NI Council Pledges Support For Women's Aid Charter

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has pledged its support for Women's Aid's White Ribbon Charter- an initiative that unites those vowing never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.

The Council said it is committed to providing a safe place for anyone affected by domestic violence to access information and help safely and confidentially.

Mayor Alderman John Smyth commented: "With one in four women experiencing domestic violence in their lives, this issue impacts all of us. We must stand up and be counted, and challenge the attitudes and behaviours that lead to male violence against women."

Women's Aid's (ABCLN) Chief Executive, Rosemary Magill said: "The onus to address domestic violence is on all of us. By signing the White Ribbon Charter Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Councillors have pledged to play their part."

Gandhi's Granddaughter To Speak In Bellaghy, Co L'Derry

The granddaughter of Indian politician and activist Gandhi is due to visit County L'Derry this month to headline the JLF festival at Seamus Heaney HomePlace.

The discussion will take place in Bellaghy on Sunday 23 June in the renowned Helicon theatre, as part of a series of four events across the afternoon. Mrs Gandhi Bhattacharjee will speak to Indian diplomat and translator Navdeep Suri on the vision of Mahatma Gandhi, his genius, his human vulnerability, and the enduring legacy of non-violence that he bequeathed to a troubled world.

On the announcement Councillor Martin Kearney, Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, commented: "Mid Ulster District Council is delighted that Seamus Heaney HomePlace has been chosen as one of the Jaipur Literary Festival international destinations, standing alongside cities like New York, Toronto, Houston and now also Belfast. HomePlace has attracted visitors from across the globe since it opened and being part of what is known as the world's biggest literary festival cements its international reputation.

"Indeed, to host Mrs Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, granddaughter of one of world's most revered and respected politicians, social activists and writers, is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the festival in Bellaghy, and a rare opportunity to hear about 'the father of India' from someone with such a deep personal connection and knowledge."

Alliance Leader Pays Tribute To D-Day Veterans

As the 75th anniversary of the allied force landings in Normandy is marked, Alliance Leader Naomi Long has paid tribute to veterans who took part in D-Day, 06 June 1944.

"The Allies fought bravely throughout World War II but never was that more evident than the D-Day landings," the MEP commented.

"On June 6, 1944, over 156,000 Allied soldiers landed on Normandy's beaches, unaware of just what precisely they would face. But thanks to their actions, a foothold was established on continental Europe and the tide was turned in the war.


"My thanks go out to every single veteran involved in D-Day and it was heartening to see so many taking part in the commemorations over the past few days. It is humbling to watch so many people pay tribute to their fight against tyranny, bigotry and fascism all those years ago.

"The commemorations of D-Day also remind us of the evil of fascism and how we must always be on our guard against it, particularly in the modern world. The biggest tribute we can pay to the veterans of D-Day is to ensure the values they fought for are held up by us all every single day."



(JG/CM)