Other News In Brief

UUP Calls On Justice Minister To Support Chief Constable

Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) Finance Spokesperson, Dr. Steve Aiken OBE MLA, has called on the Justice Minister to support the PSNI Chief Constable, Jon Boutcher.

Speaking as a news story on the Justice Permanent Secretary writing to Jon Boucher broke, Dr. Aiken, said: "The funding crisis hitting policing has been well signalled and long anticipated. That the Chief Constable had to appeal directly to the Prime Minister should be a point of negotiation the Justice Minister could have been using with her Executive colleagues, instead of detailing her Permanent Secretary to chastise her leading police officer.

"The Ulster Unionist Party and our Health Minister took a different approach, we talked directly to the Trusts and when they told us, categorically, that they could not deliver, we listened and did not sign off on the budget.

"That the Justice Minister appears to have ignored the pleas of the Chief Constable is bad enough, by not making a strong stand in the same way our minister and party have, is undermining vital police services.

"A budget stance at the time from the Justice Minister and her party colleagues, similar to the UUP, could well have helped to provide additional pressure that may have prompted a positive response from the Treasury.

"That the Justice Department Permanent Secretary, who it will be remembered recommended the removal of the Health Minister during CoVID, is still threatening interference with vital public services should also be a matter of considerable concern."

SF Condemns 'Sickening And Deplorable' Arson Attack

A racially motivated arson attack in Newtownabbey has been described as 'sickening and deplorable' by Sinn Féin MP John Finucane.

The North Belfast MP said: "The racist attack on a business in Newtownabbey in the early hours of this morning was absolutely sickening and deplorable.

"This business operates to serve our community and employ workers. It is totally unacceptable that it has been targeted in this way.

"These disgusting and disgraceful attacks which are fuelled by racism, hatred and discrimination have no place in our inclusive and forward-looking society.

"Those intent on causing hate and stirring up division must face the full force of the law, and I would appeal to anyone who may have information on this incident to bring it forward to police."

DUP Condemn Those Behind Banbridge Security Alert

The DUP has condemned those responsible for a suspect device that has been found in Oak Lodge, in the Castlewellan Road area of Banbridge.

Banbridge MLA Diane Dodds said: "Police and army are currently on site dealing with this device which has resulted in a number of residents being evacuated. Banbridge Leisure Centre has been opened for residents, but this is obviously causing disruption and upset to those impacted.

"It is disgraceful that such a device would be left and I pay tribute to all those who put their own safety at risk to ensure the public are safe. I hope that it can be resolved quickly.

"Anyone with information about this incident should contact the police to ensure those responsible are brought to justice."