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13/02/2009
NI Elections Put Off
Northern Ireland's next local government elections will be held in 2011, Minister Paul Goggins MP has confirmed.
The decision follows a request in April last year by former NI Environment Minister Arlene Foster to delay the elections - scheduled for next year - until 2011 to reflect the new local Government structure under the Review of Public Administration.
The necessary legislation to do so has now completed the parliamentary process.
Paul Goggins said last night: "Government is committed to doing everything it can to facilitate local politicians working together in local government for the people of Northern Ireland.
"A decision to delay elections is never taken lightly, but Parliament's decision to delay the next local council elections until 2011 makes practical sense and it will ensure the smooth transition and bedding in of the reduction of 26 to 11 local councils in Northern Ireland."
(BMcC/JM)
The decision follows a request in April last year by former NI Environment Minister Arlene Foster to delay the elections - scheduled for next year - until 2011 to reflect the new local Government structure under the Review of Public Administration.
The necessary legislation to do so has now completed the parliamentary process.
Paul Goggins said last night: "Government is committed to doing everything it can to facilitate local politicians working together in local government for the people of Northern Ireland.
"A decision to delay elections is never taken lightly, but Parliament's decision to delay the next local council elections until 2011 makes practical sense and it will ensure the smooth transition and bedding in of the reduction of 26 to 11 local councils in Northern Ireland."
(BMcC/JM)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Staying cold. Any freezing fog that has formed overnight will slowly thin and disperse during the morning. Otherwise dry and bright much of the day with perhaps the odd coastal shower in the north and east. Maximum temperature 4 °C.Tonight:Dry at first with cloud thickening from the south through the evening. The odd shower, wintry over high ground, over northern counties, becoming more persistent rain over Down and Antrim. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
