25/06/2026
Jacqui Durkin Appointed New Police Ombudsman For NI
Jacqui Durkin has been appointed as the new Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland, becoming the fifth person to hold the position.
The appointment was announced on Wednesday by First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly.
Durkin takes over the role following the retirement of Marie Anderson in December 2025 and will now lead the Office of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland during her term in office.
The appointment was welcomed by Hugh Hume, Chief Executive of the Police Ombudsman's Office. "The appointment of a new Police Ombudsman to lead the Office is welcome news and together with all the staff, I look forward to working with Jacqui and to supporting her to achieve her vision and priorities throughout her term."
Durkin's appointment comes as the office continues its work overseeing police complaints and maintaining public confidence in policing accountability across Northern Ireland.
The appointment was announced on Wednesday by First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly.
Durkin takes over the role following the retirement of Marie Anderson in December 2025 and will now lead the Office of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland during her term in office.
Durkin's appointment comes as the office continues its work overseeing police complaints and maintaining public confidence in policing accountability across Northern Ireland.
Latest Northern Ireland News
25 June 2026
NI Water Warns Public To Obey Ban At Reservoirs As Temperatures Rise
NI Water is urging visitors to adhere to its strict ban on barbecues, open fires and water-based activities at all sites as warmer weather heightens the risk of wildfires across Northern Ireland. The prohibition applies to every reservoir and any NI Water location with public access, regardless of whether a site is currently in use.
NI Water Warns Public To Obey Ban At Reservoirs As Temperatures Rise
NI Water is urging visitors to adhere to its strict ban on barbecues, open fires and water-based activities at all sites as warmer weather heightens the risk of wildfires across Northern Ireland. The prohibition applies to every reservoir and any NI Water location with public access, regardless of whether a site is currently in use.
25 June 2026
Jacqui Durkin Appointed New Police Ombudsman For NI
Jacqui Durkin has been appointed as the new Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland, becoming the fifth person to hold the position. The appointment was announced on Wednesday by First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly.
Jacqui Durkin Appointed New Police Ombudsman For NI
Jacqui Durkin has been appointed as the new Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland, becoming the fifth person to hold the position. The appointment was announced on Wednesday by First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly.
25 June 2026
Emerging Screen Talent Bound For Cinemagic Los Angeles Showcase
Belfast-based youth film charity Cinemagic is bringing young creatives from Northern Ireland, Ireland, Los Angeles and Canada together in California for a week of industry immersion, culminating in the Cinemagic LA Showcase at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, Santa Monica, on 26 June.
Emerging Screen Talent Bound For Cinemagic Los Angeles Showcase
Belfast-based youth film charity Cinemagic is bringing young creatives from Northern Ireland, Ireland, Los Angeles and Canada together in California for a week of industry immersion, culminating in the Cinemagic LA Showcase at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, Santa Monica, on 26 June.
25 June 2026
Man Arrested Over Downpatrick Takeaway Robbery
A man in his 40s is in custody after cash was stolen from a takeaway on Irish Street on Wednesday evening, with police appealing for information. Police made the arrest following a reported robbery in Downpatrick on Wednesday 24 June. At around 6.
Man Arrested Over Downpatrick Takeaway Robbery
A man in his 40s is in custody after cash was stolen from a takeaway on Irish Street on Wednesday evening, with police appealing for information. Police made the arrest following a reported robbery in Downpatrick on Wednesday 24 June. At around 6.
25 June 2026
£2.1m Heritage Fund Boost To Transform Ballycastle Museum
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has secured a £2.1 million award from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to restore, extend and refurbish Ballycastle Museum, marking a major step forward for heritage, culture and tourism in the Borough.
£2.1m Heritage Fund Boost To Transform Ballycastle Museum
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has secured a £2.1 million award from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to restore, extend and refurbish Ballycastle Museum, marking a major step forward for heritage, culture and tourism in the Borough.
25 June 2026
Donaldson Moves To Surrender Honours Following Conviction
Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson has requested that his British knighthood be formally renounced and has stepped down from the Privy Council following his conviction on multiple sexual offences.
Donaldson Moves To Surrender Honours Following Conviction
Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson has requested that his British knighthood be formally renounced and has stepped down from the Privy Council following his conviction on multiple sexual offences.
25 June 2026
Givan Announces Funding For Over 300 Schools
Education Minister Paul Givan has confirmed that more than 300 schools, organised in 53 clusters across Northern Ireland, will receive up to £5,000 each to host Research-Informed Conferences during the 2026–27 academic year.
Givan Announces Funding For Over 300 Schools
Education Minister Paul Givan has confirmed that more than 300 schools, organised in 53 clusters across Northern Ireland, will receive up to £5,000 each to host Research-Informed Conferences during the 2026–27 academic year.
25 June 2026
Kimmins Welcomes €230 Million Shared Island Funding To Boost Rail Connectivity
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has welcomed a €230 million investment from the Shared Island Fund to enhance rail links across the island of Ireland, following an announcement by the Taoiseach.
Kimmins Welcomes €230 Million Shared Island Funding To Boost Rail Connectivity
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has welcomed a €230 million investment from the Shared Island Fund to enhance rail links across the island of Ireland, following an announcement by the Taoiseach.
24 June 2026
Belfast Rallies For Fleadh Cheoil As Six-Week Countdown Begins
Belfast is gearing up for a landmark cultural fortnight as the six-week countdown begins to Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
Belfast Rallies For Fleadh Cheoil As Six-Week Countdown Begins
Belfast is gearing up for a landmark cultural fortnight as the six-week countdown begins to Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
24 June 2026
Public Health Agency Shares Sun Safety And Heat Health Tips
Simple steps can limit sun damage when the UV index reaches 3 or above and help you stay cool during hotter spells. To reduce exposure to harmful UV rays: - Seek shade between 11.00am and 3.00pm, when the sun is strongest. - Cover skin with appropriate clothing. - Wear a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection.
Public Health Agency Shares Sun Safety And Heat Health Tips
Simple steps can limit sun damage when the UV index reaches 3 or above and help you stay cool during hotter spells. To reduce exposure to harmful UV rays: - Seek shade between 11.00am and 3.00pm, when the sun is strongest. - Cover skin with appropriate clothing. - Wear a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A largely fine end to the day with some late sunshine but an increasing risk of showers overnight, perhaps occasionally heavy and thundery towards the end of the night. Minimum temperature 13 °C.