02/05/2017
Other News In Brief
Report 'Completely Vindicates' Warnings On Energy - Chambers
The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee Inquiry and Report into the Electricity Sector "completely vindicates the concerns raised at Stormont by the Ulster Unionist Party before the Executive fell", UUP Economy Spokeperson Alan Chambers MLA has said.
Mr Chambers said: "The warnings we gave about the threat to security of electricity supply have been reiterated in the Report, which clearly identifies the need for new generating capacity within Northern Ireland.
"When we put forward and debated a motion on this subject at Stormont in November 2016, we faced a hostile reaction from the massed ranks of the then partners in the DUP/ Sinn Fein Executive, who accused us of scaremongering and worse. Where are those voices of complacency and denial now, when we have another Report which states we are heading to a situation where, if decisions are not made now, we will struggle to keep the lights on after 2021?
"The problem is that we have had energy reports and recommendations before. Just one example was the Energy and Manufacturing Advisory Group (EMAG) report which contained 24 recommendations and was presented to the Minister at Stormont last April. Despite repeated questions, no official response has emerged from a Department embroiled in the RHI debacle. So we have had reports, we have had debates, but we have had no action from government and a vacuum where an energy policy for Northern Ireland should exist."
Flying Of SAS Flag Condemned
Sinn Féin's Mickey Brady has condemned the flying of an SAS flag at Loughgall as insensitive which will add further distress to the families of the nine men who were killed there 30 years ago.
Republicans recently held a commemoration in Cappagh to remember the fatal events of 08 May 1987 when eight IRA Volunteers and civilian Anthony Hughes were shot dead by the SAS in the village.
He said: "Having recently attended a commemoration to mark the 30th anniversary of the Loughgall massacre, I'm appalled to learn that a British SAS flag has been reported as flying in the village.
"This shameful act of glorification will only serve to add further distress to the families of the nine men as we approach the 30th anniversary."
Lack Of Agreement On Posters Is 'Disappointing' - Alliance
Alliance Lagan Valley Westminster candidate Aaron McIntyre has said the lack of a local agreement on posters in the constituency is disappointing, after the DUP put up its posters in the area without attempting to discuss the matter with other parties.
It follows an agreement between the main parties for March's Assembly election, which saw no posters until the day before the election, when they were placed around polling stations.
He said: "The recent no-poster agreement in Lagan Valley in the Assembly election received a positive response from the people of the constituency. As a result, Alliance was open to negotiations to participate in a similar agreement for this campaign.
"It is therefore disappointing the DUP decided to go ahead and place their posters up already throughout Lagan Valley. The expensive boards for posters have now been ordered, so we are past the point of no return and unfortunately we will be unable to have an agreement this time."
(CD)
The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee Inquiry and Report into the Electricity Sector "completely vindicates the concerns raised at Stormont by the Ulster Unionist Party before the Executive fell", UUP Economy Spokeperson Alan Chambers MLA has said.
Mr Chambers said: "The warnings we gave about the threat to security of electricity supply have been reiterated in the Report, which clearly identifies the need for new generating capacity within Northern Ireland.
"When we put forward and debated a motion on this subject at Stormont in November 2016, we faced a hostile reaction from the massed ranks of the then partners in the DUP/ Sinn Fein Executive, who accused us of scaremongering and worse. Where are those voices of complacency and denial now, when we have another Report which states we are heading to a situation where, if decisions are not made now, we will struggle to keep the lights on after 2021?
"The problem is that we have had energy reports and recommendations before. Just one example was the Energy and Manufacturing Advisory Group (EMAG) report which contained 24 recommendations and was presented to the Minister at Stormont last April. Despite repeated questions, no official response has emerged from a Department embroiled in the RHI debacle. So we have had reports, we have had debates, but we have had no action from government and a vacuum where an energy policy for Northern Ireland should exist."
Flying Of SAS Flag Condemned
Sinn Féin's Mickey Brady has condemned the flying of an SAS flag at Loughgall as insensitive which will add further distress to the families of the nine men who were killed there 30 years ago.
Republicans recently held a commemoration in Cappagh to remember the fatal events of 08 May 1987 when eight IRA Volunteers and civilian Anthony Hughes were shot dead by the SAS in the village.
He said: "Having recently attended a commemoration to mark the 30th anniversary of the Loughgall massacre, I'm appalled to learn that a British SAS flag has been reported as flying in the village.
"This shameful act of glorification will only serve to add further distress to the families of the nine men as we approach the 30th anniversary."
Lack Of Agreement On Posters Is 'Disappointing' - Alliance
Alliance Lagan Valley Westminster candidate Aaron McIntyre has said the lack of a local agreement on posters in the constituency is disappointing, after the DUP put up its posters in the area without attempting to discuss the matter with other parties.
It follows an agreement between the main parties for March's Assembly election, which saw no posters until the day before the election, when they were placed around polling stations.
He said: "The recent no-poster agreement in Lagan Valley in the Assembly election received a positive response from the people of the constituency. As a result, Alliance was open to negotiations to participate in a similar agreement for this campaign.
"It is therefore disappointing the DUP decided to go ahead and place their posters up already throughout Lagan Valley. The expensive boards for posters have now been ordered, so we are past the point of no return and unfortunately we will be unable to have an agreement this time."
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 March 2024
Other News In Brief
Beattie Expresses Serious Concerns Over Support For Victims Of Crime Ulster Unionist leader and Justice Spokesperson, Doug Beattie, has expressed serious concerns regarding the current state of support and communication for those who have experienced crime. Despite the commendable efforts of existing services, Mr.
Other News In Brief
Beattie Expresses Serious Concerns Over Support For Victims Of Crime Ulster Unionist leader and Justice Spokesperson, Doug Beattie, has expressed serious concerns regarding the current state of support and communication for those who have experienced crime. Despite the commendable efforts of existing services, Mr.
11 March 2024
Givan Urged To 'Met His Obligations' On Integrated Education
The Alliance Party has called on the Education Minister, Paul Givan, to met his obligations on integrated education following the removal of funding for a number of local schools.
Givan Urged To 'Met His Obligations' On Integrated Education
The Alliance Party has called on the Education Minister, Paul Givan, to met his obligations on integrated education following the removal of funding for a number of local schools.
15 February 2024
Geothermal Energy Roadshow To Visit Towns Across NI
An interactive mobile discovery centre designed to help visitors 'unearth the heat beneath their feet' is set to visit towns across Northern Ireland as part of a geothermal energy information roadshow.
Geothermal Energy Roadshow To Visit Towns Across NI
An interactive mobile discovery centre designed to help visitors 'unearth the heat beneath their feet' is set to visit towns across Northern Ireland as part of a geothermal energy information roadshow.
05 February 2024
Budget Energy Announces 9% Electricity Price Decrease
Northern Ireland's third largest electricity supplier, Budget Energy has announced a price decrease of 9% for their domestic electricity customers on variable rates.
Budget Energy Announces 9% Electricity Price Decrease
Northern Ireland's third largest electricity supplier, Budget Energy has announced a price decrease of 9% for their domestic electricity customers on variable rates.
25 January 2024
Leaders Urged To 'Show Courage' And Reach Agreement
The SDLP has called on political leaders to "show courage" and reach an agreement to restore the Stormont institutions in the coming days. Leader Colum Eastwood MP was speaking in the House of Commons as MPs discussed the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill.
Leaders Urged To 'Show Courage' And Reach Agreement
The SDLP has called on political leaders to "show courage" and reach an agreement to restore the Stormont institutions in the coming days. Leader Colum Eastwood MP was speaking in the House of Commons as MPs discussed the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill.