24 Alliance candidates not only have the ability and talent to deliver better but also reflect the diversity of Northern Ireland society in 2022. A 50/50 gender balance, four openly LGBT+ candidates, and significant numbers of young elected representatives, all achieved without the need for quotas, demonstrates our values of inclusion and diversity.
"Together, we can make the focus delivery, not division, and reform the Assembly and Executive so they can no longer be held to ransom by any party. Together, we can fix the health service, integrate our children’s education, and deliver a green new deal.
"Together, we can inspire hope, not fear. Fight poverty and inequality, not each other.
"A vote for Alliance in May is a vote to change our politics and people's lives for the better. On May 5, together, we can deliver."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 September 2021
'Cynical Party Political Posturing Is Failing Our People' - Alliance
Alliance leader Naomi Long has said that "cynical party political posturing is failing our people" and that the emphasis must be on pragmatic solutions to concerns of the Protocol, rather than escalating political instability.
'Cynical Party Political Posturing Is Failing Our People' - Alliance
Alliance leader Naomi Long has said that "cynical party political posturing is failing our people" and that the emphasis must be on pragmatic solutions to concerns of the Protocol, rather than escalating political instability.
15 November 2024
New Pathway To Support Young People With Diabetes
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed the launch of a new Regional Young Adults' Progression Pathway designed to support young people with Type 1 diabetes as they transition to adult services.
New Pathway To Support Young People With Diabetes
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed the launch of a new Regional Young Adults' Progression Pathway designed to support young people with Type 1 diabetes as they transition to adult services.
12 January 2011
Irish Road Signs Point To Stormont Division
NI politicians are taking divergent routes on a proposal to splash-out on the provision of bilingual road signs.
Irish Road Signs Point To Stormont Division
NI politicians are taking divergent routes on a proposal to splash-out on the provision of bilingual road signs.
04 May 2023
People Urged To 'Send A Message' On 18 May
Naomi Long has called on voters across Northern Ireland to "to send a message to those holding the political institutions to ransom" by voting Alliance at the upcoming council elections on 18 May. Mrs Long made the call as she launched her party's election manifesto, which she said focuses on the "issues that matter to people".
People Urged To 'Send A Message' On 18 May
Naomi Long has called on voters across Northern Ireland to "to send a message to those holding the political institutions to ransom" by voting Alliance at the upcoming council elections on 18 May. Mrs Long made the call as she launched her party's election manifesto, which she said focuses on the "issues that matter to people".
29 April 2022
Alliance: Election Will Decide If NI Will Govern Itself
The Alliance Party has said that the upcoming election is not about "how the Executive will govern Northern Ireland but if it will" Alliance Leader Naomi Long was speaking as the party launched its manifesto for the forthcoming poll, which outlines a series of measures Alliance is calling for to tackle issues such as the health service, cost of liv
Alliance: Election Will Decide If NI Will Govern Itself
The Alliance Party has said that the upcoming election is not about "how the Executive will govern Northern Ireland but if it will" Alliance Leader Naomi Long was speaking as the party launched its manifesto for the forthcoming poll, which outlines a series of measures Alliance is calling for to tackle issues such as the health service, cost of liv
-
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.
