SDLP Refers Communities Minister Gordon Lyons to Standards Commissioner Over Larne Leisure Centre Post

SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole MLA has formally referred Communities Minister Gordon Lyons to the Assembly's Standards Commissioner.

The referral comes in the wake of a social media post by Minister Lyons that identified a leisure centre in Larne as being used to accommodate individuals impacted by recent racist attacks, a facility which was subsequently attacked.

Mr O'Toole, the South Belfast MLA, stated: "The disgraceful attacks we have witnessed in recent days have followed months of inflammatory rhetoric around immigration from politicians, including in Assembly and Council motions designed to stoke fear and division."

He criticised the DUP and others for "irresponsibly conflating so-called 'legitimate concerns' with appalling racially fuelled violence which has terrorised families with children."

The SDLP leader highlighted what he perceives as a dangerous lapse in leadership. "Even after homes and cars have been set alight and families forced to flee, some politicians still refuse to condemn these racist attacks without qualification. That failure of leadership reached a dangerous new low when the Communities Minister, who has statutory responsibility for the Housing Executive, publicly identified a leisure centre being used to support displaced families, just hours before it was attacked."

Mr O'Toole asserted that the SDLP believes this action constitutes "a clear breach of the Ministerial Code and his obligation to act in the interests of all people in Northern Ireland." He confirmed the referral to the Standards Commissioner for investigation, adding, "These matters are of the utmost seriousness and if Gordon Lyons and his party cannot see that, he cannot remain as Minister."

Concluding, Mr O'Toole stressed the wider impact of the recent events: "These events have traumatised families and appalled communities across the North. The politicians who created this climate of hate cannot now disown its consequences. It is our responsibility to offer leadership, reassurance and solidarity and to say clearly that Northern Ireland is home to all who live here."

Minister Lyons has defended his social media post, stating that the information about the leisure centre's temporary use was already in the public domain and that his intention was to "defuse tension and appeal for calm" amidst circulating rumours. However, the attack on the leisure centre shortly after his post has drawn significant criticism from various political figures, including First Minister Michelle O'Neill and Justice Minister Naomi Long.

Belfast City Hall To Host Annual Day Of Reflection For Conflict Victims

Belfast City Hall will once again host its annual Day of Reflection on Saturday 21 June, providing an opportunity for individuals and communities to acknowledge the profound hurt and pain caused by the conflict in and about Northern Ireland.

The event, which councillors previously agreed to hold annually, will follow a similar format to previous years. Visitors are invited to attend between 2pm and 4pm for quiet reflection, listen to a selection of poetry and prose readings, and engage with representatives from various support organisations.

A short film by the local organisation Healing Through Remembering will be screened at 2pm. Attendees will also have the opportunity to share their hopes for the future by adding a personal message on a leaf to a 'Thought Tree' throughout the afternoon.

Party Group Leaders on Belfast City Council issued a joint statement, affirming their commitment to the event: "As a council, we will once again participate in this year's Day of Reflection and offer a space in City Hall for this to take place. We acknowledge that many people throughout the city suffered deeply as a result of the conflict. As civic leaders, we hope that by hosting this annual event and providing a quiet, safe space, it will give people an opportunity to reflect and remember in a way which is personal to them."

No prior booking is required to attend the Day of Reflection, and all members of the public are welcome. Additionally, Belfast City Hall will be illuminated in yellow on the evening of Saturday, 21 June, as a mark of remembrance.

Ulster Unionist MLA Condemns Ballymena Violence

North Antrim Ulster Unionist MLA Colin Crawford has condemned the recent violence in Ballymena, asserting that it has diverted attention from the underlying issues that initially prompted public protests.

Mr. Crawford stated: "I attended the peaceful protest in Harryville on Monday evening, along with many others, to show support for the young girl who was recently assaulted. My thoughts are with her and her family. No one should ever have to endure such trauma, and no family should have to carry that pain."

He continued by drawing a clear distinction between legitimate protest and criminal acts. "What has followed is completely unacceptable. Peaceful protest is a right, but violence, disorder and racism are not, it drowns out genuine concerns and brings misery to the very communities people claim to stand up for. I've been on the ground and will continue to work to bring the violence to an end. We cannot, and must not, allow this to continue. Northern Ireland has already seen where this kind of behaviour leads, and we cannot go back."

The MLA also addressed the issue of community relations. "Many people come to Northern Ireland, make it their home, and contribute positively to our economy. Turning against them is not who we are, and it must never become who we are."

Mr. Crawford emphasised the necessity of supporting law enforcement. "The PSNI must be backed to do their job, to investigate these crimes and bring those responsible before the courts, who in turn must pass down sentences that reflect the seriousness of the crimes. That's how we stand with victims. Violence and criminality cause more harm, destroy lives, damage the reputation of entire communities, and place even greater strain on an already overstretched police force."

The remarks follow multiple nights of disorder in Ballymena, which have seen attacks on police officers, property damage, and numerous arrests.