Other News In Brief

SF To Host 'Irish Unity And The All Island Economy' Conference

Sinn Féin has announced that it's Commission on the Future of Ireland will hold a major event on 'Irish Unity and the All Island Economy' in the Europa Hotel, Belfast on Friday 28th June, 11am – 1pm.

This event will be chaired by Independent Chairperson Cathy Gormley-Heenan, Professor of Politics and Public Policy & Ulster University Provost.

The panel on the day is comprised of Sinn Féin senior finance spokespersons – Pearse Doherty TD, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA and Conor Murphy MLA.

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD said: "Irish unity has the potential to unlock all of the tools which our island economy needs to function more effectively.

"A range of economic forecasts have predicted that Irish unity and the continued development of the all-island economy will lead to a stronger economy.

"This will provide the basis for better health and education services, job creation and an enhanced standard of living for all citizens.

"I am delighted to announce that this major conference will take place in Belfast's Europa Hotel on 28th June.

Conor Murphy MLA said: "I am looking forward to participating in this event along with my colleagues Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA and Pearse Doherty TD.

"Constitutional change is now fixed on the political horizon. Conversations about the constitutional future of the island of Ireland are happening across the country and beyond.

"Irish unity needs to be planned for and people naturally want to know what the new Ireland might look like.

"That means those of us who want Irish unity must provide the space for discussion, listening to people's hopes, aspirations and the concerns of those who have not yet made up their minds, and are unsure how they would vote in a unity referendum.

"Citizens want to know what the new Ireland will mean for them and their families. A strong and fair economy is the basis for a thriving society and for this reason Sinn Féin's Commission on the Future of Ireland is hosting 'Irish Unity and the All Island Economy'

Dr Caoimhe Archibald said;

"I would urge all those interested in economic development and in particular business owners, trade unions, tourism projects and the community sector to come along to this exciting event in the Europa on 28th June.

"The event is open to all and participation from the audience will be a key part of the discussion."

Registration for those wishing to attend is now open at Eventbrite.

DUP Calls For Apology For Misinformation On 2021 Ormeau Rd Incident

DUP North Belfast MLA, Phillip Brett, has said that those who engaged in misinformation and baseless rumour around the two police officers who faced disciplinary proceedings following an incident on the Ormeau Road in February 2021 should apologise.

Speaking after raising the issue at the start of business in the Assembly today, the DUP MLA said: "I welcome that the officers who faced these proceedings have been formally cleared. Belfast High Court deemed a decision to suspend one of the officers, and reposition the other, was unlawful – and was in response to political interference from Sinn Fein.

"Despite this ruling, bizarrely the PSNI pressed ahead with a misconduct charge against the suspended officer, who rightly then appealed the decision to issue him with a written warning and that appeal was upheld on Friday.

"The words of the Police Federation’s chair Liam Kelly were striking when he talked of 'misinformation' and 'irrational conjecture' that has been circulated since the original incident. He said they were 'appalled by the amount of misinformation, baseless rumours and irrational conjecture around this incident'.

"The time has now come for those who engaged misinformation and baseless rumour to apologise for their actions.

"The now First Minister accused the PSNI of unjustified heavy-handed tactics

"The MP for South Down described the actions by the PSNI as vindictive and cowardly.

"These remarks have been disproven by the courts and the Police Ombudsman. "The time has now come for the First Minister to apologise for her remarks and make a public apology to those officers who have been fully exonerated.

"The interference by politicians in due process cannot be repeated and the lessons of this incident must be learnt.

"The PSNI must be allowed to continue to serve all sections of our community without fear or favour."

Tourism NI Event Highlights 2024 Amgen Irish Open Opportunities

Tourism Northern Ireland have hosted an event for key stakeholders and local businesses from the Northern Ireland tourism industry to showcase the exciting opportunities to get involved in the 2024 Amgen Irish Open.

The tournament, which takes place at the world class Royal County Down Golf Club in Newcastle, Co Down from 11-15 September, will bring some of the top golfers in the world to Northern Ireland.

At the Slieve Donard Hotel this week, over 90 representatives from local businesses joined Tourism NI, Newry Mourne and Down District Council, Royal County Down Golf Club, DP World Tour, and the NI Fire & Rescue Service to discuss how best to maximise the business opportunity offered by the tournament.

The businesses in attendance were advised of plans for marketing, accommodation certification requirements, transport and traffic, briefed about expected quality and fire safety standards, and found out how they could get ready to welcome visitors to the tournament.

Siobhan McGuigan, Head of Events at Tourism Northern Ireland said: “Northern Ireland is truly made for golf, and we have a big year ahead of us with the Amgen Irish Open coming to Royal County Down this year and the 153rd Open Championship returning to Royal Portrush in July 2025. Tourism NI is a proud partner of both events.

“Northern Ireland is famed for its 19th hole hospitality, and we want visitors not only to enjoy the golf but also experience all that NI has to offer off-course too, including local food, drink, music, accommodation and visitor attractions. We are also known as a value-for-money destination, so would encourage our industry to apply fair-pricing principles, to encourage visitors to extend their stay, and come back to visit again.”

Paul Gillmon, Championship Director of the Amgen Irish Open from the DP World Tour, said: “We are excited to be heading to Royal County Down for this year’s Amgen Irish Open and we are grateful to all our partners for their support in building what will undoubtedly be one of the highlights on the island of Ireland’s sporting calendar.

“The community spirit and buy-in from local people and businesses alike make this event what it is, and it was wonderful to see so many express an interest in finding out how they can get involved this year.”

Cllr Valerie Harte, Chairperson of Newry Mourne & Down District Council, said: “The Council is proud that this year’s Amgen Irish Open is taking place in Newcastle. We are working in partnership with DP World Tour, Royal County Down and Tourism NI, and want to extend a giant invitation to people who are coming for the golf to take time to experience all that this region has to offer. There are fantastic opportunities for local tourism businesses to benefit from the arrival of visitors from across Ireland, the UK and beyond to this tournament and for it to provide a positive boost to the local economy.”

The Irish Open was first played in the 1920s and most recently took place in Northern Ireland in 2020, when it was hosted by Galgorm Castle Golf Club. The tournament was last staged at Royal County Down in 2015. Previous Irish Opens held in Northern Ireland have each generated in excess of 20,000 bednights across the region, and significant global broadcast coverage.

The day before this year’s main tournament begins, celebrities including Patrick Kielty, Johnny Sexton, Tommy Bowe and James Nesbitt will be taking part in the Amgen Irish Open Pro Am competition.

Tourism NI recently revealed that the overall value of Golf Tourism in 2023 increased to £68.2m, the highest figure ever recorded for golf tourism in NI, and well above the £52m recorded in 2019, the year which saw The Open Championship return to Royal Portrush. The increase was driven by more spend by golfers from Great Britain and North America.

The figures were published as Northern Ireland was named the Best Golf Destination in Western Europe by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO).