Doug Beattie Slams Justice Minister Over 'Abject Failure'

UUP Justice spokesperson Doug Beattie MC MLA has condemned the "appalling" hate and vigilante behaviour on the streets of Northern Ireland and criticised the Justice Minister for what he calls a lack of leadership. Mr Beattie stated that while condemnation has been forthcoming, "words are one thing, action to eradicate it is another."

The spokesperson said that law and order is being "eroded" due to a lack of leadership from the Justice Minister. He highlighted several key issues, including a systematically under-resourced police service, backlogs in the courts, and what he described as "pitiful" sentences for sexual and violent crimes. He also criticised the "shambolic" prisoner pre-release criteria, which allowed a violent offender to be on the run for nine months.

Mr Beattie concluded that the Alliance Party, which has been the "sole custodian" of the Justice Minister post, has shown "continuous and abject failure." He said the Minister "cannot blame others for the state of justice in Northern Ireland" and issued a call for her to "get on with it or get out of the way."

SDLP Calls For Action On Lough Neagh Toxins SDLP Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone has said the discovery of toxins in the flesh of some fish in Lough Neagh underlines the need for urgent action. He stated that while the Food Standards Agency says fish in the lough remain safe to eat, a change in that advice would have "devastating consequences" for the livelihoods of those who rely on the lough.

Mr McGlone warned that progress on tackling the blue-green algae has been "far too slow" and that the problem will return next summer if it is allowed to fall off the political agenda. He said the problems at the lough will not be solved overnight.

The Mid Ulster MLA welcomed a Sinn Féin "U-turn" in the Assembly and called for an "agreed way forward," led by the AERA Minister and involving all stakeholders, including farmers. He added that this is necessary to safeguard Northern Ireland's "most precious natural resource."

Sinn Féin MLA Welcomes Increase In Magee Applicants

Sinn Féin MLA Pádraig Delargy has said an increase in applications to Ulster University’s Magee campus is "further evidence" that his party’s plans for the university are making a "real difference." He was speaking after Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald confirmed a 21 per cent rise in applications.

According to a Belfast Telegraph report, the Magee campus has also achieved more growth in the past year than in the previous decade combined. Mr Delargy, a Foyle MLA, said the figures show Sinn Féin ministers are "making a real difference and using their roles to prioritise regional balance."

He said the Economy Minister is determined to continue building on this progress and ensuring work continues towards accommodating 10,000 students at Magee. Mr Delargy added that Derry is moving into an "exciting new chapter," with "so much potential to keep driving the positive transformation of our city."