SDLP Welcomes Announcement Of Sean Brown Public Inquiry

The SDLP has welcomed the confirmation of a mublic inquiry into the murder of Sean Brown.

Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone said his thoughts are with the family of Mr Brown and that it was their strength and perseverance that had secured the inquiry into his murder.

Mid Ulster MLA Mr McGlone said: "This will be a hugely emotional day for the family of Sean Brown who have had to overcome unimaginable obstacles simply to get the answers they deserve into the murder of their beloved husband and father.

"Sean was held in the highest regard right across our community and I know that everyone will be thinking of the Brown family today.

"It should never have taken this long or a court for a public inquiry to be ordered. It has been clear from the day and hour of Sean’s murder that there are significant questions for state agencies to answer over this case.

"The Secretary of State must bring forward this public inquiry as soon as possible and it must answer the questions of the Brown family around why this happened and who was involved. They have faced down repeated attempts by the British government to close down truth and justice on this case and this decision today is a testament to their refusal to give up, their strength and dignity."

Banbridge Alliance Representatives Urge People To Come Forward With Information On Murder

Alliance Party representatives for Banbridge have expressed heartfelt condolences to the family Karen Cummings, who was found dead on Saturday (14 December), and have called on the public to come forward with any information into the incident.

Alliance Deputy Leader Eóin Tennyson MLA and Banbridge councillor Joy Ferguson were speaking after police confirmed a murder inquiry into Ms Cummings's death was underway.

Upper Bann MLA Eóin Tennyson said: "This is an absolutely shocking incident, and today is a dark day for the local community. My thoughts and condolences are with Karen's loved ones as they come to terms with this tragic loss.

"Karen is the seventh woman now to be killed in Northern Ireland just this year. This is a devastating statistic, and violence against women and girls is a sickening scourge on our society that must be eradicated.

"We must all recommit ourselves to the Executive's recently launched framework to End Violence Against Women and Girls and do everything we can to put a stop to all forms of violence, harm and abuse in our society."

Councillor Ferguson added: "It's difficult to understate the level of shock people here are feeling right now after such a horrific incident.

"I want to extend my thoughts and sympathies to Karen's family and loved ones, who will be facing the unimaginable today. I have no doubt the community will rally around them at such a difficult time.

"I'd also encourage anyone who may have any potentially relevant information that may help police in their investigations to get in touch with them, or report it anonymously via Crimestoppers."

SF Welcomes Decision To Allow Taxis Use Bus Lanes

The decision to allow taxis to taxis to use some bus lanes in Belfast city centre over the coming weeks, has been welcomed by Sinn Féin MLA Danny Baker.

Speaking after the Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd's announcement, the West Belfast MLA said: "Today's announcement by the infrastructure minister highlights his commitment to working with businesses and ensuring our city centre continues to be the heartbeat of Belfast.

"With inevitable congestion in the city over the festive period, this decision will help to ease some of that traffic and encourage shoppers to continue visiting Belfast.

"Our city centre has been bustling with activity over the last while as people prepare for Christmas, and I hope that continues over the coming weeks and months.

"John O'Dowd has already signalled his intention to introduce a pilot scheme to permit taxis to use city centre bus lanes, although these immediate measures will mean there is no further delay."