Other News In Brief

Alliance Calls For Better Regulation And Policing Of Firework Displays

The Alliance Party has called for better regulation and policing of firework displays, given the adverse affects they can have on both people and animals.

The party's Animal Welfare spokesperson, Patrick Brown, highlighted the RSPCA's 'Bang Out of Order' campaign that in 2018 alone they received 411 calls for firework related issues, that over 50% of cats, dogs and horses show signs of distress in response to fireworks, with horses in particular risking injury to themselves or even motorists from bolting as a result.

Nearly 30,000 people also responded to a UK Government consultation on firework regulation in 2019, with over 70% stating that the effect of noise on animals concerned them. Research from the RSCPA also highlighted the impact fireworks can have on humans, including military veterans or anyone with gunshot-related PTSD, as well as some children and adults with autism.

South Down MLA, Mr Brown said: "Whilst we recognise the importance of traditional firework displays in bringing communities together at this time of year, there is no reason why these events have to go off with a 'bang'.

"Instead, community groups, councils, and individuals putting on displays should consider investing in 'silent' fireworks or laser displays, which can be a much more inclusive and animal-friendly option whilst maintaining the same visual and aesthetic appeal. These displays often cost the same or even less than traditional fireworks, without the added drawbacks of noise pollution and the potential impact on the well-being of others in the community.

"As Alliance's Animal Welfare spokesperson, I will be exploring ways to better regulate the sale and use of fireworks in Northern Ireland through fresh legislation once the Executive returns. However, in the meantime, we would urge everyone to consider the impact fireworks can have on vulnerable animals and groups of people, especially at this time of the year."

QUB Announce Launch Of New Student Hub

Queen's University Belfast (QUB) has announced the launch of Queen's Business School and the new Student Hub building.

The School rebranded to Queen's Business School at the beginning of September, and the state-of-the-art £26m Queen's Business School Student Hub opened its doors to over 3,000 students and staff at the start of the new academic year.

During the launch event, the keynote was delivered by entrepreneur and global leader, Dr Gururaj Deshpande, on the topic of 'The purpose of business schools in the 21st century'. Dr Deshpande is the Trustee of the Deshpande Foundation, President and Chairman of Sparta Group LLC, a family investment office, and life-member of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Corporation.

The audience also engaged in two panel discussions which explored the role of accreditation and rankings in sensitising business schools to their societal responsibilities, and what Queen's Business School can offer the local and global community.

Professor Sir Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen's said: "Today marks an exciting new chapter for Queen's Business School. The rebrand reflects the School and University's commitment to providing education of the highest standard in partnership with business, civil society, and government.

"The new state-of-the-art facility, the Student Hub, will further enhance the School's world-class reputation for business education, serving business and society."

Dean and Head of Queen's Business School, Professor M.N. Ravishankar commented: "We are delighted to officially launch Queen's Business School and Student Hub, showcasing the rebrand and our new purpose-built facility to our students, colleagues, partners, and business community.

"This is an exciting time for the School as we look forward to the future and build on our vision to develop principled and effective leaders; engage with business, civil society, and government; and grow international stature and esteem."

Queen's Business School holds multiple, world-class business school accreditations such as EQUIS, Association of MBAs (AMBA), Small Business Charter, Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), and the Athena Swan Charter.

Greens Call For 'Investigation' Of DUP Councillor

Green Party Ards and North Down Councillor for Bangor West, Barry McKee, has called on the Local Government Commissioner to investigate alleged offensive comments made by a DUP councillor.

Mr McKee said: "I am absolutely disgusted at the comments made by Cllr Colin Kennedy during the full council debate on a motion in relation to the ongoing atrocities in Israel and Palestine, linking the LGBT community with support for Hamas.

"His comments not only caused offence to those listening, but to a number of other councillors and with good cause. The fact that a number of elected representatives left the Chamber, one removing himself completely from the meeting showed the deep hurt that his comments caused. This is not the first time this representative has stepped over the line.

"He was given ample opportunity to apologise and retract his statement and refused to do so. I, along with others, will be bringing this up to the ombudsman as a complaint."