Lady Daphne Trimble Named Honorary President Of The UUP

Lady Daphne Trimble, the widow for former Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble, has been named as the UUP's Honorary President.

Announcing the award of the title, UUP leader, Doug Beattie, said: "The Ulster Unionist Party, Northern Ireland and the wider United Kingdom owe a huge debt of gratitude to David Trimble for his courage in delivering the Belfast Agreement and peace to this part of the United Kingdom. Yet it is important to recognise that the pressure David suffered during those long nights in 1998 were shared by his dear wife Lady Daphne Trimble. Daphne suffered the same verbal abuse, the hateful remarks, the long sleepless nights and the triumph of great achievement. She provided the moral support in those quiet moments when doubt creeps in and for this reason we also owe Lady Trimble a massive debt of gratitude.

"Lady Trimble has been a loyal party member, active at every level, giving advice and guidance to the experienced and the novice. She is rightly held in high regard by all members of the party. Therefore, it is with a genuine sense of honour that as the Party Leader I announce that Lady Trimble has been appointed as the Honorary President of the Ulster Unionist Party taking over from the late May Steele who passed away in January 2020.

"As we forge a new future for the party and for Northern Ireland it is important to remember who we are, where we came from and those who held the line while others faltered. Lady Daphne Trimble embodies that sense of being an Ulster Unionist and we will continue to seek her guidance in the years to come."

Lady Daphne Trimble said: "It is an honour to follow in a long line of prestigious Ulster Unionists who have held this position. I am taking up this role at a challenging time in politics, and when there are difficult decisions to be made. Our views will matter, and I look forward to playing my part.

"The absence of an Executive in Northern Ireland is not conducive to good politics and is untenable. Twenty-five years ago the people of Northern Ireland chose to have a devolved government, including an Executive. It's time it was restored."

SDLP Welcomes Date For A5 Scheme Inquiry

SDLP West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan has welcomed the setting of a date for the latest stage of the public inquiry into the A5 Western Transport Corridor Road Scheme.

Following the announcement that the inquiry will reopen on Monday 15th May, Mr McCrossan said it was of the utmost importance that the project proceeds as soon as possible.

Mr McCrossan said: "I welcome that we now have a date for the resumption of the A5 public inquiry. It's deeply disappointing that this project has been beset with delays and challenges from the outset and I would have hoped that by this stage we would be much closer to having this vital work carried out.

"The importance of this work to people in our communities cannot be overstated. We have seen far too many lives lost on the A5, with 48 deaths since 2008 and 78 since 1998, leaving families broken and I have seen firsthand the impact this has had on people in this area. If we want to prevent further injury and loss of life on the A5 then it's important that we begin these improvements works as soon as possible.

"This work is vital not just for road safety, but to improve transport links across this part of the North. The lack of modern infrastructure has often been cited as a reason we have struggled to attract new jobs and investment to this area and a new and safer road could make a big difference in that respect, bringing a much-needed economic boost to our communities.

"I would urge those who have opposed this project at every turn to think about the negative impact they are having on people here. I am willing to work with anyone to address legitimate concerns, but the reality is that this work will save lives and there's nothing more important than that."

Govt Urged To Negotiate And Deliver Fair Pay Settlement

Sinn Féin has called on the UK Government to negotiate with unions and deliver a fair pay settlement for public sector and civil service workers.

Speaking as Public and Communication Services Unions (PCS) workers staged a picket line outside the NIO offices at Erskine House today, the party spokesperson on workers' rights, MLA Declan Kearney, said: "Sinn Féin extends solidarity to all the public service workers on the picket line for fair pay and better working conditions.

"The British Chancellor should bring forward financial proposals in today's budget to invest in public services and to ensure these workers receive a fair pay settlement.

"Sinn Féin made it clear to the British Government that the decision to freeze pay and its refusal to negotiate a deal with these workers was totally unacceptable.

"These civil servants played a vital role during the pandemic - they are essential workers. As a result of the rising cost of living and crippling energy bills, these workers and their families are having to endure unsustainable financial pressures simply to make ends meet. Sinn Féin supports their demand for fair pay.

"The Tories should negotiate with union representatives now, and ensure these essential workers get a fair pay deal without any more delays."