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10/09/2009
First Autumn Cabinet Meeting Today
Northern Ireland's Executive team will meet today, amid simmering tension between the First and Deputy First Ministers.
It will be the first full cabinet meeting since the Assembly broke for summer recess.
The economic downturn is set to dominate the agenda at Stormont Castle, however, talks are likely to be overshadowed by a public spat between Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness.
The row centres on a speech Mr Robinson gave this week, outlining a proposed shake-up to how voting works within the Assembly. It was not the three-page address approved by Mr McGuinness's office.
Mr Robinson said he delivered his speech at the devolution conference as leader of the DUP and not First Minister.
Sinn Fein criticised Mr Robinson's comments, which raised questions over the financing of devolved policing and justice powers.
The First Minister said there was no need to wait until 2015 to amend voting systems at Stormont, suggesting community designation vetoes should be axed.
Mr McGuinness accused his OFMDFM colleague of pedalling "fantasy politics".
Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has also hit the headlines following criticism over the rehousing of a police officer and his family.
The officer was told in March his life was under imminent threat from dissident republicans. Under the government's SPED scheme, funds are made available to re-home public servants in danger.
However, it was revealed this week that the officer and his family were told no money would be forthcoming.
Ms Ritchie, whose department is responsible for overseeing the allocation of funding, said she had tried and failed to increase the budget by £5m in June.
However, Mr Robinson blasted the SDLP minister for not acting faster. She has since called on Finance Minister Sammy Wilson to bridge the funding gap, expressing her disappointment at some DUP members for opening the matter to public debate.
(PR/KMcA)
It will be the first full cabinet meeting since the Assembly broke for summer recess.
The economic downturn is set to dominate the agenda at Stormont Castle, however, talks are likely to be overshadowed by a public spat between Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness.
The row centres on a speech Mr Robinson gave this week, outlining a proposed shake-up to how voting works within the Assembly. It was not the three-page address approved by Mr McGuinness's office.
Mr Robinson said he delivered his speech at the devolution conference as leader of the DUP and not First Minister.
Sinn Fein criticised Mr Robinson's comments, which raised questions over the financing of devolved policing and justice powers.
The First Minister said there was no need to wait until 2015 to amend voting systems at Stormont, suggesting community designation vetoes should be axed.
Mr McGuinness accused his OFMDFM colleague of pedalling "fantasy politics".
Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has also hit the headlines following criticism over the rehousing of a police officer and his family.
The officer was told in March his life was under imminent threat from dissident republicans. Under the government's SPED scheme, funds are made available to re-home public servants in danger.
However, it was revealed this week that the officer and his family were told no money would be forthcoming.
Ms Ritchie, whose department is responsible for overseeing the allocation of funding, said she had tried and failed to increase the budget by £5m in June.
However, Mr Robinson blasted the SDLP minister for not acting faster. She has since called on Finance Minister Sammy Wilson to bridge the funding gap, expressing her disappointment at some DUP members for opening the matter to public debate.
(PR/KMcA)
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An innovative campaign, the 'Unite Against Hate' sporting weekend has been launched. Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson and his Junior Minister Gerry Kelly (pictured) joined forces to support the campaign which highlights all forms of hate crime and challenges people here to unite to stop it.
18 November 2010
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'Don't Rush Budget', Says McGuinness
As it emerged that Executive Ministers are to review progress on budget discussions this afternoon - with a report from Stormont's own specialised review committee expected to be presented - First Minister Peter Robinson's insistence on the need for the Executive to agree a budget soon has come in for criticism.
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The DUP has responded to a call for unionist unity by UUP MLA David McNarry claiming that unionism is uniting - around the DUP. Strangford DUP MLA Iris Robinson said: "Unionists are uniting around the position and policies of the Democratic Unionist Party.
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Iris Robinson Committed 'Serious Breach'
An investigation has found Irish Robinson committed a "serious breach" of the Northern Ireland Assembly's code of conduct. The report, compiled by the assembly's Committee on Standards and Privileges, follows a BBC Spotlight investigation four years ago.
Iris Robinson Committed 'Serious Breach'
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16 June 2011
Cultural Past 'On Record' In Belfast
The successful completion of a major construction project has been marked this week as the new Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) was officially opened. The Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson, Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness (both pictured) and Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín were in the Titanic Quarter for the event.
Cultural Past 'On Record' In Belfast
The successful completion of a major construction project has been marked this week as the new Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) was officially opened. The Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson, Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness (both pictured) and Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín were in the Titanic Quarter for the event.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
