14/03/2022
Other News In Brief
SDLP Announce Siobhan McAlister To Stand In East Antrim
The SDLP has announced that Siobhan McAlister will stand for the party in East Antrim in the upcoming election.
Making the announcement, SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood said: "Politicians and political parties who have let people in East Antrim down for years have become far too comfortable. This is one of the most geographically diverse, visually stunning and industrially important constituencies in Northern Ireland. People here deserve an MLA who will take on and take down the lazy consensus that this is as good as it gets.
"That's why I am delighted that Siobhán McAlister will be the SDLP candidate in May's Assembly election. Siobhán is a key member of our team, serving as a senior adviser to Claire Hanna MP, and represents a new generation of political leaders stepping up to change the lives of people across the North for the better."
Siobhán McAlister said: "I was born and grew up in Cushendall, I know the people of East Antrim, the challenges they face and the hopes they have for the future. But I also know that they have been badly let down by politicians and political parties that are more interested in walking out of government than stepping up for people here.
"As a young woman from this area, I'm also very aware that our community has never had a female MLA. Women here have not had their voices heard for far too long and it's about time we put an end to that.
"We have had the same parties at the head of government here for the 15-years and it is time to believe in a party and a candidate that puts people first and focuses on delivering for you."
Geraldine Hanna Named New Victims Of Crime Commissioner Designate For NI
Justice Minister Naomi Long has announced the appointment of Geraldine Hanna as the Victims of Crime Commissioner Designate for Northern Ireland.
The appointment was made following an open competition and Geraldine will take up office on 13 June 2022 for a term of three years with the potential for an extension of up to one year.
Naomi Long said: "The Victims of Crime Commissioner Designate is a new and important role that will give all victims of crime a voice, promoting their rights under the Victim Charter, raising their issues with Government and criminal justice organisations, as well as driving forward systemic improvements for victims of crime and contributing to a more cohesive, coordinated and victim centred criminal justice system.
"I would like to congratulate Geraldine on her appointment. This new Victims of Crime Commissioner Designate role will be challenging, but I am confident that it will strengthen and enhance existing provision to support victims of crime and will help to put the victims' needs and interests where they should be.
"I know that Geraldine's extensive experience and skills in working with victims of crime will be invaluable in her new role and I wish her every success."
DUP Announce Paul Rankin To Takes Edwin Poots's Lagan Valley Seat
The DUP's Paul Rankin has been nominated by the Party to fill the vacancy in the Northern Ireland Assembly for the Lagan Valley constituency, vacated by Edwin Poots' move to South Belfast.
Making the announcement, DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said: "I am delighted to welcome Paul Rankin to the DUP’s Assembly Team, to serve the people of Lagan Valley. Paul has a sterling record of hard work and delivery for the people of this area, with over 20 years of experience as an elected representative.
"I have worked closely with Paul for many years to champion the case for Lagan Valley and its people. I know he will be a diligent and dedicated servant of their interests in the Northern Ireland Assembly.
"In just over 50 days, the people of Northern Ireland will have the opportunity to set the future direction of our Province. The DUP has a plan to build a better Northern Ireland and to ensure progress is achieved on the basis of moving forward together.
"I look forward to taking this positive vision to the people, leading from the front, so we can deliver our plan for a better Northern Ireland."
The SDLP has announced that Siobhan McAlister will stand for the party in East Antrim in the upcoming election.
Making the announcement, SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood said: "Politicians and political parties who have let people in East Antrim down for years have become far too comfortable. This is one of the most geographically diverse, visually stunning and industrially important constituencies in Northern Ireland. People here deserve an MLA who will take on and take down the lazy consensus that this is as good as it gets.
"That's why I am delighted that Siobhán McAlister will be the SDLP candidate in May's Assembly election. Siobhán is a key member of our team, serving as a senior adviser to Claire Hanna MP, and represents a new generation of political leaders stepping up to change the lives of people across the North for the better."
Siobhán McAlister said: "I was born and grew up in Cushendall, I know the people of East Antrim, the challenges they face and the hopes they have for the future. But I also know that they have been badly let down by politicians and political parties that are more interested in walking out of government than stepping up for people here.
"As a young woman from this area, I'm also very aware that our community has never had a female MLA. Women here have not had their voices heard for far too long and it's about time we put an end to that.
"We have had the same parties at the head of government here for the 15-years and it is time to believe in a party and a candidate that puts people first and focuses on delivering for you."
