Other News In Brief

SF Express Condolences And Sincere Sadness At Passing Of Christopher Stalford

Sinn Féin Vice President and former deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill MLA has extended her condolences and expressed her sincere sadness on the passing of South Belfast MLA Christopher Stalford. 

She said: "On behalf of the Sinn Féin Assembly team I extended my condolences and expressed my sincere sadness to the DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson on the sudden passing of his party colleague and Assembly member, Christopher Stalford.

"His wife Laura and their four children are foremost in our thoughts and prayers this morning as they grieve the heartbreaking loss of a husband and father.

"We have worked with Christopher over many years since he entered political life first as a city councillor, and then Assembly member for South Belfast.

"His friends and colleagues throughout the world of politics will miss his political contribution, and his constituents his local efforts and leadership across South Belfast."

SDLP Urge Politicians To 'Start Focusing' On Improving People's Lives

NI politicians must start focusing on improving the lives of everyday people, SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has said.

Mr Eastwood said far too often politicians were distracted from the job at hand by the myopic issues that blight politics in the North.

He was speaking ahead of the SDLP Spring Conference on Sunday.

Foyle MP Mr Eastwood said: "People here are sick, sore and tired of issues like the Protocol and sham fights over who's going to be First Minister getting in the way of real progress. Our communities want politicians who deliver for them, who listen to the problems they are experiencing in their daily lives and take it to the Assembly, to Westminster and do something about it.

"Across the North right now people's lives are in disarray. The cost of living crisis is having a severe impact, people are unable to heat their homes, put food on the table and provide the kind of life that their families deserve. People can't access medical treatment, buy or rent a home or get their children the kind of education they want for them. Our young people are worrying about the climate crisis and considering leaving this place behind forever. How do you think they feel when they turn on the television at night and see politicians discussing issues that are completely divorced from their lived reality.

"This place needs to change. We've had 15 years of empty and broken promises from Sinn Féin and the DUP and people's lives have only gotten worse. Even during the pandemic they let their petty squabbles get in the way of doing what's right to protect people here. If we are ever going to see real progress then we can't keep doing the same things and expecting it to be different. People deserve better than parties who are only out for themselves, if we want to build a shared island and a shared society then we need politicians who are willing to fight to deliver for our communities so that we can build a better life for everyone that calls this place home."

Minister Welcomes Progress Of Montague House Re-Development

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has welcomed the progress on the redevelopment of Montague House during a visit to Irish language and cultural centre Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich.

The Department for Communities provided west-Belfast based An Chultúrlann with £180k funding to purchase the building in March 2021.

Minister Hargey said: "Since its establishment in 1991 Cultúrlann has been at the forefront of community development in this city. The classes, events and activities which have happened within its walls have enriched the lives of the citizens of Belfast and beyond for more than 30 years.

"Organisations such as Raidió Fáilte, Féile an Phobail, Aisling Ghéar and Coláiste Feirste all began life under its roof.  With the purchase of Montague House, An Chultúrlann will further expand the services it provides to the Irish-speaking community in Belfast.

"I am delighted that my Department has been able to help Cultúrlann realise its expansion dream so future generations will be able to enjoy the excellent facilities and wealth of services in this cultural hub."

The purchase recombines what was historically one site under the ownership of one body.

An Chultúrlann plans for the building include the development of a youth hub including offices, classrooms and training facilities for the anchor tenant, Gaelchúrsaí, an Irish medium training, educational and qualifications provider.