13/04/2022
BBC Accused Of 'Distorting Democracy'
The Green Party NI has accused the BBC of "distorting our democracy" with an editorial decision to give the TUV more coverage than the Greens during the 2022 Assembly election campaign.
Green Party NI Leader Clare Bailey said: "Our public service broadcaster has a duty to be impartial, especially during an election campaign.
"However, the BBC has decided to grant the smaller TUV more coverage than the Green Party NI, including giving them an extra Party Election Broadcast.
"In the most recent elections, the Green Party NI won more Assembly and local council seats than the TUV, so it makes no sense for the BBC to treat the TUV as a bigger party than the Greens.
"In no other democracy would the main opposition party be excluded from election debates and other election coverage.
"Whilst the BBC may choose to focus on division and sensationalism, in this election, the Green Party NI is offering a real alternative to the traditional parties' politics of division.
"We have submitted formal complaints to the BBC and Ofcom, and the Green Party NI is actively considering its legal options.
"I urge members of the public to make their voices heard by signing our petition, available at www.greenpartyni.org/where_are_the_greens, and send a message to the BBC that the people of Northern Ireland are opposed to the distortion of our democracy."
Green Party NI Leader Clare Bailey said: "Our public service broadcaster has a duty to be impartial, especially during an election campaign.
"However, the BBC has decided to grant the smaller TUV more coverage than the Green Party NI, including giving them an extra Party Election Broadcast.
"In the most recent elections, the Green Party NI won more Assembly and local council seats than the TUV, so it makes no sense for the BBC to treat the TUV as a bigger party than the Greens.
"In no other democracy would the main opposition party be excluded from election debates and other election coverage.
"Whilst the BBC may choose to focus on division and sensationalism, in this election, the Green Party NI is offering a real alternative to the traditional parties' politics of division.
"We have submitted formal complaints to the BBC and Ofcom, and the Green Party NI is actively considering its legal options.
"I urge members of the public to make their voices heard by signing our petition, available at www.greenpartyni.org/where_are_the_greens, and send a message to the BBC that the people of Northern Ireland are opposed to the distortion of our democracy."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 July 2022
Greens Raise Concerns Over New Drug Possession Paper
A UK Government White Paper on drug possession includes "authoritarian rhetoric and provisions", Green Party Rep, Lesley Veronica, has said. Commenting on the White Paper – 'Swift, Certain, Tough.
Greens Raise Concerns Over New Drug Possession Paper
A UK Government White Paper on drug possession includes "authoritarian rhetoric and provisions", Green Party Rep, Lesley Veronica, has said. Commenting on the White Paper – 'Swift, Certain, Tough.
06 November 2020
Sexual Crime Victims Continually Let Down- Green Party NI
Latest official figures on sexual offences in Northern Ireland show victims are being continually let down, the Green Party has claimed. Calls for improved outcomes for victims have emerged after the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) revealed that the conviction rate for the offence of rape stands at 29.9%.
Sexual Crime Victims Continually Let Down- Green Party NI
Latest official figures on sexual offences in Northern Ireland show victims are being continually let down, the Green Party has claimed. Calls for improved outcomes for victims have emerged after the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) revealed that the conviction rate for the offence of rape stands at 29.9%.
25 September 2019
Greens Councillor Announced As North Down MLA
Green Party Councillor Rachel Woods has been named as the new MLA for north Down. Ms Woods, who currently sits on Ards and North Down Borough Council, replaces former party leader Steven Agnew and said she was "delighted" to take up the role.
Greens Councillor Announced As North Down MLA
Green Party Councillor Rachel Woods has been named as the new MLA for north Down. Ms Woods, who currently sits on Ards and North Down Borough Council, replaces former party leader Steven Agnew and said she was "delighted" to take up the role.
12 September 2019
Green Party's Steven Agnew Steps Down As MLA
The former Green Party leader Steven Agnew is standing down from his role as an MLA for North Down. While Mr Agnew pursues a new career outside of politics, a new MLA for the area will be announced in the coming weeks and his successor Clare Bailey will continue to lead the party.
Green Party's Steven Agnew Steps Down As MLA
The former Green Party leader Steven Agnew is standing down from his role as an MLA for North Down. While Mr Agnew pursues a new career outside of politics, a new MLA for the area will be announced in the coming weeks and his successor Clare Bailey will continue to lead the party.
09 August 2019
New Lodge Violence Is 'Dragging Us All Back'- Greens
In the wake of a series of public disorder incidents surrounding a bonfire in the New Lodge, a Green Party councillor has claimed the violence is dragging the people of Northern Ireland back to the past.
New Lodge Violence Is 'Dragging Us All Back'- Greens
In the wake of a series of public disorder incidents surrounding a bonfire in the New Lodge, a Green Party councillor has claimed the violence is dragging the people of Northern Ireland back to the past.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.