Other News In Brief

Alliance MLA Calls For NI To Adopt Minimum Unit Pricing For Alcohol

Danny Donnelly, the Alliance Party's Health Spokesperson and MLA for East Antrim, has praised the Scottish Government for implementing an increase in the region's minimum unit price (MUP) for alcohol. He urged the Northern Ireland Executive to adopt a similar policy to address alcohol-related deaths and hospital admissions.

Mr. Donnelly cited the positive impact of Scotland's MUP policy, which was introduced in 2018. The evidence has shown a 13% reduction in alcohol-related deaths and a 4% decrease in alcohol-related hospital admissions.

He emphasised the need for Northern Ireland to follow suit, stating that the proven benefits of MUP in Scotland highlight its potential to significantly reduce alcohol-related harm in the region.

He continued: "The most recent data from the Northern Ireland Statistic and Research Agency shows that in 2022 there were 356 alcohol-specific deaths in NI, which is a 46 per cent rise since 2012. Additionally in 2022, the alcohol-specific age-standardised mortality rate per 100,000 people was the highest on record.

"We should be deeply concerned by these figures, as they highlight a growing issue that is detrimentally affecting our society. It is urgent we prioritise tackling this issue and introduce MUP in the region, which will save lives and reduce pressure on health services.

"Whilst the implementation of a MUP policy in Northern Ireland can make an important difference, I acknowledge it is not a silver bullet. Further work is required to increase access to treatment and recovery support for those already experiencing alcohol dependency and related challenges, and also in taking preventative action. "This is yet another example of how Northern Ireland is falling behind other jurisdictions. The Health Minister must proceed in making better evidence-based policy decisions such as introducing MUP which will help those dealing with the negative effects of alcohol, further support our health services, and ultimately save lives and adverse health outcomes."

UUP Announces New MLA For Fermanagh And South Tyrone

The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has selected Diana Armstrong to replace Lord Elliott as the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Fermanagh and South Tyrone.

Ms. Armstrong expressed her gratitude and pride in taking on this new role, following in the footsteps of her late father, Harry West. She stated her commitment to working with her party colleagues and UUP Leader Mike Nesbitt to serve the people of Fermanagh and South Tyrone and all of Northern Ireland.

She continued: "I would like to take a moment to pay tribute to my predecessor, Lord Elliott of Ballinamallard. I acknowledge the vital work he has done in his time serving the community and Unionism. I’m committed to building on the foundations laid by Lord Elliott and ensuring that the needs and concerns of Fermanagh and South Tyrone continue to be addressed with dedication and care."

Ulster Unionist Party Leader, Mike Nesbitt MLA, said: "I want to welcome Diana to our Assembly team, Fermanagh and South Tyrone remain very well represented at the Assembly and, with the additional benefit of having Lord Elliott delivering both for the United Kingdom’s most westerly constituency and for all of Northern Ireland, we continue to build our representation for relaxed, confident and inclusive Unionism.

"With Diana bringing her experience to the Economy portfolio, I am confident that we will continue to box above our weight both inside and outside of the Assembly Chamber."

SF Urge People To Contact Police Over Incidents In West Belfast

Sinn Féin has called for anyone with information in relation to incidents in west Belfast over recent days to contact police. 

Making the call, West Belfast MP Paul Maskey said: "Police have been dealing with a number of incidents across west Belfast in recent days.

"If anyone has information on these incidents, they should bring this to the PSNI.

"The police now have a job of work to do to bring whoever was responsible for incidents last week before the courts."