Other News In Brief

Alliance Condemn Those Behind East Belfast Shooting

The Alliance Party has condemned those behind the shooting of man in East Belfast, stating they "do not represent the community".

Councillor Sharon Lowry was speaking after a man was shot in both his legs in the Enler Park Central area of Dundonald. The 37-year-old was taken to hospital for treatment.

She said: "My thoughts are with the victim of this terrible incident and I hope he makes a full recovery.

"I utterly condemn those who carried this barbaric attack out. They do not represent the people of Dundonald or indeed wider Northern Ireland. There is no place for guns on our streets and those exercising coercive control of communities need to pack up and leave the stage immediately.

"I urge anyone with information on this incident to contact police with it immediately."

New Chair Announced For Stranmillis University College

Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has announced the appointment of Edgar Jardine as the new Chair to the Governing Body of Stranmillis University College.

The appointment of Mr Jardine is effective from 1 January 2022 and is for a period of four years.

The appointment has been made in accordance with the Code of Practice of the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland.

He replaces Sir Desmond Rea whom the Minister thanked for his tenure.

DUP Welcomes Action To Keep Schools Open

The DUP has welcomed a plan from th Education Minister Michelle McIlveen to encourage recently retired teachers to return and assist with pressures in school through staff absence.

East Belfast MLA Robin Newton, who is a member of the Assembly's Education Committee said: "The Education Minister's clear priority to keep our schools open will be welcomed by everyone. Children and young people have suffered hugely through disruption to education and it is vital this does not happen again. The most significant challenge we face currently however is the disruption through necessary staff absences caused by Covid.

"The Minister has taken action through writing to all recently retired teachers. That is clearly the greatest pool from which to secure the necessary additional staff and it was a call put out pro-actively by the Minister before some others had awakened to the issue.

"I would encourage all those who can return to teaching to take up the offer. They will know better than anyone the huge benefits of face-to-face teaching in the classroom and ensuring that can continue."