15/01/2025

Fiona McAteer Appointed Belfast's New High Sheriff

Councillor Fiona McAteer has been sworn in as Belfast's 125th High Sheriff, taking over from Councillor Sammy Douglas.

Representing the Titanic area for Alliance, McAteer was elected to council in May 2023.

"I am very honoured to be appointed to such a prestigious role," said McAteer. "I look forward to supporting the Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor throughout 2025."

McAteer, a research and policy officer, highlighted her passion for outdoor spaces and her commitment to supporting the Walkway Community Association.
News Image
"Everyone should have green space in their community," she said. "I'm proud to support Walkway, which plays a vital role in east Belfast."

The High Sheriff also announced her support for the Integrated Education Fund (IEF).

"As a supporter of Integrated Education, I want to use my role to highlight the IEF's amazing work," said McAteer. "I previously worked on the Integrated Education Act, a piece of work I am very proud of."

McAteer will serve a one-year term alongside Lord Mayor Micky Murray and Deputy Lord Mayor Andrew McCormick.

Latest Northern Ireland News

15 January 2025
Man Sought After Assault At Maternity Hospital
Police investigating an assault on staff at the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital on Saturday 11th January are making a specific appeal for a man who intervened and stopped the attack, to come forward. Shortly before 8:30pm, it was reported to police that a female nurse aged in her 20s was assaulted and placed in a headlock by a male assailant.
15 January 2025
Giant Adventure Park Planned For Belfast's Waterfront
An ambitious plan for a giant-themed urban adventure park and nature sanctuary has been unveiled for Belfast. The project, situated on a former landfill site on Dargan Road in north Belfast, is a public-private partnership between Belfast City Council and Giant's Park Belfast Limited.
15 January 2025
Alliance Calls For Northern Ireland AI Strategy
Alliance Party spokesperson Kate Nicholl MLA has called on Northern Ireland's Ministers to develop a plan for managing Artificial Intelligence (AI) following the publication of the UK Government's AI Opportunities Action Plan. "AI has stimulated a great deal of public conversation and is increasingly impacting on our lives.
15 January 2025
Ambulance Delays Contributing To Healthcare Crisis – SDLP
The SDLP's health spokesperson, Colin McGrath MLA, has highlighted lengthy ambulance response times as a significant factor in the ongoing strain on Northern Ireland's health service. McGrath, who has spoken out about the issue of ambulance delays, particularly in rural areas, made his comments following a recent Assembly debate.
15 January 2025
Man Arrested Following Violent Incident In Newtownards
A 20-year-old man has been arrested following a police operation in the Victoria Avenue area of Newtownards in the early hours of this morning, Wednesday 15th January. Local Policing Team officers conducting patrols in the area detained a man to conduct a drug search.
15 January 2025
Fiona McAteer Appointed Belfast's New High Sheriff
Councillor Fiona McAteer has been sworn in as Belfast's 125th High Sheriff, taking over from Councillor Sammy Douglas. Representing the Titanic area for Alliance, McAteer was elected to council in May 2023. "I am very honoured to be appointed to such a prestigious role," said McAteer.
15 January 2025
New International Panel To Address Curriculum Reform
Northern Ireland's Education Minister, Paul Givan, has announced the formation of an international advisory panel on curriculum and assessment. The panel, comprised of education experts from around the world, will provide guidance and recommendations for reforming Northern Ireland's education system.
15 January 2025
Which Business Strategies Are Likely To Become More Popular In The UK?
The way businesses operate in the UK is changing rapidly. Companies are exploring new strategies to stand out in a crowded market and stay connected to their customers. These approaches reflect how businesses aim to remain competitive while addressing shifting consumer expectations.
15 January 2025
Newtownabbey Woman Dies After Glengormley Collision
The PSNI have named the woman who died following a road traffic collision in Glengormley on Monday 13th January as Carole Graham, aged 77, from the Newtownabbey area. The collision, involving a female pedestrian and a white Kia Sportage, was reported at approximately 5pm on the Antrim Road.
15 January 2025
Other News In Brief
SF Condemn Those Behind Attack On Nurse Sinn Féin has condemned an attack in a female nurse at the Royal Maternity Hospital on Saturday 11 January as "disgraceful’. The West Belfast MLA.Órlaithí Flynn said: "I am horrified to learn that a young nurse, who had been working at the Royal Maternity Hospital, was assaulted on Saturday evening.