Vandalism To Mary Ann McCracken Statue Condemned

Alliance Councillor Michael Long has condemned an act of vandalism targeting the statue of anti-slavery campaigner Mary Ann McCracken at Belfast City Hall. Councillor Long, who originally proposed the statue, expressed his disgust after a plaque containing Irish text was damaged.

Describing Mary Ann McCracken as representing "everything that is good about the shared history of our city," Councillor Long highlighted the statue's role in showcasing a diverse Belfast and honouring those who fought for freedoms enjoyed today. He expressed despair that anyone could damage a memorial dedicated to someone held in such high regard.

He concluded with an appeal for public assistance: "I appeal to anyone who has information on this incident to contact police with it immediately."

DAERA Urges Equine Establishment Registration Ahead of February 2026 Deadline

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir today stressed the importance of mandatory registration for all equine establishments in Northern Ireland, including those keeping horses, ponies, donkeys, and zebras. Owners and operators must obtain an Equine Establishment Number (EEN) from DAERA before 1 February 2026. This legal requirement, introduced under EU Animal Health Law, is a crucial step towards enhancing equine identification, traceability, and welfare standards. From the deadline, a valid EEN will be necessary for all passport applications, updates, or duplicates, without which keepers may be unable to buy, sell, move, or export an equine.

Minister Muir highlighted the benefits of registration, including enhanced traceability, disease control, fraud prevention, and improved animal health and welfare. Registering is free and simple, and while establishment operators are responsible for registration, owners should ensure their equine's establishment is compliant.

Increase in Northern Ireland University Applications Welcomed

Sinn Féin MLA and Higher and Further Education spokesperson, Pádraig Delargy, has welcomed new UCAS figures for the 2025 admissions cycle, showing an overall increase in the number of students from Northern Ireland applying to university.

According to UCAS data, 17,440 applicants from Northern Ireland submitted applications by the 30 June deadline, a 1.5% increase on last year. Encouragingly, the number of applicants opting to study at local institutions also rose to 27,080, up 2% from 2024.

Mr Delargy particularly highlighted growth in applications from school leavers in the most disadvantaged areas, with a 1.6% rise from NIMDM Quintile 1, indicating positive impacts from widening participation efforts. He also noted the "roadmap to increase student numbers in Magee" following the recent graduation of 69 doctors from Magee Medical School.