Other News In Brief

Eastwood Will Not Attend US St Patrick's Day Celebrations In Protest At US Inaction In Gaza

The SDLP's Colum Eastwood has said that he will not attend St Patrick's Day events at the White House in protest of the ongoing situation in Gaza.

Mr Eastwood, who visited Khan Younis and surrounding districts days after a serious escalation in violence in November 2012, said that the scale and intensity of violence cannot be justified and that the US should become an advocate for a ceasefire to preserve the dignity and humanity of the civilian population in Gaza and southern Israel.

The SDLP will send a delegation to Washington DC to engage with senior lawmakers, Irish Americans and Palestinian Americans to make the case for an end to violence.

Colum Eastwood MP said: "The bonds of friendship and shared history between Ireland and the United States have forged one of the warmest and most enduring international relationships in the world today. It is because we are so close historically, diplomatically and, many of us personally, that we have a duty to be honest with our friends and allies - especially when we think they're wrong.

"The scenes of destruction and annihilation in Gaza represent, in my view, a clear act of genocide. With more than 26,000 people dead, and more than 10,000 of them children, the response of the international community has been heinously deficient. The response of the US administration has been particularly atrocious. 

"I have seen the impact of unspeakable violence in Gaza. In November 2012 I visited Khan Younis and the surrounding districts days after an appalling escalation in violence that left more than 100 civilians dead and hundreds more injured. I have seen children's playgrounds reduced to rubble and homes destroyed. The people of Gaza now go to bed again every night knowing that they may never wake up.

"In that context, and having seen its impact before, I cannot in good conscience attend White House parties for St Patrick's Day while the administration turns its face the other way and refuses to call for an immediate ceasefire. I could not rub shoulders, drink Guinness and have the craic while the horrifying impacts of the brutal war in Gaza continue. It would be the very opposite of solidarity with a people on the brink of destruction.

"Every leader will have to take their own decision on how they approach St Patrick's Day. I am offering no criticism of anyone else because there is no easy answer to any of this. But I know that my own conscience, and the values of the party I lead, are not consistent with celebration in the face of overwhelming violence.

"The SDLP will send a delegation to Washington DC. We will meet with senior law makers, with Irish-American leaders and with Palestinian-Americans to make the case for an end to violence. It is in our party's DNA to work toward peace wherever possible. We will use our influence to press strongly for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas.

"I am not naive to the scale of the impact this action will have. But faced with the scenes of destruction across Gaza, one of the most densely populated areas of human habitation on our planet, I honestly believe it would be wrong to attend these celebrations and that not attending sends a far more powerful message.

"The first, and most important, principle of peace is that the killing has to stop. The US has enormous influence over the pace of that first step in Gaza and southern Israel. I sincerely hope that they use it and join those of us calling for an immediate ceasefire soon."

Prof Brian Cox Hosts 'Science Summer School' In Ballymena

Professor Brian Cox, CBE OBE FRS, has hosted the 'Science Summer School' at The Braid in Ballymena on Tuesday January 23, alongside leading educators and influencers from the world of science, technology, engineering, the arts and maths.

It is hoped the initiative, spearheaded by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and key companies within the Manufacturing Task Force, will help activate the curiosity of up to 400 young people, via a combination of STEAM seminars, discussions, hands-on experiments and insights.

Professor Cox, a leading physicist, television presenter and former keyboard player with pop group D:Ream, also lead an evening panel session for students and parents to highlight the career pathways and opportunities available to the future workforce.

"I was thrilled to show Northern Ireland students how developing an interest in science can help them obtain an exciting career and fulfilling job," said Professor Cox.

"The event offered a superb mix of interesting people and innovative experiments – activating the curiosity of everyone attending.

"Northern Ireland has a key role to play in making the UK the best place in the world to do science and engineering."

The event also featured the experiences of special guests from earlier in the day.

Keynote speakers included male midwife Vince Rosales, Dr Erin Higgins, astrophysicist at the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, and Dr Andrew McIntosh, Head of Research and Development at Kilwaughter Minerals.

