Moygashel Bonfire Effigy Of Refugees Condemned As 'Deplorable'

Controversy has erupted in Moygashel following the appearance of a deeply offensive effigy portraying refugees in a boat on a local bonfire, prompting Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew to denounce the display as “deplorable” and “racist”. The Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA described the act, which included 'Stop the Boats' posters, as a clear incitement to hatred that must be immediately removed. He stressed that those seeking refuge are "friends" and "neighbours," welcomed by the majority, and called on local political leaders to condemn the "vile, deplorable views" behind the effigy.

Butler Calls For Ni To Lead On Rural Climate Action Robbie Butler MLA, the Ulster Unionist Party's spokesperson for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, has called for Northern Ireland to take a leading role in climate action, rather than simply following the European Commission's new pragmatic approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Welcoming the EU's flexible 2040 target, Mr Butler is advocating for a locally driven 'Rural Climate and Energy Roadmap' that is co-designed with rural communities, food producers, and land managers. He stressed the importance of cross-departmental leadership and learning from past policy failures to ensure a joined-up, long-term strategy that fully integrates agriculture, energy, and environmental goals, including the potential of anaerobic digestion.

Belfast City Hall LGBTQ+ Window Defended Amidst TUV Criticism

A focal point for LGBTQ+ history and culture at Belfast City Hall, the dedicated window has drawn fresh scrutiny, with Councillor Anthony Flynn stepping forward to defend its powerful imagery and historical references against recent criticism from TUV members. Cllr Flynn highlighted that the window’s design, which includes a quote from Lyra McKee and symbols of historic campaigns like 'Save Sodomy from Ulster' in protest of the original anti-LGBTQ+ movement, received unanimous cross-party support from Belfast City Council, including the TUV. He criticised the TUV for focusing on the slogan while "remaining silent on the origins of that slogan, which was a campaign of bigotry that inflicted deep harm on LGBTQ+ people across Northern Ireland."