Other News In Brief

Green Party Welcomes Passing Of Safe Access Zones Bill

The Green Party NI has welcomed the passing of their Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Bill of its Final Stage in the Assembly. The Bill will now go for Royal Assent before becoming law.

Party Leader Clare Bailey said: "The deliberate and concerted campaign of harassment and intimidation against women has to stop.

"During my time as a volunteer with the Marie Stopes clinic, I was spat at, splashed with holy water, called a murderer, and watched a woman run into oncoming traffic to escape these people. This needs to stop, this is not protest as I understand it.

"Health trusts have told us that they need to employ security staff, install safety glass, that their staff are being recorded as they go about their work, and that women presenting while miscarrying pregnancies are being targeted. This puts women’s lives at risk.

"Even during the committee scrutiny of this Bill, it emerged that Department officials had been threatened, demonstrating the extent of this campaign of harassment and intimidation.

"I am delighted that my Safe Access Zones Bill has received such widespread political support. Alongside the long-overdue commissioning of abortion services, this legislation will go a long way to ensuring that women’s right to access healthcare is protected."

SDLP Welcomes Rejection Of Waste Incinerator Plans

The SDLP has welcomed a decision from Minister for Infrastructure, Nichola Mallon, to reject plans for a waste incinerator in Mallusk.

South Antrim Assembly Candidate Cllr Roisin Lynch has long supported the campaign against the incinerator and said that this decision is an outstanding example of political leaders listening to the concerns of local communities and putting people first.

Cllr Roisin Lynch said: "This is an incredible result for all of the campaigners who have tirelessly worked to protect communities in Mallusk and across County Antrim that would have suffered if this incinerator project went ahead. Their steadfast commitment to protecting the health of our people and the environment we enjoy has been second to none.

"I am incredibly grateful to my SDLP colleague Minister Nichola Mallon who has taken this decision with the best interests of the people of South Antrim at heart. This is an example of what can be achieved when political leaders listen to local communities and put people first.

"The threat of this project has hung over our community for years. The action taken by the SDLP's Minister today is decisive and firmly in the corner of the people we represent.

"I want to thank Minister Nichola Mallon for taking this decision and every campaigner who has given their time, energy and commitment to this cause."

Election Chance To Break The Cycle Of Crises – Alliance

The forthcoming Assembly Election is a chance for the public to break the cycle of crises seen over the past mandate, Alliance Leader Naomi Long has said.

Alliance is running 24 candidates across every constituency in Northern Ireland and has one of the most diverse group of candidates in terms of age, gender, background, and sexual orientation of any party.

"This is the most important election since the Good Friday Agreement. It will decide not just how our institutions will function over the next five years, but whether they will function," said Mrs Long.

"It comes in the midst of a cost of living crisis, severe pressures on our health service, the need for managed recovery of public services, business and our community after two years of the pandemic, and yet instead of focusing on those key issues, the Executive has been collapsed by the DUP with those most in need of help unable to get it as a result.

"There is a chance to do things differently and better. No longer should we be plunged into this constant cycle of crisis and selfish political stunts. People want stability and a focus on progress and delivery. That's what Alliance is offering in this election.

"The 24 Alliance candidates not only have the ability and talent to deliver better but also reflect the diversity of Northern Ireland society in 2022. A 50/50 gender balance, four openly LGBT+ candidates, and significant numbers of young elected representatives, all achieved without the need for quotas, demonstrates our values of inclusion and diversity.

"Together, we can make the focus delivery, not division, and reform the Assembly and Executive so they can no longer be held to ransom by any party. Together, we can fix the health service, integrate our children’s education, and deliver a green new deal.

"Together, we can inspire hope, not fear. Fight poverty and inequality, not each other.

"A vote for Alliance in May is a vote to change our politics and people's lives for the better. On May 5, together, we can deliver."