SF Slams 'Calamitous Economic Decisions' Of UK Govt

Workers and families continue to be punished by "calamitous economic decisions" made by successive Tory governments and the fall-out from Brexit, Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew has said.

Speaking after the publication of the latest inflation figures, the party’s finance spokesperson, Colm Gildernew, said: "The 8% inflation rate continues to push families to the brink.

"Wages have simply not kept pace with inflation and families remain under severe pressure as the cost of food has risen by 17.9% over the last year whereas wages fell in real terms.

"The inflationary increase on mortgage repayments will also hit families with yet another increase expected before the end of July.

"We have called out the British Government for allowing banks to increase mortgage rates while refusing to increase savings rates to the same degree.

"Sinn Féin will continue to press for support for workers and families and for large energy giants and those who have made unscrupulous profits from the cost of living crisis to be taxed fairly and the proceeds invested into our public services."

Paisley Tables Parliamentary Motion To Celebrate McIlroy Success

The DUP's Ian Paisley has tabled a motion in Parliament congratulating local golfer Rory McIlroy after his victory at the Scottish Open.

The North Antrim MP highlighted how McIlroy's wins sees him become the only player ever to win the Open Championship, the Irish Open and the Scottish Open.

Commenting on the motion Mr Paisley, who is the Vice Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Golf said: "Rory McIlroy’s victory at the Scottish Open has ensured he has earned a unique collection of trophies. Whilst the Scottish Open is not the most significant victory of his career, it underscores Rory’s impact on the sport since he turned professional in 2007.

"Rory is a fantastic ambassador for the sport both at home and abroad, and his success has played a huge part in the promotion of Northern Ireland as one of the leading destinations for golf.

"Everyone in Northern Ireland will be wishing him well as he begins his challenge on the Open Championship again this week at Royal Liverpool. It is right that his continued success is marked and this motion is one way in which we can do that in Parliament."

Belfast Parks To Host Free Summer Fun Days

Belfast City Council has announced a series of Summer Fun Days in a number of council parks on Thursdays this month and next.

These afternoon events will feature a range of free activities for children aged from 5 to 12 years-old.

There will be face-painting, balloon-modelling, arts and crafts, lawn games including egg and spoon and sack races.

There will also be large inflatables with bouncy castles and slides as well as walkabout entertainers.

The first Summer Fun Day is taking place in Woodvale Park in north Belfast this Thursday (20 July) from 2pm to 4.30pm.

The other dates and venues are:

• 27 July: Falls Park

• 3 August: Alexandra Park

• 10 August: Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park

• 17 August: Orangefield Park

Councillor Micky Murray, Chair of Belfast City Council's People and Communities Committee, said: “We're delighted to host our Summer Fun Days' events at a number of our parks across the city on Thursday afternoons this month and in August.

“Our parks and open spaces are to be enjoyed throughout the year but having special events like these during the summer months, we hope to attract local residents and visitors too from near and far.”

At the council's parks over the summer, the Music in the Parks programme is also continuing on Fridays and Sundays.

The Belfast Busking Band will be performing in Botanic Gardens this Friday (21 July) from 1pm to 3pm. 

For further details on other performances and locations, visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/musicintheparks

For more information on council events, go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/events