Alliance Welcomes Move By IFA On NI Fans Concerns Over Casement Park

The Alliance Party has welcomed a move by the Irish Football Association (IFA) to reach out to Northern Ireland fans on their concerns about Casement Park and the Euro 2028 football tournament.

It follows the publication of a letter from IFA CEO Patrick Nelson addressing fears voiced by the Amalgamation of Official Northern Ireland Supporters' Clubs about the use of Casement Park stadium as a venue for the Euros.

Sports spokesperson and Lagan Valley MLA David Honeyford said: "Patrick Nelson's letter reflects many of the points I have made during the debate over Casement Park and Euro 2028.

"The supporters have raised a number of issues concerning the use of a redeveloped Casement Park as a venue for one the world's biggest football tournaments. These are clearly strongly-held views and it's only right that the IFA should respond to them.

"Mr Nelson has explained in some detail why the expansion of Windsor Park is not a viable alternative to Casement, and again this is a point I have echoed in the discussion around this issue. The Euros represent a magnificent opportunity to encourage community cohesion and drive forward economic development, and this must be grasped with both hands.

"Funding must also now be released for the long-awaited sub-regional stadiums programme. This is vital to ensure the future of Irish League football.

"Dialogue is the only way forward for the IFA and the supporters to overcome any differences that exist. Mr Nelson's letter is an important step to resolving those differences."

SF Calls On Irish Govt To Take Action Over 'Callous' Legacy Act

Sinn Féin has called on the Irish government to take an interstate case against the British government over their cynical and callous Legacy Act.

Making the call, MP John Finucane, said: "The British government's Legacy Act is a cynical and callous attempt to block victims and families from ever getting justice through the courts and to hide the role of British state forces and their agencies in the conflict.

"It is already pulling the shutters down on justice with families being informed that their loved one's case will not be investigated as a direct result of this shameful Act.

"The Irish government can remove the burden of legal action from individual families by taking an interstate case against the British government themselves. This would show them standing up for all those impacted by this cruel legislation and, importantly, would fast track the process.”

DUP Calls For 'Greater Protection' For Shop Workers

The DUP has called for greater protection for retailers and those who work in shops.

Speaking after raising the issue at Prime Ministers Questions the DUP MP Ian Paisley said: "Attacks on staff and theft of items impacts all retailers, but it is particularly devastating for smaller independent shops. It is a sad indictment of the response that is expected when 80% of retailers don't even report physical attacks on staff.

"The cost of theft from retail stores is significant, with 12 additional items sold to make up for each one lost to theft. These are not victimless crimes, with jobs and livelihoods put at risk.

"The British Independent Retail Association is working alongside others to demand action to ensure retailers are protected, that theft against them is called out and they are supported in every way possible. I am glad the Prime Minister offered his support to these efforts today and I will continue to highlight the issues they face."