Irish Government involvement in legacy body would be 'outrageous'

UUP Justice spokesperson, Doug Beattie MC MLA, has stated that it would be "outrageous" for the Secretary of State to allow the Irish Government to have any input into the oversight body of the new Independent Commission on Reconciliation and Information Retrieval (ICRIR). He argued that the Irish Government has failed to address legacy issues and should not be rewarded with a role on the body.

Mr Beattie criticised the principles of the 2014 Stormont House Agreement, stating that they would deny investigations for victims who were abducted and murdered across the border, as well as for those who were left with serious injuries if there were no fatalities. The UUP is concerned that the new ICRIR is simply a "repackaging of legacy" issues.

He reiterated the party's firm position that they will not support the ICRIR if former RUC and PSNI officers are barred from serving on it. Mr Beattie stressed that until the Irish Government is held accountable for its own failures to address legacy, it should have no involvement in the ICRIR.

Security Alert In Newtownards Ends A security alert in the Brewery Lane area of Newtownards has ended, with nothing untoward found. The alert was initiated after police were made aware of a suspicious vehicle shortly after 4.30am today, Thursday, 4 September 2025.

The operation led to the closure of the road and surrounding area for several hours, with a number of local residents evacuated from their homes. Police have thanked the public for their patience and cooperation, stating that public safety is always their priority.

Enquiries are ongoing, and police have encouraged anyone who sees something suspicious not to approach it but to contact them immediately on 999. Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to call 101 quoting reference number 157 of 04/09/25.

Luke Meenehan Selected To Take Conor Maskey's Councillor Seat

Luke Meenehan has been selected to replace outgoing Sinn Féin Councillor Conor Maskey in the Castle DEA in North Belfast, a decision that is now subject to Ard Comhairle ratification.

Mr Meenehan, 51, has lived in the Castle DEA his entire life and has been a community activist involved with the party for over a decade.

Outgoing Councillor Conor Maskey said it was a "privilege" to represent the people, and he is immensely proud of the progress the party has made in North Belfast. He added that he will be available to guide and support Mr Meenehan.

Mr Meenehan, a married father of three, currently serves as the chairperson of the Winifred Carney Cumann. He said he looks forward to working with local residents and groups to deliver "first-class council services."