Other News In Brief

Family-Friendly Fun As Autumn Fair Returns To Botanic Gardens

Belfast City Council has announced a weekend of free family-friendly fun at the Autumn Fair in Botanic Gardens.

Taking place on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 September from 12.30pm to 6pm daily, the Autumn Flower Show showcases spectacular prize-winning autumnal blooms and floral art displays, as well as a display of giant seasonal vegetables.

A variety of food and craft stalls will be selling arty delights and local produce, and the Sustainable Living Emporium will be showcasing sustainable fashion and lifestyle choices.

There will be plenty of free family-friendly activities to enjoy over the weekend including bouncy castles, balloon modelling, facepainting, autumn themed arts and crafts, sports games, bubble bike, walkabout acts and pumpkin carving.

There will also be a funfair zone including Tea Cup and Safari Train rides, as well as a Bungee Trampoline.

Lord Mayor, Councillor Ryan Murphy, said: "The Autumn Fair is one of our top seasonal events where we get to celebrate the best that nature has produced, as well as all the fun of the fair with live music, food and crafts and fun activities for young and old to enjoy.

"Come along and help us mark the change of season in the city and enjoy Botanic Gardens’ other top attractions – the Palm House and Tropical Ravine, while you’re there."

Green Party Joins Striking Workers At Millfield College

The Green Party has expressed its support for striking workers from NI's further education (FE) colleges, as deputy leader, Lesley Veronica, joined a picket line at Millfield.

Joining the UCU workers, she said: "The length of the strike reflects the depth of feeling from members who are increasingly concerned about the disparity in pay, with school teachers, university lecturers and FE colleagues in England, Scotland and Wales who are all more highly paid. It is not an easy step for lecturers to take but the time has come for FE lecturers to draw a line in the sand. In the middle of a cost of living crisis the attitude of the employers has been unacceptable.

"The strike is not only about pay but also about transparency. If there is no money as the employers claim then where is it being spent? It is clear that there is an internal disparity between corporate wages and wages for those actually delivering the curriculum and this needs to be addressed.

"Our FE colleges provide vital education, often to the most economically and socially disadvantaged students. This is delivered by the lecturers. Without dedicated, well qualified lecturers delivering high quality courses there would be no money at all. It's high time lecturing staff were valued for their service, work and commitment to the sector."

DUP Welcomes Review Of 'Net Zero' Targets

The DUP has welcomed Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's decision to review some of its 'net zero' targets, with North Antrim MP, Ian Paisley, describing it as "a sensible approach in light of the cost-of-living crisis".

Mr Paisley continued: "Efforts to tackle climate change cannot ignore other pressures facing people across the United Kingdom. I see in my own constituency companies such as Wrightbus who are making massive strides towards reducing Carbon emissions. People support efforts to ensure we hit 'net zero', but they do not see those efforts as being a higher priority than feeding their family or heating their home.

"There is nothing wrong with setting targets, but there is also nothing wrong with reviewing the approach in light of the circumstances we face. No decision occurs in isolation, but it will have a direct impact on households across the country. In Northern Ireland we still have a heaver reliance on road transport than other parts of the United Kingdom, and our home heating market continues to be heavily reliant on oil. Indeed, the 2035 target for car transition, brings the UK into line with other major European countries.

"It is unfortunate that some will attempt to paint any kind of review as a complete abandonment of efforts to reduce Carbon emissions. There will need to be a continued pressure from Government to ensure that we stay on that path, but it will be impossible to reach those goals if people simply cannot afford to make the changes that will be needed. Any measures cannot work without bringing the public along, and they must ensure that costs are not borne by the most vulnerable in our society.”