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23/08/2024
Other News In Brief
UUP Calls On Justice Minister To Support Chief Constable
Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) Finance Spokesperson, Dr. Steve Aiken OBE MLA, has called on the Justice Minister to support the PSNI Chief Constable, Jon Boutcher.
Speaking as a news story on the Justice Permanent Secretary writing to Jon Boucher broke, Dr. Aiken, said: "The funding crisis hitting policing has been well signalled and long anticipated. That the Chief Constable had to appeal directly to the Prime Minister should be a point of negotiation the Justice Minister could have been using with her Executive colleagues, instead of detailing her Permanent Secretary to chastise her leading police officer.
"The Ulster Unionist Party and our Health Minister took a different approach, we talked directly to the Trusts and when they told us, categorically, that they could not deliver, we listened and did not sign off on the budget.
"That the Justice Minister appears to have ignored the pleas of the Chief Constable is bad enough, by not making a strong stand in the same way our minister and party have, is undermining vital police services.
"A budget stance at the time from the Justice Minister and her party colleagues, similar to the UUP, could well have helped to provide additional pressure that may have prompted a positive response from the Treasury.
"That the Justice Department Permanent Secretary, who it will be remembered recommended the removal of the Health Minister during CoVID, is still threatening interference with vital public services should also be a matter of considerable concern."
SF Condemns 'Sickening And Deplorable' Arson Attack
A racially motivated arson attack in Newtownabbey has been described as 'sickening and deplorable' by Sinn Féin MP John Finucane.
The North Belfast MP said: "The racist attack on a business in Newtownabbey in the early hours of this morning was absolutely sickening and deplorable.
"This business operates to serve our community and employ workers. It is totally unacceptable that it has been targeted in this way.
"These disgusting and disgraceful attacks which are fuelled by racism, hatred and discrimination have no place in our inclusive and forward-looking society.
"Those intent on causing hate and stirring up division must face the full force of the law, and I would appeal to anyone who may have information on this incident to bring it forward to police."
DUP Condemn Those Behind Banbridge Security Alert
The DUP has condemned those responsible for a suspect device that has been found in Oak Lodge, in the Castlewellan Road area of Banbridge.
Banbridge MLA Diane Dodds said: "Police and army are currently on site dealing with this device which has resulted in a number of residents being evacuated. Banbridge Leisure Centre has been opened for residents, but this is obviously causing disruption and upset to those impacted.
"It is disgraceful that such a device would be left and I pay tribute to all those who put their own safety at risk to ensure the public are safe. I hope that it can be resolved quickly.
"Anyone with information about this incident should contact the police to ensure those responsible are brought to justice."
Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) Finance Spokesperson, Dr. Steve Aiken OBE MLA, has called on the Justice Minister to support the PSNI Chief Constable, Jon Boutcher.
Speaking as a news story on the Justice Permanent Secretary writing to Jon Boucher broke, Dr. Aiken, said: "The funding crisis hitting policing has been well signalled and long anticipated. That the Chief Constable had to appeal directly to the Prime Minister should be a point of negotiation the Justice Minister could have been using with her Executive colleagues, instead of detailing her Permanent Secretary to chastise her leading police officer.
"The Ulster Unionist Party and our Health Minister took a different approach, we talked directly to the Trusts and when they told us, categorically, that they could not deliver, we listened and did not sign off on the budget.
"That the Justice Minister appears to have ignored the pleas of the Chief Constable is bad enough, by not making a strong stand in the same way our minister and party have, is undermining vital police services.
"A budget stance at the time from the Justice Minister and her party colleagues, similar to the UUP, could well have helped to provide additional pressure that may have prompted a positive response from the Treasury.
"That the Justice Department Permanent Secretary, who it will be remembered recommended the removal of the Health Minister during CoVID, is still threatening interference with vital public services should also be a matter of considerable concern."
A racially motivated arson attack in Newtownabbey has been described as 'sickening and deplorable' by Sinn Féin MP John Finucane.
