Other News In Brief

PM Avoiding Public Scrutiny With NI Visit- Sinn Fein

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing accusations of avoiding public scrutiny after his "clandestine" visit to Northern Ireland.

The Conservative party leader visited the Tayto Factory in Tandragee, Co Armagh on Thursday evening amid his campaign for the upcoming General Election on December 12.

Sinn Fein's Mickey Brady, the Westminster candidate for Newry and Armagh said: "British Prime Minister Boris Johnson sneaked into Tandragee today on an unannounced visit but he can't escape the fact that the majority of people in the north rejected the reckless Tory Brexit.

"I'm sure the business community, the farmers, the agri-food producers, retailers, cross-border workers, young people and many others would have welcomed the opportunity to confront Boris Johnson about the impact of Brexit.

"When I speak to all of these groups they are cannot see anything good from Brexit and are hugely critical of the Tory/DUP agenda. They want to see the protections that have been secured in Europe for our economy, for our peace agreements and to avoid a hard border. And more and more are looking to a way back into the EU through Irish unity.

"While Boris Johnson may want to avoid the people he can't avoid the polls and on December 12 the public will have a chance to have their say.

"Sinn Féin is calling on people to come out and reject the Tories, reject the DUP, reject Brexit, reject Westminster and vote for a better future on the island of Ireland."

General Election: Two Further Candidates Announced

As local parties hit the campaign trial for the forthcoming General Election, two further candidates have been confirmed.

After much speculation, Ulster Unionist Tom Elliott was endorsed to stand in Fermanagh and South Tyrone, while Alliance deputy leader Stephen Farry was selected for North Down.

Mr Elliott has the support of the DUP, who announced earlier this week they would stand aside and encourage voters to elect a unionist candidate. Sinn Fein's Michelle Gildernew is defending her current seat in the constituency.

Mr Elliott said the ballot is dominated by Brexit. "This will be the most important general election in generations. The MPs elected on December 12th will have a decisive role in shaping the UK's future international and domestic direction for many decades to come.

"Brexit is the defining issue of the period. I believe a bad Brexit deal would be just as damaging, both economically and constitutionally, as a no deal."

Meanwhile, in the wake of confirmation that Lady Sylvia Hermon will not seek reelection in North Down, Stephen Farry is to contest the seat as a pro-Remain candidate.

Mr Farry commented: "Alliance has always been quite clear – there is no such thing as a good or sensible Brexit. Already it has brought chaos and increased division to Northern Ireland, as well as the wider UK.

"That's why this election is so important. It is a chance for people to say they have had enough of the devastation Brexit has had already and will continue to have on local businesses, farmers and others right across our society, including the Good Friday Agreement."

Michael O'Neill Launches Christmas Family Appeal

Northern Ireland Football Manager Michael O'Neill has launched a Christmas Family Appeal that aims to provide 100,000 local children a present to open this Christmas.

Organisers are seeking public support to gather presents for children who may not be as fortunate this this year.

Translink and U105 are supporting the Family Appeal with their 'Stuff A Bus' campaign. Now in its third year, the project is seeking to fill a double decker bus with more than 20,000 presents. Purchasing just one extra gift could make a difference to a child's life. All gifts must be new, unwrapped and can be left at drop-off points located in Translink stations right across Northern Ireland until December 17.

Michaell O'Neill was joined by Paul Kingscott, Salvation Army, Michael Sands, St Vincent de Paul (SVP), Gordon Milligan, Translink, and Denise Watson, U105, to launch The Salvation Army and SVP appeal.



(JG/CM)