Ministers Send Condolences Following Death Of Duchess Of Kent

First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have expressed their sympathy following the death of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent.

In her statement, Michelle O'Neill offered condolences to the Duke of Kent and his family, and acknowledged the "sorrow that many people will feel at her loss."

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly extended her "deepest condolences" to The King, the Duke of Kent, and the Royal Family. She described the Duchess as "widely respected for her grace, empathy, dignity and devotion to public service." Ms Little-Pengelly added that she would be keeping the Duke of Kent, his children, and grandchildren in her prayers.

Declan Kearney calls Lough Neagh a 'National Emergency'

Sinn Féin National Chairperson Declan Kearney MLA has described the situation at Lough Neagh as a "national emergency" that requires a joint political priority from both the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Irish government. Speaking during a debate on saving the Lough, the South Antrim MLA said that the "catastrophic pollution" is posing an existential threat to its biodiversity, ecological wellbeing, and the local fishing and tourism industries. He noted that the total termination of eel fishing for the 2025 season shows how the crisis has devastated local livelihoods.

Mr Kearney stated that the crisis should be above party politics and called for "decisive, coordinated action" with all relevant stakeholders. He said that a North-South intergovernmental response, with a dedicated focus from both the Irish and British governments, is needed.

UUP Backs Bill To Strengthen School Inspections

Jon Burrows MLA, the UUP Education spokesperson, has stated that the party supports the Education Minister's proposal to strengthen the legislative protections for school inspections. He said that inspection is "fundamental to ensuring the safeguarding of pupils, maintaining standards and ensuring good practice is shared."

The Ulster Unionist Party has confirmed that while its support is given in principle, it is not a "blank cheque." It will scrutinise the bill at the committee stages to ensure the legislation is both robust and fair. The party wants to ensure that Northern Ireland is not the region with the weakest legislative protections for inspection.

Mr Burrows also criticised other parties, including the SDLP and Alliance Party, stating that they are "not reading the room when it comes to safeguarding children and young people." He argued that protecting children via inspections should be a "no-negotiable" and urged a collective focus on optimising the bill.