Claire Hanna Pays Tribute To Michael Longley

SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP has paid tribute to renowned poet Michael Longley following the news of his death.

Ms Hanna proposed Mr Longley for the Freedom of Belfast in 2015.

South Belfast and Mid Down MP Claire Hanna said: "We are deeply saddened at the death of our great poet, Michael Longley, who I had the privilege of knowing as a family friend and neighbour. I offer my deepest condolences to his wife of sixty years, Edna, his family and his grandchildren.

"Michael was a Prince of the English language who transcended the narrow categories of 'Irish' and 'British'. He was our greatest living poet. More pertinently, he was a beautiful human being, kind generous, open humorous. He was truly a wonderful person.

"It was a deep honour to nominate him for the Freedom of Belfast in recognition of the massive artistic contribution he made to his native city. Wherever in the world his career took him, he always remained a Belfast man at heart and you can see that in much of his work."

Alliance Leader Welcomes New Taoiseach Announcement

Alliance Leader Naomi Long MLA has congratulated Michéal Martin on becoming the new Taoiseach and urged him to help reform the institutions here.

Mr Martin became Taoiseach for the second time, replacing Simon Harris, who will serve as Tánaiste.

"My congratulations go to Michéal Martin on his election as Taoiseach and also to Simon Harris on becoming Tánaiste, and I wish both well in their new roles," said Mrs Long.

"As co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, the Irish Government has a key role to play in securing the future of the institutions here. The best and clearest way to do that is reform of the Assembly and Executive, to allow those who wish to get on with the job to do so and for everyone else not to be held hostage by ransom politics.

"As such, I am calling on the new Taoiseach to help do just that. He made supportive comments regarding our proposals on reform and how Northern Ireland has changed since 1998 at a recent Alliance Party Conference, and I am confident he will carry that attitude across in his position.

"Recent years have seen close and productive relationships between North and South, and I hope we continue to see such a positive partnership continue. I look forward to working with Mr Martin and his Government as part of that."

Belfast Woman Sentenced for Dog Attack on Child

A Belfast woman was sentenced at Belfast Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, 21st January 2025, following the conviction of her Staffordshire Bull Terrier for attacking a child.

Belfast City Council prosecuted Ashlene Smith of Christian Place, Belfast, after a 14-year-old girl was injured in an attack by her dog on 3rd August 2024 at Milford Close.

Ms Smith pleaded guilty to the offence. She was sentenced to four months in prison, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to pay a £200 compensation order and £147 in legal and court costs. 

Ms Smith was also fined £80 for keeping the Staffordshire Bull Terrier without a valid dog licence. 

This incident highlights the importance of responsible dog ownership and the potential consequences of dog attacks.