Other News In Brief

Rights Of Irish Citizens 'Must Be Protected In Brexit Negotiations' – SF

The rights of Irish citizens must be protected during Brexit negotiations, Sinn Féin's Martina Anderson has said.

With 1.8 million in the north entitled to EU citizenship through the Good Friday Agreement, Ms Anderson said it is "essential" at this stage to protect the rights of people in Ireland, North and South.

"The latest round of meetings in the Brexit negotiations will get underway today and will focus on the rights of citizens," she said.

"Today, the European Parliament's Brexit Steering Group has made it clear that the rights of all EU citizens should be upheld and protected.

"That includes the 1.8 million people in the north who are entitled to EU citizenship because they are entitled to be Irish citizens through the Good Friday Agreement.

"We want to ensure that their rights as EU citizens are protected in these negotiations."

Investigation Launched Into Handbag Theft In Omagh

Police have launched an investigation into the theft of a handbag from a car in Omagh.

The incident occurred in the car park of Loughmacrory Chapel at around 6pm on Saturday, 08 July.

A police spokesperson said: "A white vehicle was in the car park of the Chapel and the driver returned to find her cream handbag missing and one of the car doors left open. Anyone with information please contact police on 101 quoting CC1155 08/07/2017."

Sinn Fein Engaging In 'Cultural War' – DUP/PUP

The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and the Progressive Unionists Party (PUP) have accused Sinn Fein of engaging in a 'cultural war' surrounding the 12th of July celebrations.

In a joint statement, the two unionist parties alleged Sinn Fein was waging a "cultural war" in a "vein attempt to give their ageing leadership a legacy and to restore their credibility within their own ranks".

"This has also lead to their walking away from the institutions, and, in doing so, holding all of the citizens of Northern Ireland to ransom and hurting those most in need from all sections of our society," the statement reads.

"In short, when Sinn Fein finds itself in a predicament, it opts for street agitation and this occurs with parades, bonfires and other cultural issues. In Belfast City Council in particular. Jim McVeigh is being used as the glorified message boy for Storey and Murray as they try to hide the strategic failures of Gerry Adams as they fail to deliver for their own communities as well as wider society. It is no surprise that Belfast has become their focus once again, following the huge success of the 3 Unionist MPs returned in Belfast.

"We believe that the best answer to this street agitation, is to deliver our best during this year’s celebrations. This attempt at cultural dictation must not be accepted. Instead, we must work together for a cultural renewal that includes input from the parading organisations, bands, community organisations and bonfire groups.

"Therefore, going forward, we invite those who want the Twelfth celebrations to succeed to come together this Autumn for a Cultural Convention. The aim of this will be to ensure that the Unionist Community can go forward with one voice in promoting our Culture, Heritage and tradition, as well as to ensure that our celebrations continue to be bigger, better and more successful than ever before."

(LM/MH)