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04/06/2008
Paisley Celebrates Belfast Port As Crunch Time Looms For Robinson
One of Northern Ireland's most prominent politicians will mark his last day in office, today, by launching the Province's most expensive port engineering project.
Amid controversy at Stormont over his successor, NI First Minister, Ian Paisley will be joined by Deputy First Minister Martin McGuiness and Scottish counterpart Alex Salmond for the official opening of a £37m ferry terminal in Belfast.
Stena Line's new terminal is the most expensive engineering project in the port's history - but Northern Ireland is now closer to Scotland - thanks the 50-acre extension on Belfast Lough.
Dr Paisley said: "Northern Ireland is very much open for business and, like this new terminal, offers a hearty welcome to all. In this ultra-modern facility we can see a tangible commitment to developing a prosperous future by two key players in the Northern Ireland economy: Belfast Harbour Commissioners and Stena Line."
Noting the recently-announced outcome of a review of policy on the trust ports, Mr McGuinness continued: "I believe that the policy course mapped out from that review will enable all our trust ports, such as here in Belfast, to continue to thrive and develop and serve our growing economy effectively."
Welcoming the participation of Scotland’s First Minister, Alex Salmond MSP at the opening ceremony Dr Paisley said: "It is right, given the many economic, cultural and family bonds between Scotland and Northern Ireland that our two administrations work to strengthen our transport linkages through mutual cooperation."
Scottish First Minister Salmond had arrived by cruising down the lough, where he was met by Dr Paisley and Mr McGuiness at the new Victoria Terminal Four.
Dr Paisley is expected to leave the office of First Minister tomorrow, when the Assembly will convene to nominate a new first and deputy first minister.
However amid today's celebrations a dark cloud is looming.
While negotiations are continuing behind the scenes to overcome apparent deadlock regarding the nomination process - which could still be derailed should Sinn Fein refuse to put forward a candidate - this has cast a shadow of uncertainty over Peter Robinson's succession to the post of NI First Minister.
(PR/JM)
Amid controversy at Stormont over his successor, NI First Minister, Ian Paisley will be joined by Deputy First Minister Martin McGuiness and Scottish counterpart Alex Salmond for the official opening of a £37m ferry terminal in Belfast.
Stena Line's new terminal is the most expensive engineering project in the port's history - but Northern Ireland is now closer to Scotland - thanks the 50-acre extension on Belfast Lough.
Dr Paisley said: "Northern Ireland is very much open for business and, like this new terminal, offers a hearty welcome to all. In this ultra-modern facility we can see a tangible commitment to developing a prosperous future by two key players in the Northern Ireland economy: Belfast Harbour Commissioners and Stena Line."
Noting the recently-announced outcome of a review of policy on the trust ports, Mr McGuinness continued: "I believe that the policy course mapped out from that review will enable all our trust ports, such as here in Belfast, to continue to thrive and develop and serve our growing economy effectively."
Welcoming the participation of Scotland’s First Minister, Alex Salmond MSP at the opening ceremony Dr Paisley said: "It is right, given the many economic, cultural and family bonds between Scotland and Northern Ireland that our two administrations work to strengthen our transport linkages through mutual cooperation."
Scottish First Minister Salmond had arrived by cruising down the lough, where he was met by Dr Paisley and Mr McGuiness at the new Victoria Terminal Four.
Dr Paisley is expected to leave the office of First Minister tomorrow, when the Assembly will convene to nominate a new first and deputy first minister.
However amid today's celebrations a dark cloud is looming.
While negotiations are continuing behind the scenes to overcome apparent deadlock regarding the nomination process - which could still be derailed should Sinn Fein refuse to put forward a candidate - this has cast a shadow of uncertainty over Peter Robinson's succession to the post of NI First Minister.
(PR/JM)
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26 February 2008
Donaldson Made Junior Minister
A relative 'new boy' to the Democratic Unionist Party, Co Down MP Jeffrey Donaldson has been sworn in as Northern Ireland's new Junior Minister. A former Ulster Unionist, Mr Donaldson, who is the Lagan Valley MP, defected to the DUP in 2004 after a high-profile fall-out with his then party leader, David (now Lord Trimble).
Donaldson Made Junior Minister
A relative 'new boy' to the Democratic Unionist Party, Co Down MP Jeffrey Donaldson has been sworn in as Northern Ireland's new Junior Minister. A former Ulster Unionist, Mr Donaldson, who is the Lagan Valley MP, defected to the DUP in 2004 after a high-profile fall-out with his then party leader, David (now Lord Trimble).
28 February 2008
Ulster Keeps Eye On Trump Golf Project Inquiry
The already contentious application by Trump International Golf Links Scotland to develop a golf resort is now set to go to a Public Local Inquiry - with the outcome eagerly watched by political representatives in Northern Ireland who aim to 'steal' the project for the Province.
Ulster Keeps Eye On Trump Golf Project Inquiry
The already contentious application by Trump International Golf Links Scotland to develop a golf resort is now set to go to a Public Local Inquiry - with the outcome eagerly watched by political representatives in Northern Ireland who aim to 'steal' the project for the Province.
08 January 2008
Scottish Leader To Face Committee On Trump Links
Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond is to be questioned by his fellow MSPs over his handling of the Donald Trump golf resort affair. Next week's session will be at a meeting of the local government committee and the Scottish Finance Secretary, John Swinney will also be questioned by the committee on 16 January.
Scottish Leader To Face Committee On Trump Links
Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond is to be questioned by his fellow MSPs over his handling of the Donald Trump golf resort affair. Next week's session will be at a meeting of the local government committee and the Scottish Finance Secretary, John Swinney will also be questioned by the committee on 16 January.
18 December 2007
Appointment Of Commissioner Recognises Older Agenda
As the Province's population 'ages' an older people's 'commissioner' is set to be appointed expressley to defend the rights and interests of the elderly in Northern Ireland. The announcement on how the 'older agenda' is to be addressed was made today by the Assembly's First and Deputy First Ministers.
Appointment Of Commissioner Recognises Older Agenda
As the Province's population 'ages' an older people's 'commissioner' is set to be appointed expressley to defend the rights and interests of the elderly in Northern Ireland. The announcement on how the 'older agenda' is to be addressed was made today by the Assembly's First and Deputy First Ministers.
20 June 2013
Conference Announced To Promote Jobs In NI
First Minister the Rt. Hon. Peter D. Robinson MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MLA have announced a major Investment Conference on 10 and 11 October 2013 to promote jobs and growth in Northern Ireland.
Conference Announced To Promote Jobs In NI
First Minister the Rt. Hon. Peter D. Robinson MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MLA have announced a major Investment Conference on 10 and 11 October 2013 to promote jobs and growth in Northern Ireland.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