Geraldine Hanna Named New Victims Of Crime Commissioner Designate For NI
Justice Minister Naomi Long has announced the appointment of Geraldine Hanna as the Victims of Crime Commissioner Designate for Northern Ireland.
The appointment was made following an open competition and Geraldine will take up office on 13 June 2022 for a term of three years with the potential for an extension of up to one year.
Naomi Long said: "The Victims of Crime Commissioner Designate is a new and important role that will give all victims of crime a voice, promoting their rights under the Victim Charter, raising their issues with Government and criminal justice organisations, as well as driving forward systemic improvements for victims of crime and contributing to a more cohesive, coordinated and victim centred criminal justice system.
"I would like to congratulate Geraldine on her appointment. This new Victims of Crime Commissioner Designate role will be challenging, but I am confident that it will strengthen and enhance existing provision to support victims of crime and will help to put the victims' needs and interests where they should be.
"I know that Geraldine's extensive experience and skills in working with victims of crime will be invaluable in her new role and I wish her every success."
DUP Announce Paul Rankin To Takes Edwin Poots's Lagan Valley Seat
The DUP's Paul Rankin has been nominated by the Party to fill the vacancy in the Northern Ireland Assembly for the Lagan Valley constituency, vacated by Edwin Poots' move to South Belfast.
Making the announcement, DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said: "I am delighted to welcome Paul Rankin to the DUP’s Assembly Team, to serve the people of Lagan Valley. Paul has a sterling record of hard work and delivery for the people of this area, with over 20 years of experience as an elected representative.
"I have worked closely with Paul for many years to champion the case for Lagan Valley and its people. I know he will be a diligent and dedicated servant of their interests in the Northern Ireland Assembly.
"In just over 50 days, the people of Northern Ireland will have the opportunity to set the future direction of our Province. The DUP has a plan to build a better Northern Ireland and to ensure progress is achieved on the basis of moving forward together.
"I look forward to taking this positive vision to the people, leading from the front, so we can deliver our plan for a better Northern Ireland."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
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19 March 2003
NI people unlikely to be victims of crime says survey
Most people in Northern Ireland thought that crime last year was uncommon in their area and that they were unlikely to be victims of crime, according to new survey results.
NI people unlikely to be victims of crime says survey
Most people in Northern Ireland thought that crime last year was uncommon in their area and that they were unlikely to be victims of crime, according to new survey results.
15 January 2007
Victims Commissioner appointment not quashed
A High Court ruling has not quashed the appointment of Bertha McDougall as the Northern Ireland Interim Victims Commissioner. However, in his ruling Lord Justice Girvan said that the appointment was "improper and politically motivated.
Victims Commissioner appointment not quashed
A High Court ruling has not quashed the appointment of Bertha McDougall as the Northern Ireland Interim Victims Commissioner. However, in his ruling Lord Justice Girvan said that the appointment was "improper and politically motivated.
02 October 2018
Almost £2m Recovered By Organised Crime Task Force
Almost £2 million of suspected criminal assets have been recovered as a result of the Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF), the latest Annual Report and Threat Assessment has revealed. The latest report published today showed a "marked increase" in the success of the fight against organised crime groups operating in Northern Ireland.
Almost £2m Recovered By Organised Crime Task Force
Almost £2 million of suspected criminal assets have been recovered as a result of the Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF), the latest Annual Report and Threat Assessment has revealed. The latest report published today showed a "marked increase" in the success of the fight against organised crime groups operating in Northern Ireland.
09 February 2015
45 Trafficking Victims Rescued In 2014
45 potential victims of human trafficking were rescued in Northern Ireland last year, according to the National Crime Agency. This represented 2% of the total number of potential victims of trafficking rescued across the UK in 2014 and was a 10% increase on Northern Ireland's figures for the previous year.
45 Trafficking Victims Rescued In 2014
45 potential victims of human trafficking were rescued in Northern Ireland last year, according to the National Crime Agency. This represented 2% of the total number of potential victims of trafficking rescued across the UK in 2014 and was a 10% increase on Northern Ireland's figures for the previous year.
04 August 2022
Two People Arrested On Suspicion Of People Smuggling
The PSNI have arrested two people in Belfast on suspicion of offences linked to people smuggling. At around 8am on Wednesday morning, immigration officers and some 30 police officers conducted raids on two properties in Annadale Drive and Ravenhill Avenue.
Two People Arrested On Suspicion Of People Smuggling
The PSNI have arrested two people in Belfast on suspicion of offences linked to people smuggling. At around 8am on Wednesday morning, immigration officers and some 30 police officers conducted raids on two properties in Annadale Drive and Ravenhill Avenue.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.