Other News In Brief

UUP Highlights Urgent Need For An Executive

The Ulster Unionist Party has highlighted the need for short, medium and long-term solutions to both the energy and cost-of-living crises and repeated calls for all parties to form an Executive at Stormont to provide essential support for those hardest hit

UUP MLA and Communities spokesperson Andy Allen MBE made the call following a report from Which?, that shows how dire the circumstances are for more and more households across Northern Ireland, said: "I note with concern this detailed report from WHICH?. While it brings no surprises about the levels of hardship being faced by individuals and families across Northern Ireland, it further highlights the urgent need for short, medium and long term intervention.

"All the challenges faced are, without a doubt, exacerbated by the continued lack of leadership at Stormont or from Westminster as a last resort. With departments being allowed to drift rudderless without ministers whilst facing significant budget pressures, the possibility to create targeted responses to support the most vulnerable is limited.

"With news yesterday that Westminster seems content to allow the lack of a functioning government at Stormont to continue into next year, what genuine hope do my constituents in East Belfast, along with those living in the 17 other constituencies across Northern Ireland, have that things will get any better.

"I, along with 89 others were elected by our constituents to be the vehicle that identifies and supports those in most need, to protect and transform our Health Service and deliver effective help to those suffering most across all aspects of their daily lives. Each day we are unable to do that, to not be allowed to provide the help our people so urgently need, is yet another day of unbearable suffering and distress for more and more people across Northern Ireland. While I recognise the genuine concerns of so many that have been created by Brexit and the protocol, by not delivering for those who need help we are failing in our most basic duties."

Road Racing Cancellation 'Huge Blow' To NI

The cancellation of road racing in 2023 is a huge blow to the area and the North as a whole, SDLP East Derry MLA Cara Hunter has said.

The decision was announced due to a rise in insurance costs.

Ms Hunter said the events were hugely important to the local economy and regularly attract thousands of people to the North.

East Derry MLA Ms Hunter said: "Road racing is part of the fabric of life on the North Coast. The racing scene has a huge following with thousands of people travelling to the area to view these events and take part in the festivities surrounding them.

"These events are worth millions to our economy and create a real community spirit. Our hotels and hospitality businesses will suffer as a result of these cancellations which could threaten the future of many who rely on the racing calendar to attract visitors."

SDLP Sports Spokesperson Justin McNulty MLA said: "This news is catastrophic for the road racing scene across the North, the competitors themselves, the legion of fans and the many businesses who benefit as a result of these events in their area. These races have been a tradition in many areas for years and their loss would leave a real absence that would be keenly felt among those who support the sport.

"All hope is not lost and I believe that every effort must be made to find an insurance provider to secure the future of these events that mean so much to so many. Our road racing community is an important part of the uniqueness that defines the North and to lose it would be an incredible shame for everyone involved."

DUP's Continuing Blockage 'Unedifying And Serves No Purpose' – Alliance

The DUP's refusal even to enable the Assembly to sit to pass a resolution on Dáithí's Law is unedifying and serves no purpose, Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has said.

The South Belfast MLA was speaking after DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said his party would continue to block the nomination of an Assembly Speaker.

"The passing of the new organ donation law last year was a victory for local democracy, as all the Assembly parties came together for the betterment of society as a whole," said Ms Bradshaw.

"The DUP is now turning this into a stain on democracy, by refusing even to let the Assembly sit. It is extremely regrettable people desperately awaiting organs are becoming the latest victims of the DUP's unedifying mud-slinging.

"Unlike the DUP, Alliance will use every avenue open to us to get the relevant regulations approved so the new law comes into operation. However, the fact is the quickest and surest way of achieving this would be via the election of a Speaker and the sitting of the Assembly at Stormont tomorrow. No other route carries any guarantee.

"It may be noted any further failure to elect a Speaker will simply reinforce the point the system at Stormont, whereby votes of MLAs who designate unionist or nationalist are counted more than those of MLAs who do not, is not fit for purpose. It will make the argument for reform, made consistently by Alliance for decades, unanswerable.

"The regulations are already drafted and ready to go. There is neither excuse nor reason for further delay. The DUP needs to stop playing games with people's lives and get on with the job its MLAs were elected to do."