Alliance Welcomes Appointment Of Language Commissioners

Alliance Executive Office Spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has welcomed the confirmation that the First and deputy First Minister have finally issued letters of offer to the two appointees for the roles of Irish Language Commissioner and Ulster-Scots Commissioner. These posts were established under the Identity & Language Act.

The South Belfast MLA stated that the appointment process for Pól Deeds (Irish Language Commissioner) and Lee Reynolds (Ulster-Scots Commissioner) had "taken far too long," but it is a welcome development that their positions have now been confirmed.

Ms Bradshaw stressed the importance of allowing the appointees to get established quickly so they can operate efficiently within their respective areas of responsibility. She noted that there has been "far too much negative commentary" surrounding both posts in recent months and years.

The Alliance Party is hopeful that the establishment of these new roles will help to "depoliticise minority languages" in Northern Ireland. The roles are expected to deliver genuine respect for the region's range of identities and promote the importance of its diverse cultural heritage. Ms Bradshaw concluded that she looks forward to both Commissioners coming before the Committee for the Executive Office in due course to formally lay out their programme of work. The appointments mark a significant step in the implementation of the Identity & Language Act.

SF Raises Concern Over Police Ombudsman’s Findings

Sinn Féin MLA and Policing Board member Linda Dillon has raised serious concerns regarding a Police Ombudsman report detailing the conduct of four officers during an arrest incident in December 2022. The report found multiple failings in how the officers behaved both during and after the arrest. Specifically, the Ombudsman's findings highlighted the mishandling of evidence, including one officer reportedly suggesting that a mobile phone should be destroyed.

Ms Dillon, the Mid Ulster MLA, strongly condemned the behaviour detailed in the report, calling it "inappropriate and misogynistic behaviour not befitting any public servant." She emphasised that it was particularly concerning that "such degrading remarks were directed towards a woman reporting to be a victim of domestic abuse."

The Ombudsman's report recommended that the PSNI hold misconduct meetings with all four officers involved in the incident. Ms Dillon is now demanding an explanation from the PSNI as to why they did not accept and implement these recommendations in full. She concluded that it is "vital all police officers do so in a respectful and professional manner" when interacting with the public.

Man Arrested During Burglary Investigation in L'Derry

Local police officers in Derry/Londonderry have arrested a man in his 20s following the investigation of a burglary in the Clon Elagh area. The arrest was made quickly, which officers attributed to the prompt actions of a member of the public.

Police initially received a report at around 1.25am on Monday morning of a man attempting to enter a property in Clon Elagh. Just ten minutes later, at approximately 1.35am, a subsequent report was received, stating that a man had successfully entered a property in the same vicinity.

Officers responded immediately to the reports and arrested a 25-year-old man at the scene on suspicion of both burglary and attempted burglary. The suspect currently remains in police custody as investigations continue.

Inspector O'Donnell specifically thanked the caller for their vigilance: "Please do call us when you notice anything suspicious happening, it can make a real difference. On this occasion, prompted by the fast actions of the caller, an arrest was made while the burglary was underway."

The Inspector reminded the public to contact police on 101 for non-emergencies, or 999 in an emergency, and highlighted online reporting options.