Elderly Woman Critical Following Dunmurry Collision

A woman, aged in her 80s, is in a critical condition in hospital after she was involved in a collision in Dunmurry.

The PSNI have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following the collision in the Kingsway area of Dunmurry on Thursday, 8th June at approximately 3pm.

The woman was seriously injured as a result of a collision between a car and mobility scooter.

Sergeant Nick Orman said: "Our investigation is continuing and we are appealing to anyone who was travelling in the Kingsway area around this time and who has dash-cam footage, to contact police on 101, and quote reference number 1189 08/06/23."

SDLP Attends Women, Peace And Security Summit In US

SDLP Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin has attended a global summit of the Women, Peace and Security Focal Points Network in Washington D.C.

The group brings together women parliamentarians, academics and experts from countries around the world to discuss common challenges on gender equality.

As part of the summit organised by the US State Department, Ms McLaughlin participated in a series of high-level engagements on how gender equality can be used as a framework to advance peace around the world, including through sessions with senior figures in civic society and leading women parliamentarians from a diverse range of countries.

Speaking about the event, Ms McLaughlin said: "As Chair of the All-Party Group on Women, Peace and Security, it was a privilege to be invited to Washington D.C. this week to meet with women from around the world who are leading on gender equality in post-conflict societies. Although the nature of the conflicts we face are very different, it is clear that challenges including the economic exclusion of women as well as their marginalisation in public life, are common to almost all the countries who participate in the Women, Peace and Security Focal Points Network.

"This network is demonstrating how international solidarity, collaboration and co-operation are fundamental to our efforts to create peaceful, just and reconciled societies, where women have equal participation in public life and a real voice in peace-building. I was pleased to have the opportunity this week to meet with dozens of women parliamentarians and experts from around the globe to share experiences on our common challenges, including in implementing the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on gender equality.

"The delivery of this resolution within our context in Northern Ireland could make a huge difference in breaking down all the barriers that are still faced by too many women in our society. Unfortunately, while the south of Ireland and Great Britain both have National Action Plans to implement it, Northern Ireland is still caught in an unacceptable limbo.

"I am not prepared to allow women in Northern Ireland to be left behind forever and will be holding any restored Executive accountable to a high-level, public commitment to implement this resolution. We deserve a government that is working to dismantle gender inequality in all its forms, whether encouraging the greater participation of women in public and political life, tackling gender-based violence or advancing access to healthcare."

Alliance Pays Tribute To Victims And Survivors Of Coleraine Bombings

Alliance Councillors have paid tribute to the victims and survivors of the Coleraine bombings, ahead of a memorial service to mark the 50th anniversary of the atrocity.

Six people were killed and 33 injured when the IRA detonated the devices on June 12, 1973. The commemoration will include the unveiling of a permanent memorial to those who died.

Alderman Yvonne Boyle, who will accompany party colleagues Councillor Richard Stewart and Councillor Amy Mairs to the event on Monday, said her thoughts were with all those affected.

"As this anniversary approaches, my thoughts and sympathies are with the friends and families of those who were killed in this terrible attack, as well as those who were injured in the attack," said Alderman Boyle.

"Even 50 years later, the shadow of the bombings still hangs heavy over Coleraine. The dark day lives long in the memory of all those who lived here at the time in particular, with lives lost and others changed forever. All those affected have shown a bravery which can only be commended.

"It is important we remember all lives lost to terrorism, both here and further afield, and stand united in opposition to it. That is especially vital when a minority remains today who would drag us back to our troubled past."