Other News In Brief

Alliance 'Shocked And Appalled' At Discovery Of Pipe Bombs In L'Derry Cemetery

Alliance Derry City and Strabane Councillor Rachael Ferguson has said that she is "shocked and appalled" following the discovery of four suspected pipe bombs in a cemetery in the city.

The PSNI have reported recovering four suspected pipe bombs from inside the City Cemetery in Creggan following a public safety operation there on Tuesday 11 April.

The devices have since been made safe, have been taken for further forensic examination, and police have now left the scene.

Cllr Ferguson said: "To hear of even more attempted violence here after the events witnessed this weekend is both incredibly upsetting and unnerving.

"To bring that kind of brutality to a place where people go to mourn and remember their loved ones is especially repugnant. The actions of the perpetrators here are reprehensible and have no justification, and they must be condemned by all across society.

"Local residents are sick, sore and tired of this kind of violence and disruption being brought to their doorsteps by individuals who represent nothing and nobody but themselves and a backwards belief in dragging us back into the past.

"The people of Creggan, Derry-Londonderry and Northern Ireland deserve better than this.

"I would urge anybody with any information that could be potentially useful in bringing those responsible to justice, to please get in contact with the police or report it anonymously via Crimestoppers."

Sinn Fein Welcomes US Recommitment To Help Attract Investment

First Minister Designate Michelle O’Neill has welcomed a recommitment from President Biden and the US administration to help attract investment and create jobs in the north as he celebrates 25 years of 'transformative peace' in Belfast today.

She said: "President Biden’s visit to Belfast today is a special moment as we celebrate 25 years since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement and transformative peace on this island.

"I welcome the support and recommitment from Joe Biden today to work with us as we look towards the future with hope, ambition, and opportunity.

"I look forward to working with his administration to deepen further US investment, create good jobs and strengthen our economy to the benefit of everyone.

"We now have a strong economic advantage and unique access to trade in the world’s biggest economic markets – we need to seize that opportunity now.

"Our people and businesses need stability and they need local government now – there is an onus on the two governments and the DUP to get the institutions up and running."

Alliance Welcomes US President Joe Biden's Positive And Balanced Message

US President Joe Biden gave a positive and balanced message that showcased optimism for Northern Ireland's economy and future, Alliance Leader Naomi Long MLA has said.

Economy Naomi Long Assembly restoration

The East Belfast MLA was speaking after meeting President Biden prior to his speech at the Ulster University campus in Belfast. Mrs Long said given the location, it showed the President’s investment in local young people.

"During our brief discussion, I spoke to President Biden about Northern Ireland’s economy and also the need for political stability," she said.

"Between both that and his later speech, the President gave a positive and balanced message that was optimistic for both our economy and future. He was also well aware of the challenges facing the restoration of the Assembly and Executive, but was keen to see that happen as soon as possible.

"When one of the largest economies in the world spends its time, effort and money showcasing us, we need to grasp that opportunity with both hands. However, we can’t do that at present due to the political impasse and those causing that need to reflect on their actions.

"The location of today's event spoke volumes – at a university and surrounded by young people – of his investment in our future. It is now up to us to make the maximum capital from the focus on us today has brought."