Other News In Brief

L'Derry Christmas Poster Removed Following Unionist Objections

A billboard in L'Derry promoting Christmas shopping in the city has been removed after unionist politicians complained that it was not inclusive.

Derry City and Strabane District Council erected the poster in the Waterside area that said: "Have yourself a Derry little Christmas."

Unionists say the branding should also include the word Londonderry.

The name of Northern Ireland's second city has long been a controversial issue, with nationalists and republicans using the name Derry and unionists referring it as Londonderry.

A council spokesperson said the intention of the campaign was to use a catchy slogan to engage visitors and promote the Christmas offering.

No complaints from the public were submitted. The opposition came solely from council members who think it may "not be considered inclusive by all members of the community".

Stormont MLA's Paid £8.5m Since Assembly Suspended

More than £8million has been paid to members of Stormont's suspended Assembly in salaries, Secretary of State Karen Bradley has said.

MLA pay was cut significantly last month after an independent report recommended the measure.

Public representatives received a full-time salary from January 2017 when power-sharing collapsed, to October of this year even though no legislation was being passed.

North Down MP Lady Sylvia Hermon branded the expenditure as "absolutely shameful".

"We have taken evidence recently in this committee about education budgets being so over-stretched that there have been donations of toilet rolls to primary schools," the Independent Unionist said.

The £8.5 million pay bill was disclosed by Northern Ireland Office staff during an evidence presentation to the NI Affairs Committee at Westminster.

The first salary reduction of £7,452 will be followed by a further cut of £6,187 in the New year.

The region has been without a ministerial Executive since the breakdown of relations between the DUP and Sinn Fein, who fell out over the handling of the botched green energy scheme.

Repeated rounds of negotiations have failed as the two parties fail to patch up their differences.

WW1 Sculpture Vandalised In Dublin Park

A six-metre high sculpture erected in a Dublin park to mark the armistice has been vandalised.

Red paint was thrown over the 'Hauntings Soldier' on St. Stephen's Green overnight on Wednesday 21 November.

The display portrayed a weary soldier returning from war, made from scrap metal.

It was due to stand in the city centre park until 26 November.

Irish Culture Minister Josepha Madigan expressed her disappointment about the vandalism.

"The installation honours all those who died in the terrible suffering of World War One," she said.

"It is incredibly moving and has proved immensely popular. There is no bravery in throwing paint at a statue in the middle of the night."

The sculpture is being cleaned up by council workers.



(JG/CM)