Other News In Brief

Sinn Féin Announce Civil Rights Campaign Commemorative March

Sinn Féin have announced a commemorative march to mark the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights campaign.

The march will take place on Saturday 18th August and is set to follow the route of the original Civil Rights march from Coalisland to Dungannon.

France Molloy said: "This year marks 50 years since the beginning of the Civil Rights movement when thousands of citizens took to the streets to demand their rights and entitlements.

"The venue for today's launch, Caledon Court House, holds massive historical significance as this was the venue for the Caledon Eviction, resulting in pickets and protests and the energising of people across the north to join the Civil Rights Movement.

"The same struggle continues against people in our society today. Citizens in the north still face attacks on their civil rights through the continued denial of rights to LGBT+ couples, Irish language speakers, and bereaved families seeking a coroner's inquest.

"Once again, we need to hear the voices of young people and progressives, echoing those who found their voice against discrimination decades ago. It's time to stand up, mobilise, and fight for your rights. Join us at Coalisland Square on Saturday 18th August."

Alliance Challenge Sinn Féin On Meaningful Reforms

Alliance Party Deputy Leader, Stephen Farry MLA, has challenged Sinn Féin to ensure meaningful reform of the Petition of Concern, if they are serious about delivering upon abortion reform and other rights issues.

It comes after Sinn Fein adopted a new policy on abortion at their annual Ard Fheis.

Mr Farry said: "Sinn Féin are placing huge emphasis on their new party position on abortion. Efforts to reform abortion law in Northern Ireland have been ongoing for many years, and have been frustrated in part by the presence and threat of the petition of concern in the Assembly. Abortion is a matter of conscience for Alliance elected representatives, and within this framework some Alliance MLAs have been working for reform over many years.

"If serious reform is to be delivered through the Northern Ireland Assembly then the petition of concern is going to require significant reform. This is central to open progress on a whole range of rights issues.

"Alliance has been clear that the Petition of Concern should be restricted for a narrow set of circumstances linked to the particular circumstances of Northern Ireland. Its misuse and abuse around rights issues is a warping of the original reason why the Petition of Concern was devised.

"So if Sinn Féin are serious about advancing abortion reform and other rights issues, then they need to be very serious and committed to reform of the petition of concern. In the recent past, Sinn Féin have paid only lip-service to reform and have not made it a priority. Instead, it has focused on deals around specific rights issues rather than general reform that would enable current and future challenges to be addressed democratically. Simply, remitting Petition of Concern reform to a working-group or for more discussion is not sufficient. That approach has been tried and failed in the past.

"Ultimately, Sinn Féin's credibility on rights issues is linked to ensure that the means to deliver exists through a reformed Northern Ireland Assembly."

£220,000 Upperlands Resurfacing Scheme To Start On 25 June

A £220,000 carriageway resurfacing scheme on the B75 Kilrea Road, Upperlands will commence on Monday 25 June 2018.

The works, which will extend for a distance of approximately 2km from its junction with Tamlaght Road to its junction with Drumnacanon Road, will greatly improve the strength and surface quality of this section of Kilrea Road. Work is expected to be completed by Saturday 7 July 2018.

During the road closure traffic will be diverted along the A29 to Garvagh and B64 to Kilrea and vice versa. Local access including access to the local Primary Schools during the morning drop off and afternoon collection periods, will be facilitated.

Advanced warning signage for the closure will be provided and diversion routes will be signed as necessary.

(MH)