SDLP Condemn Threats On Police Families

SDLP MLA and Policing Board member, Mark H Durkan has condemned the actions of a dissident republican group who has warned that the families of police officers in Northern Ireland are considered targets.

It follows threats made by Arm na Poblachta (ANP) in a statement to the Irish News.

The Foyle MLA commented: "This is absolutely reprehensible. The purpose of this chilling threat issued by faceless thugs is to instil fear within our society. The notion that not only police officers will be targeted for simply doing their job but also their family members, is appalling. Sadly, officers' families have lived under threat for many years here.

"I cannot begin to imagine the stress of saying goodbye to your partner every morning as they head to work, worried about the dangers of what their day will entail or if they will return home that evening. These families are already living with anxiety on a daily basis and now have the added stress of also being a target. The impact this will have on people and how they live their lives cannot be underestimated. It's sickening.

"In the face of threats and attacks people everywhere have stood in solidarity with police officers, now people must stand in solidarity with their families in rejecting this threat.

"No one should be threatened in their homes, schools, workplaces, playing sports, places of faith, out shopping or anywhere else. That is what this threat means - that was the truth of terror in the past and it has no place in the Ireland of today."

Restored Assembly Must Better Deliver For The Needs Of Women – SF

A restored Assembly must better deliver for the needs of women, Sinn Féin MLA Emma Sheerin has told an International Women's Day event in Glasgow.

Speaking from Glasgow at an event organised by Cairde na hÉireann, the Mid Ulster MLA said: "Tonight was a welcome opportunity to reiterate the need for the Assembly and Executive to be up and running to advance equality for women.

"International Women's Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the huge achievements that have been made for women in society, but also the work that there still is to do.

"We must always be mindful of the work that we all need to do to improve representation for women from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBT+ women, or women living with disabilities.

"I am proud that over half of Sinn Féin's Assembly Team are women. As representatives, we will ensure that, in a restored Assembly, to work to deliver for women."

Female Artists Transform Belfast's College Court

Twelve female artists have transformed Belfast's College Court to mark International Women's Day.

The Belfast City Council project was funded by the Department for Communities and linked to the Future City Centre Programme and A Bolder Vision for Belfast.

Chair of Belfast City Council's City Growth and Regeneration Committee Councillor Ryan Murphy said: "This artwork has been completed as part of our revitalisation project, which is all about improving the appearance of several Belfast city centre streets - increasing footfall; helping to reduce instances of anti-social behaviour and enhancing safety perceptions through painting, lighting, greenery and new artwork. We're also working on Callender Street, College Street, Upper Arthur Street and Patterson's Place.

"The artists were briefed and inspired by the area's history, with street names in this part of Belfast highlighting the significance of education in an ambitious and outward-looking developing city. In the Age of Enlightenment, modernising and democratising education underpinned the spread of new scientific and philosophical ideas that challenged accepted ways of thinking.

"The improvements in education produced a larger and more diverse reading public, increasing demand for printed material across a broad span of social classes and interests. R.Carswell & Son, founded in 1890 a purpose-built warehouse on College Street, was one of the many printworks, stationers and binders in Belfast. The artists have done an incredible job of adding colour and vibrancy in this area through their creativity and I look forward to seeing people enjoying the area's new look and feel."

Patrick Anderson from the Department for Communities explained: "As well as providing a platform for the artists ahead of International Women's Day, this project adds a splash of colour and creativity to this part of Belfast. Individually, these pieces are diverse and thought-provoking. Collectively, they are a positive addition to the urban landscape which really enhances the area. This initiative uses art in conjunction with the range of other improvements to the streetscape to make the city a better place for residents and visitors alike."