Other News In Brief

Colum Eastwood Pays Tribute To Tommie Gorman

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has paid tribute to former RTÉ Northern Editor Tommie Gorman following news of his passing today.

Mr Eastwood said: "This is desperately sad news. Tommie Gorman was a good friend to everyone who knew him, a great storyteller and a fiercely independent, fair-minded journalist.

"I stood at microphones many times after a press conference and felt the familiar flash of panic that every political leader knew when they saw Tommie emerge from the pack to ask the blinder of a question that you were hoping wouldn't come. I saw him cut through waffling and guldering in his quiet, forceful manner, always trying to get past the heat and down to the heart of a story.

"I also saw Tommie's endless dedication to telling the stories of ordinary people. It didn't matter who you were or where you came from, he was interested in raising up the voices of people who needed to be heard. And I will always be grateful for his kind storytelling for the people of Derry.

"He wasn't afraid to tell you exactly what he thought but always, always with a view to helping you do better and be better.

"When he retired in 2021 I said to him that I hoped he'd enjoy swapping cold late nights at Stormont for happier days at the Showgrounds with his loving and devoted family. I'm thinking of Ceara, Moya, Joe and his wide circle of friends at this difficult time. I hope they are comforted by the enormous impact Tommie had on our whole island and the people who share it."

Alliance Raise 'Warrenpoint Stench' With DAERA Minister

Alliance South Down MLA Andrew McMurray has welcomed a meeting with DAERA Minister, Andrew Muir, to raise concerns over foul odours affecting residents in Warrenpoint.

Residents in the area have been reporting the stenches since 2023, which led to an investigation by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.

Mr McMurray has said: "I have spoken to the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs about concerns from local residents and business owners in relation to reports of foul odours. He has listened to the issues raised and as follow-up I have requested a meeting with Minister Muir which I hope will occur soon.

"The stenches reported are shocking, and I am determined to continue working with all relevant bodies to secure a permeant resolution to the foul odours affecting people in Warrenpoint."

DUP Commits To Focus On Delivery For Working Families

The DUP will continue to focus on delivery for working families, with particular focus on increasing support for childcare and a fairer tax system, South Antrim DUP Candidate Paul Girvan has said.

Mr Girvan continued: "One of the biggest financial pressures facing working families is the cost of childcare. The lack of access to affordable, flexible and high-quality childcare not only adds a cost burden onto hard pressed families, but it also has a negative impact on employment, recruitment and retention of staff in frontline services in particular.

"The DUP is committed to putting more money back into the pockets of hard-working families. That is why the DUP Education Minister, Paul Givan, has already introduced measures to reduce childcare bills for working parents through a Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme. We have also moved to ensure all children access 22.5 hours pre-school education per week.

"This is just the start our plan to make things better for working families. DUP MPs in Westminster will seek to increase the Tax-Free Childcare allowance from 20% to 35%, as well as removing the cap on Tax Free Childcare above £2,000.

"Our benefits and tax system must also be reformed to support those families who need help. We will press the Government to implement an ‘Essential Guarantee’ in Universal Credit, ensuring the standard allowance cannot reduce below a legal minimum amount required to afford essentials, and to remove the two-child limit on Universal Credit for 3-and 4-child households. For those earning more, we will advocate that the High-Income Child Benefit charge be based on household, rather than individual, income.

Our plan for protecting family incomes is clear, and DUP MPs in tandem with colleagues in the Northern Ireland Executive, will work tirelessly to deliver on that plan, and put more money back into the pockets of local families."