SDLP Accuses Sinn Féin of 'Gaslighting' Public on Cost of Living

SDLP Opposition Communities Spokesperson Mark H Durkan MLA has accused Sinn Féin of "gaslighting" the public with their cost of living motion in the Assembly, stating that the largest party in the Executive must take responsibility for its failure to introduce mitigations for families.

The Foyle MLA highlighted the Executive's failure to support costed SDLP proposals, such as removing the two-child welfare cap, arguing that meaningful motions will not change the fact the current Executive is failing people.

Sinn Féin Welcomes Assembly Support for Poverty Motion

Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew welcomed the Assembly's backing of his party's motion, which calls on the Communities Minister to strengthen proposals to tackle poverty. The Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA noted that the cost of living crisis is forcing many families to choose between feeding their children and heating their homes. He stated that the onus is now on Communities Minister Gordon Lyons to bring forward a better plan to ensure hard-pressed families have confidence in the support provided by his department.

Man Sentenced for Racially-Motivated Disorder in Belfast

Jamie Clarke (32) from the Newtownabbey area was sentenced at Belfast Crown Court today, Monday 17th November, to 38 months (19 in prison, 19 on licence) for offences linked to sustained disorder in Belfast last summer. The racially-motivated disorder followed an anti-immigrant rally. Clarke was seen on video footage throwing missiles at two hotels on University Street and later throwing an item into a business premises on Sandy Row while shouting what were perceived to be racist comments. Detectives confirmed that this sentencing is one of many expected following the large-scale disorder that saw police officers injured by petrol bombs and heavy masonry.