Pupils from schools in Ballymena, Larne, Carrickfergus, Carnlough and Newtownabbey took part, including Ballymena Academy, Cambridge House, Slemish College, St Louis Grammar, Larne Grammar and Larne High School.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough, Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna, said the Council was delighted to be working with local businesses, schools, universities, and partner organisations to bring this initiative to the borough.

"The Science School lifts a lid on the myriad of opportunities that exist in science," Ald Mulvenna said.

"It is our hope that young people will be inspired to embark on an exciting future in this field – and maybe even become leaders in science."

The Science Summer School project was established in 2012 at St Paul's Way Trust School in East London by Professor Cox and Lord Andrew Mawson OBE.

It has since expanded nationally with the aim of making "the UK the best place to do science and engineering in the world."

The event was sponsored by the following members of the Mid and East Antrim Manufacturing Task Force (MTF); Kilwaughter Minerals, Ryobi, IPC Mouldings, Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies, Michelin Development, Caterpillar, Yelo, GES Group, Wrightbus and Phoenix Energy.

The Science Summer School initiative is also supported by MEA Labour Market Partnership, funded by the Department for Communities.

Graham Whitehurst MBE, Chair of the MTF, commented that collaboration between industry and educational establishments for skills development and nurturing future talent is an essential part of the MTF.

"We are delighted for this opportunity to get alongside up to 400 students from across Northern Ireland, showcase the STEAM career opportunities that our MTF members provide and inspire young people to work with us in the future.

"For this year's event, our member companies brought a fantastic range of immersive workshops from 'The Art of Air: Investigating Cement Renders through Touch and Feel' to 'the Terumo Brownie Factory'. Each workshop provided first-hand experience and interaction, demonstrating to students that a variety of skills and abilities are needed to make an effective workforce, and that there are great opportunities for them in Mid and East Antrim."

Fiona Byrne, Organisational Development Director for headline sponsor Kilwaughter Minerals added: "Kilwaughter Minerals Limited are delighted to be the headline sponsor of the Science Summer School.

"As a key employer in Mid and East Antrim we pride ourselves in developing relationships with schools and supporting initiatives that encourage engagement and to inspire the next generation of local talent and the future workforce. Our team are excited to be involved and have engaged in a series of events through this initiative."



Ulstr Rugby Secures Two-Year Deal With Britvic NI

Ulster Rugby has agreed a new two year sponsorship deal with Britvic NI named as its Official Water & Hydration Partner.

This deal will see Britvic NI continue to fuel both the Ulster Rugby Senior Men's and Women's squads at training sessions, and during games, in the coming seasons.

Ulster Senior Men's players, Billy Burns, Stuart McCloskey and Dave Shanahan, took a break from training to help celebrate the new partnership at Kingspan Stadium, home to Ulster Rugby.

Ballygowan will be helping to ensure players have the optimal water intake to maintain a normal water balance during training and matches. Originating from rainfall drifting in from the Atlantic Ocean, which then falls on land close to Newcastle West in Limerick, it is filtered through mineral rich limestone over centuries and then it returns to the surface from a well, where it is bottled and enjoyed all over Ulster, and beyond.

Energise Sport, already a firm favourite with the Ulster Rugby team and supporters alike, as well as the grassroots level of the game, will play its part ensuring players have the optimal balance of water, carbohydrates, and electrolytes to hydrate faster for training and match endurance.

Jonny Burnett, Channel Controller of Britvic Ireland pictured at the recent training session, described Ulster Rugby as a superb partner for both Energise Sport and Ballygowan: "We believe the power and passion of Ulster Rugby coupled with our great brands will continue the fantastic opportunity to connect with people all across Ulster and build future success together."

Commenting on the partnership agreement, Jonny Petrie, CEO of Ulster Rugby, said: "It's great news that Britvic NI have decided to continue their partnership with Ulster Rugby, with both Ballygowan Water and Energise Sport already an important part of our club's training and match-day routine.

"We are confident that, as our partner, the brand will benefit from increased visibility and awareness, with their products continuing to be enjoyed by players and supporters alike."