Neeson Stands Down From Carrickfergus Council

Alliance Carrickfergus Councillor Sean Neeson will be standing down from the Council at the end of September. He was a former leader of the Alliance Party and is the longest serving Councillor on Carrickfergus Council having been first elected in 1977. He served as Mayor in 1993/94.

Councillor Sean Neeson said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on Carrickfergus Council. It has been an honour to have served my constituents for so long. It has been a very rewarding experience and I am glad to see the progress that has been made in politics over the past four decades.

"During my 36 years as a Councillor, I have made many friends and I would like to thank all those who have worked with me down the years.

"I have been extremely proud to have represented Alliance on the Council where I have worked to progress a shared future."

Call To Do More To Tackle Rise In Child Poverty

Sinn Féin MLA and Junior Minister Jennifer McCann has called on the Executive to do more to tackle the rise in child poverty levels in the North.

The West Belfast MLA said: "A number of recent reports have indicated that poverty levels here are on the increase.

"Average income levels have decreased overall in the past three years and when poverty levels are measured against this you would normally expect there to be a narrowing of the gap but it has in fact widened.

"There are particular sectors where the increase in poverty levels are more marked and this is the case in child poverty levels which witnessed a 4% increase over a one year period.

"Child poverty cannot be seen in isolation of the overall poverty that affects families. We all know the impact that poverty can have on a child's life chances and there will never be equality of opportunity for all children unless we tackle poverty and disadvantage.

"It is clear that while there is good work being done it isn't enough and there needs to be a fresh look at how we can tackle the problem."

Sport NI Seeks To Appoint New Vice-Chair

Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín is seeking to appoint a new Vice-Chair and four Members to the Board of Sport NI.

Expressions of interest are welcome from applicants with an interest in serving the sports sector, including individuals who have not previously held positions in this area.

The Minister said: "Sport NI plays a key role in delivering the Department's 10-year sports strategy, Sport Matters and my Department's top priority to promote equality and tackle poverty and social exclusion. It is essential therefore to have an organisation and board that is outcome focused and led by persons of the highest calibre. Therefore, I hope that there is a high level of interest from members of the public with a variety of backgrounds, experience and skills."

Minister Ní Chuilín is encouraging women, ethnic minorities and people with disabilities to apply. She said: "Females are currently under represented on the Board and I would therefore particularly welcome applications from women. I would also encourage members of ethnic minorities and people with a disability to apply for this position, so that we have a board which is more representative of our diverse society."

(CD/JP)