Other News In Brief

SDLP: 'Political Elites Cannot Be Allowed To Flout Covid Rules'

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has said that political elites cannot be allowed to flout Covid rules.

The Foyle MP was speaking from Westminster where Prime Minister Boris Johnson struggled to defend his administration's Christmas celebrations in the middle of lockdown.

Mr Eastwood said: "The restrictions that have been introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic have been absolutely necessary to protect people and prevent our health service from becoming overwhelmed. I have no doubt that they have saved lives and staved off an even worse scenario for our communities.

"But the cliché that we were all in it together has been smashed by the actions of senior political leaders who flouted the restrictions for their own selfish purposes. People are right to be furious with politicians who set tough rules and high standards but fall far beneath them in their own personal behaviour. I am furious about it too. I watched as friends and colleagues died during this pandemic, unable to say goodbye or pay respects to grieving families. The selfishness is unforgiveable.

"Boris Johnson is just the latest example of how not to behave in public office. The British Prime Minister had very little personal authority to begin with but his actions have shredded the authority of his entire administration at a time when people need to listen to public health guidelines. We have seen examples of it in the North as well.

"I would appeal to people, don't let your anger at these political elites overcome your obligation to your family, friends and community. Political selfishness can be addressed at the ballot box, but right now we need to help each other and help our health service. I am again asking people to get vaccinated, to get their booster and to follow all the guidance around mask wearing, social distancing and hand washing."

Green Party NI Calls For 'Robust Response' To Bird Flu Outbreak

The Green Party NI has called for a robust response to the current bird flu outbreak.

Making the call, Clare Bailey Green Party NI Leader, who sits on Stormont's AERA Committee, said: "It's been over a fortnight since avian flu was first confirmed by the Department and I am concerned that their response has neither been as proactive nor as rapid as possible.

"Whilst the Department has prioritised responding to outbreaks in commercial flocks, the outbreak among wild birds in the Waterworks for example, hasn't been responded to with the urgency or clarity required. Officials have said that they do not have a statutory responsibility to control the virus in wild birds. However, in the interests of protecting our biodiversity and public health, the Department should be taking the lead in managing a multi-agency response and communicating this effectively.

"This week, Minister Poots said that 'whenever there's a crisis, we have to find the money'. I also call on the Executive to deliver on this commitment and guarantee that the necessary funding is in place to compensate farmers whose flocks have had to be culled in response to the outbreak.

"The Public Health Agency has said that the risk to humans from bird flu is low, but people should not handle sick or dead birds. The ongoing Covid pandemic has demonstrated the importance of responding to outbreaks of disease proactively and robustly. We cannot risk the situation worsening due to delayed action."

Preferred Route For A29 Cookstown Bypass Identified

The preferred route of the new A29 Cookstown Bypass has been unveiled by Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon.

Details of the proposed new route have been on display at the Burnavon Arts and Cultural Centre and virtually on the Department for Infrastructure website.

During a visit to the public exhibition Minister Mallon said: "The current emerging design is underway and proposes a single lane carriageway with overtaking lane opportunities in both directions and new roundabouts situated at intersections with the Killymoon Road, Cloghog Road and Moneymore Road. As part of my commitment to delivering green infrastructure and providing greater opportunities for active travel, I am pleased to confirm there will also be walking and cycling provision along the entire scheme. The project also includes plans to upgrade the Sandholes Link Road including the provision of a footway/cycleway."