The North Belfast MP said: "The racist attack on a business in Newtownabbey in the early hours of this morning was absolutely sickening and deplorable.
"This business operates to serve our community and employ workers. It is totally unacceptable that it has been targeted in this way.
"These disgusting and disgraceful attacks which are fuelled by racism, hatred and discrimination have no place in our inclusive and forward-looking society.
"Those intent on causing hate and stirring up division must face the full force of the law, and I would appeal to anyone who may have information on this incident to bring it forward to police."
DUP Condemn Those Behind Banbridge Security Alert
The DUP has condemned those responsible for a suspect device that has been found in Oak Lodge, in the Castlewellan Road area of Banbridge.
Banbridge MLA Diane Dodds said: "Police and army are currently on site dealing with this device which has resulted in a number of residents being evacuated. Banbridge Leisure Centre has been opened for residents, but this is obviously causing disruption and upset to those impacted.
"It is disgraceful that such a device would be left and I pay tribute to all those who put their own safety at risk to ensure the public are safe. I hope that it can be resolved quickly.
"Anyone with information about this incident should contact the police to ensure those responsible are brought to justice."
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21 July 2011
Court Penalties Are 'Not Fine', Says Ford
The NI Justice Minister David Ford has today published for consultation proposals to tackle the problem of fine default. Motorists who refuse to pay their court fines could have their vehicles seized, clamped or have their licence endorsed under proposals put out to the public.
Court Penalties Are 'Not Fine', Says Ford
The NI Justice Minister David Ford has today published for consultation proposals to tackle the problem of fine default. Motorists who refuse to pay their court fines could have their vehicles seized, clamped or have their licence endorsed under proposals put out to the public.
18 July 2014
OTR Report 'First Step In Rebuilding Justice System'
Justice Minister David Ford has said the findings of a report on the so-called 'On the Run' letters are the first steps in rebuilding confidence in the justice system. Lady Justice Hallett has completed a review, ordered by Prime Minister David Cameron, on the so-called 'On the Run' letters.
OTR Report 'First Step In Rebuilding Justice System'
Justice Minister David Ford has said the findings of a report on the so-called 'On the Run' letters are the first steps in rebuilding confidence in the justice system. Lady Justice Hallett has completed a review, ordered by Prime Minister David Cameron, on the so-called 'On the Run' letters.
15 December 2011
Women Left 'Shaken' After Shooting
The PSNI are today probing an overnight shooting in Co Londonderry. The incident was at Hawthorne Place in Coleraine and saw three masked men entering a house shortly before 5pm on Wednesday and then firing a shot into a wall in the property before the three made off.
Women Left 'Shaken' After Shooting
The PSNI are today probing an overnight shooting in Co Londonderry. The incident was at Hawthorne Place in Coleraine and saw three masked men entering a house shortly before 5pm on Wednesday and then firing a shot into a wall in the property before the three made off.
21 June 2005
Forensic scientist to be called in to find 'disappeared'
Irish Justice Minister Michael McDowell has said that the Irish and British government's will bring in a forensic scientist to assist with a renewed effort to find the five undiscovered bodies of the disappeared.
Forensic scientist to be called in to find 'disappeared'
Irish Justice Minister Michael McDowell has said that the Irish and British government's will bring in a forensic scientist to assist with a renewed effort to find the five undiscovered bodies of the disappeared.
29 November 2004
Drive launched to clear roads of 'run-arounds'
Lord Mayor of Belfast Tom Ekin and Criminal Justice Minister John Spellar have joined forces to launch Operation Clean Up, a long-term initiative to remove hundreds of untaxed and so-called ‘run-around’ vehicles from the city’s streets.
Drive launched to clear roads of 'run-arounds'
Lord Mayor of Belfast Tom Ekin and Criminal Justice Minister John Spellar have joined forces to launch Operation Clean Up, a long-term initiative to remove hundreds of untaxed and so-called ‘run-around’ vehicles from the city’s streets.
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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.
