Other News In Brief

DUP Condemns 'Obscenity' Of Absentee SF MP's Claiming Westminster Expenses

The DUP has called for the "obscenity" of absentee MPs from Sinn Fein being awarded expenses and allowances from Westminster despite not attending Parliament must be ended.

North Belfast MLA and Westminster candidate for Belfast North, Phillip Brett, also called for the foreign donation loophole, which sees Northern Ireland stand alone in the British Isles as the only place where foreign donations of money can influence politics, to be closed.

Mr Brett said: "Since 2019, North Belfast has had no voice in Parliament. John Finucane might hold the title of Member of Parliament, but not once has he spoken up for this constituency in the House of Commons – not a word on support for hard pressed families, nothing to secure more money for our public services, not a word on attracting funding into deprived areas of North Belfast.

"All the while, Mr Finucane has been issued with hundreds of thousands of pounds by Westminster in expenses and allowances. That is totally wrong, and wholly unjustifiable. This obscenity is replicated in every constituency held by Sinn Fein.

"DUP MPs will continue to raise this issue in Parliament, seeking to bring an end to this perverse use of taxpayer's money. Furthermore, we will also continue to campaign for a level playing field in Northern Ireland in relation to foreign donations for political parties being subject to the same rules as those across Great Britain. Sinn Fein's magic money tree, whether rooted in America or Australia, must be tackled.

"DUP MPs, taking their seats and using their voice, will campaign vigorously to achieve progress on these important issues of trust and transparency in our politics. We trust the next Government will listen and act."

Appeal For Information Following Report Of Criminal Damage In Carrickfergus

The PSNI have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following a report of criminal damage to a property in the Lancasterian Street area of in Carrickfergus.

Making the appeal, District Commander, Superintendent Ian McCormick said: "Police received a report shortly after 9.30am today, Wednesday 26th June, that damage had been caused to the windows and doors of the premises at some time overnight.

"Officers remain at the scene as part of our investigation to establish the circumstances around this incident; however at this stage it appears that the damage may have been caused by ball-bearings.

"As part of our enquiries, we are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area overnight and saw anything suspicious, or who may have CCTV, dashcam or other video footage.

"The number to call is 101, quoting reference 442 of 26/06/24."

Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/

Superintendent McCormick continued: "People standing as candidates in our elections or involved in canvassing are a key part of our democratic process and it is unacceptable when they become the subject of abuse. The Police Service is committed to ensuring all candidates in the upcoming election can campaign free from harassment and intimidation. Any abuse, harassment or criminality directed at candidates or their teams is totally unacceptable and will be thoroughly investigated."

Alliance Bill To Address Unwanted Flags And Banners

Alliance Executive Office spokesperson Paula Bradshaw has brought forward a Private Member's Bill on addressing unwanted flags and banners on public property, particularly those supporting proscribed paramilitary organisations.

The South Belfast MLA said: "It is now nearly three years since the Commission’s report, into which all parties had input, that outlined a fair and reasonable Protocol under which flags, banners and emblems could be flown, for a defined period, from public property. There has, however, been no action on this since.

"The penalty for this inaction is clear to society as a whole. This week alone, we saw reports of public money being paid to organisations not to put up flags which clearly invite support for proscribed organisations. We are also seeing new housing estates defaced with emblems and flags clearly designed to mark territory. More than a quarter of a century on from the Agreement, this is a fundamental failure of public policy.

"Therefore, I have submitted a proposal for a Private Member's Bill. One which will put people in no doubt of the requirement for authorities to remove flags, banners and markings placed on public property in support of paramilitary groups, while at the same time clearly enabling the reasonable and time-bound display of emblems placed for the purposes of legitimate commemoration or celebration. Consultation on this Bill will be important and is scheduled for mid-September onwards."