Menu
26/10/2023
Fine Gael Senator Urged To Retract 'False And Baseless Accusations'
The Ulster Unionist Party has called on Fine Gael Senator, Emer Currie, to publicly retract her "false and baseless accusations" that some paramedics from Northern Ireland were prevented in assisting with the immediate response to the Creeslough explosion.
Making the call, the party's Health Spokesperson, Alan Chambers, said: "What happened in Creeslough, Co Donegal, last October was a total tragedy. Ten people going about their daily routines sadly lost their lives and their deaths will still be felt immensely by all those that knew and loved them.
"The response to the explosion was swift and all encompassing. Like everyone else in Northern Ireland I was glad to see our emergency services moving at pace and playing a significant role in the harrowing aftermath. Crews from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, the Fire & Rescue Service and our Air Ambulance all mobilised instantly and were on the scene assisting within a very short period of time.
"If a similarly harrowing incident were to happen in Northern Ireland, I'm quite sure emergency services in the Republic would also come to our assistance. For many decades there has been long-standing practical co-operation and ultimately, when lives are at risk, the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland shouldn't come into any emergency or humanitarian response.
"What we don't need now, however, are public figures trying to cast totally false aspersions in an attempt to make ill-judged party-political points.
"The statement from Fine Gael Senator Emer Currie, has been categorically refuted and shown to be without the slightest foundation. Instead of using the response to the tragedy in an attempt to make a pretty tactless point, she should have first sought to get her facts right. Had she done that she would have quickly realised her speculation was nonsense.
"Senator Currie now needs to make an immediate retraction and apologise for her totally thoughtless, unnecessary and crass intervention."
Making the call, the party's Health Spokesperson, Alan Chambers, said: "What happened in Creeslough, Co Donegal, last October was a total tragedy. Ten people going about their daily routines sadly lost their lives and their deaths will still be felt immensely by all those that knew and loved them.
"The response to the explosion was swift and all encompassing. Like everyone else in Northern Ireland I was glad to see our emergency services moving at pace and playing a significant role in the harrowing aftermath. Crews from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, the Fire & Rescue Service and our Air Ambulance all mobilised instantly and were on the scene assisting within a very short period of time.
"If a similarly harrowing incident were to happen in Northern Ireland, I'm quite sure emergency services in the Republic would also come to our assistance. For many decades there has been long-standing practical co-operation and ultimately, when lives are at risk, the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland shouldn't come into any emergency or humanitarian response.
"What we don't need now, however, are public figures trying to cast totally false aspersions in an attempt to make ill-judged party-political points.
"The statement from Fine Gael Senator Emer Currie, has been categorically refuted and shown to be without the slightest foundation. Instead of using the response to the tragedy in an attempt to make a pretty tactless point, she should have first sought to get her facts right. Had she done that she would have quickly realised her speculation was nonsense.
"Senator Currie now needs to make an immediate retraction and apologise for her totally thoughtless, unnecessary and crass intervention."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 May 2012
Access To Republic Of Ireland Digital TV Channels Confirmed For Northern Ireland
TV viewers in Northern Ireland will be able to watch TG4 and RTÉ One and Two on Freeview following digital TV switchover, the UK Government confirmed today.
Access To Republic Of Ireland Digital TV Channels Confirmed For Northern Ireland
TV viewers in Northern Ireland will be able to watch TG4 and RTÉ One and Two on Freeview following digital TV switchover, the UK Government confirmed today.
13 June 2005
The 2005 Birthday Honours List for Northern Ireland
The full list of recipients of honours in the 2005 Birthday Honours list for Northern Ireland is as follows: Knighthood: Mr Hugh Orde OBE, Chief Constable, Police Service of Northern Ireland - for services to Northern Ireland. CBE: Mr Robert David Stewart Campbell, Belfast - For Political and public service.
The 2005 Birthday Honours List for Northern Ireland
The full list of recipients of honours in the 2005 Birthday Honours list for Northern Ireland is as follows: Knighthood: Mr Hugh Orde OBE, Chief Constable, Police Service of Northern Ireland - for services to Northern Ireland. CBE: Mr Robert David Stewart Campbell, Belfast - For Political and public service.
02 November 2022
Julian Simmons Launches Lidl's Festive Trolley Dash
Lidl Northern Ireland has teamed up with renowned broadcaster Julian Simmons for the return of its major festive fundraiser Trolley Dash, in aid of charity partner NSPCC Northern Ireland.
Julian Simmons Launches Lidl's Festive Trolley Dash
Lidl Northern Ireland has teamed up with renowned broadcaster Julian Simmons for the return of its major festive fundraiser Trolley Dash, in aid of charity partner NSPCC Northern Ireland.
18 July 2022
Lidl Invests Over £1.6m Across NI Business
NI's fastest-growing supermarket retailer, Lidl Northern Ireland, has contributed more than £1.6 million into its staff, local charities and community groups across last year, according to the retailers 2021 Impact Report.
Lidl Invests Over £1.6m Across NI Business
NI's fastest-growing supermarket retailer, Lidl Northern Ireland, has contributed more than £1.6 million into its staff, local charities and community groups across last year, according to the retailers 2021 Impact Report.
22 July 2021
Abortion Services Must Be Made Available ASAP
Abortion services must be made available in Northern Ireland no later than 31 March, 2022.
Abortion Services Must Be Made Available ASAP
Abortion services must be made available in Northern Ireland no later than 31 March, 2022.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
