Infrastructure Minister Condemns Attack On Train Conductor

The PSNI are continuing to appeal for information following a violent attack on a train conductor on board a rail service to Larne.

Condemning the attack, Infrastructure Minister, John O'Dowd, said: "This is a despicable act which I condemn outright. The safety of staff delivering essential public transport services is paramount. Staff should be able to go to their work without fear of attack. My thoughts are with the train conductor involved in this incident and I wish him a speedy recovery.

"Anyone with information about the attack should contact the PSNI or Translink, who are offering an award for information which leads to a conviction."

Alliance Calls For Progress On New Executive's New Europe Strategy

The Alliance Party has called on the Executive to progress discussions of a new Europe Strategy, as previously pledged by the First and deputy First Minister.

Marking Europe Day, Alliance Executive Office Spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA called for progress on a new international relations strategy for the Executive.

The South Belfast MLA, who chairs the Executive Office Committee at Stormont, was speaking on Europe Day on May 9, said: "Agreeing an approach on a new international relations strategy and starting a 'discussion' on a draft Europe Strategy were clearly defined as objectives for the First and deputy First Minister within 100 days of restoration of the Executive in early February. That period is now drawing to a close, and as with many other issues, we expect to see delivery.

"Europe Day is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of our relationship with our fellow Europeans, as well as on the need to keep building peace and reconciliation at home and abroad. These should be fundamental goals for the First and deputy First Minister, but they require concrete action.

"The Executive's current International Relations Strategy, from early 2014, is hopelessly out of date. It pre-dates Brexit, the Ukraine War, ongoing instability in the Middle East and Africa, and the risks associated even with the first Trump presidency. We now need something which will build on our unique links to both the UK and EU internal markets, but which will also reflect the lessons we have learned in building democratic processes, human rights and good relations in a diverse society.

"The International Relations Strategy should be high priority, and we may legitimately expect to see a draft of it, and a discussion of an associated Europe Strategy, within the coming days and weeks. There is a lot of work to catch up on to capitalise on the opportunities and face up to the threats which are evident in a world which is very different from that of a decade ago."

Brothers Sentenced For Sectarian Abuse Of A Woman In Lurgan

The PSNI have welcomed the sentencing of Adrian and Alister Douglas in connection with the sectarian abuse of a woman in Lurgan.

Adrian Douglas (35) was given 10 months in prison with a further 10 month on licence, whilst his brother, Alister Douglas (38), was given a 12 month suspended sentence. Both had previously pleaded guilty to intimidation, and aiding and abetting intimidation, respectively.

The pair were captured on a doorbell camera attempting to force entry to the Ashleigh Crescent property on 30 April last year, and could be heard shouting sectarian slurs.

Chief Inspector Brendan Green, of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Policing District, said: "It is heartening to see that a custodial sentence has been passed in the case and I hope it sends a clear message to anyone who believes sectarianism or intimidation in any capacity is ok.

"From the outset this attack was viewed as a sectarian hate crime and was treated with the utmost seriousness. We believe everyone has the right to feel safe in their home and we will continue to make every effort to ensure that this happens, prevent future incidents, and to hold offenders accountable before the courts.

"I commend the victim for her bravery and tenacity in seeing her case through the criminal justice system and I hope today's outcome offers her some degree of closure on what has undoubtedly been a difficult and challenging time."