SDLP Invite Kier Starmer To The Belfast Fleadh Cheoil

SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP has extended an invitation to Prime Minister Keir Starmer to attend the Belfast Fleadh Cheoil.

She made the invitation during Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) on Wednesday, with the PM agreeing to come to Belfast.

Ms Hanna also spoke in the Irish language for the first time in the history of PMQs to mark Seachtain na Gaeilge and St Patrick’s Day.

South Belfast and Mid Down MP Claire Hanna said: "It was a fitting occasion to mark both Seachtain na Gaeilge and St Patrick’s Day by using Irish for the first time at PMQs as people around the world get ready to celebrate their Irish heritage and culture with celebrations over the next few days.

"I was also delighted to take this opportunity to invite Prime Minister Keir Starmer to visit Belfast for the Fleadh Cheoil. The Belfast Fleadh will have visitors from right across these islands and further afield flocking to Belfast to take part in the festivities. It will be a chance for people to come together to see the best of what our city has to offer and I look forward to welcoming the PM to Belfast.

"My invitation was extended in the spirit of the renewed relations between Britain and Ireland, more important than ever giving the turbulent state of the world at the moment. There will always be a close bond between these two islands and It’s important that we take the opportunity to reach out when it presents itself."

Police Appeal For Information After South Belfast Assault

Police are appealing for information following a reported assault near the junction of Ava Avenue and Elgin Street in south Belfast on Sunday, 9th March.

The incident occurred between 1:00 am and 1:30 am, when a man was reportedly assaulted with a metal object by two men dressed in tracksuits.

Police are urging anyone who witnessed the assault or possesses CCTV or other footage that could assist with their inquiries to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference 1124 11/03/25.

Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ .

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/

FMDFM Lead Business Delegation To North Carolina

The First Minister, Michelle O'Neill, and Deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly, are leading a delegation of Northern Irish businesses to North Carolina to promote the local economy and build relationships across the United States. The visit coincides with the one-year anniversary of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the North Carolina and Northern Ireland Chambers of Commerce.

The primary focus of the trip is to foster economic growth and investment opportunities. First Minister O'Neill emphasised the region's strong ties with U.S. companies and its attractive business environment, highlighting its skilled workforce and unique access to trade opportunities in both Britain and Europe.

Deputy First Minister Little-Pengelly highlighted the success of the MoU, stating that the partnership is thriving and unlocking new economic opportunities. She stressed the importance of building connections with the U.S. for economic growth, noting the parallels between Northern Ireland's economic strengths and those of North Carolina.

Following the North Carolina visit, Deputy First Minister Little-Pengelly will travel to Washington D.C. for St. Patrick's Day engagements, where she will continue to promote Northern Ireland as a prime location for investment.

The business delegation includes representatives from Queen's University, Artemis, B-Secur, Axial 3D, and other Northern Irish businesses with U.S. hubs.