Other News In Brief

Police Investigate Assault In Banbridge

Police in Banbridge are appealing for information following a reported assault in the Newry Street area in the early hours of Sunday, 30th March.

According to Sergeant Nelson, officers received a report that a woman in her 30s was knocked unconscious after a verbal altercation with a man. The man is described as being in his 20s, tall, and was wearing dark clothing and sporting a mullet hairstyle.

A second woman who tried to intervene was also reportedly punched in the face but did not sustain any serious injuries.

The incidents are believed to have taken place between approximately 12:30 am and 12:45 am. Police are urging anyone who was in the Newry Street area at that time and witnessed the assault, or who may have dash cam or other video footage relevant to their investigation, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 326 of 30/03/25.

A report can also be made online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

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

Sinn Féin Mp Calls For Irish Government To Prepare For Unity

Sinn Féin MP Pat Cullen has urged the Irish government to "grasp the nettle" and begin preparations for a border poll on Irish unity. Speaking at the 'Arise Festival Dayschool 2025' in London, during a panel discussion titled 'Winning Irish unity this decade', Cullen emphasised the growing momentum behind the conversation on constitutional change.

The Fermanagh and South Tyrone MP, alongside John McDonnell MP, discussed the potential of a united Ireland, stating that "more and more, ordinary people across society want to know what this future would look like, and how they can play a positive role in shaping it."

Cullen reiterated Sinn Féin's calls for the Irish government to establish an inclusive Citizens' Assembly on Irish unity, publish a green paper on the topic, and appoint a Minister for Reunification within the Department of An Taoiseach. She also criticised the British government's handling of Northern Ireland, claiming that "Westminster has once again made clear that it has no regard for workers, families or public services here." She condemned the focus on increased military spending while "draining frontline services."

As a former leader of the Royal College of Nursing, Cullen highlighted the "damaging" impact of the Conservative government's austerity measures, which she said "attacked the most vulnerable and slashed investment in vital public services." She also expressed disappointment that the Labour Party was "continuing down this path with an agenda of cuts and adopting a turbo-charged Tory approach."

Cullen concluded that "it is only through building a new and united Ireland, where decisions are made in the best interests of people on the island, will we fully prosper and realise our huge potential."

DUP Calls for Urgent Redevelopment Of Craigavon Area Hospital

Diane Dodds MLA is set to bring a motion before the Northern Ireland Assembly tomorrow, urging immediate action on the redevelopment of Craigavon Area Hospital. The Upper Bann MLA has highlighted the critical need for significant investment in the hospital, which she says has not seen any major capital development since it opened over five decades ago.

Speaking ahead of the debate, Dodds acknowledged the benefit of the new paediatric department but stressed that the main hospital is struggling with ageing equipment, insufficient bed capacity, and a lack of essential clinical accommodation, including theatres and day surgery facilities. She warned that this situation is negatively impacting patient experience, clinical outcomes, and infection control.

Dodds called on the Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt, to approve and fund the trust’s programme business case for the redevelopment. She emphasised that Craigavon Hospital is a "key pillar in Northern Ireland's acute hospital network" serving a large population and that modernisation is essential to ensure it is "fit for purpose" and can continue to provide safe, high-quality care for patients in the future.

While one source indicates some multi-million pound developments have taken place at the hospital over the past decade, Dodds' statement suggests the core infrastructure requires more substantial upgrades.