11/08/2026

Hargey Raises Spate Of Sectarian Attacks With PSNI

Deirdre Hargey has raised the most recent sectarian vandalism of a memorial in Belfast's Short Strand with senior PSNI officers.

Sinn Féin said it was the sixth attack on memorials in the south and east of the city over the past week.

The South Belfast MLA and Policing Board member said: "We have once again seen an attack on Republican memorials in the Short Strand which were damaged with paint while an Irish flag was also stolen.
News Image
"This is just the latest attack, which was broadcast on social media and is the latest attempt to provoke retaliation.

"This type of behaviour is reprehensible. All communities have the right to remember those from their communities with dignity and respect.

"These are hate crimes and must be treated as such. They have caused considerable hurt for the families of those remembered on these memorials and anger within the community.

"I would urge all those involved to stop immediately from this disgraceful and divisive behaviour."

Latest Northern Ireland News

11 August 2026
PSNI Hails Safe Close To Fleadh Cheoil Na HÉireann 2026 In Belfast
Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 has wrapped up in Belfast, with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) saying extensive preparation helped deliver a memorable week across the city.
11 August 2026
Parents Urged To Discuss Alcohol And Drug Risks Before Exam Results
With exam results due in the coming weeks, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging parents and guardians to speak to young people now about the dangers associated with alcohol and drugs. Thousands of teenagers across Northern Ireland will soon get their A-level and GCSE grades.
11 August 2026
Fleadh Cheoil Draws 1.65 Million To Belfast City Centre, Doubling Expectations
Belfast has capped a landmark week as Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 far exceeded projections, with the city hosting the world's biggest celebration of Irish music and culture for the first time.
11 August 2026
Minister Hails Volunteers And Frontline Teams At Fleadh Medical Hub
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has praised volunteers, clinicians and emergency responders supporting Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 during a visit to the central medical hub at Ulster University.
11 August 2026
O’Dowd Seeks Urgent Talks With Chancellor Over Executive Finances
Northern Ireland's Finance Minister, John O'Dowd, has written to the Chancellor to request an urgent meeting on securing fair and sustainable funding for the Executive.
11 August 2026
Alliance Urges Permanent, Accessible City Centre Pedestrianisation After Fleadh Success
In letters to Belfast City Council, the Department for Infrastructure, the Department for Communities and Translink, Alliance Party representatives across Belfast have requested a wide-ranging review of pedestrianisation in the city centre, building on lessons from this year's Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
11 August 2026
Hargey Raises Spate Of Sectarian Attacks With PSNI
Deirdre Hargey has raised the most recent sectarian vandalism of a memorial in Belfast's Short Strand with senior PSNI officers. Sinn Féin said it was the sixth attack on memorials in the south and east of the city over the past week.
11 August 2026
Kimmins Announces New Active Travel Works In Antrim
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has confirmed work is under way on a £550,000 shared footway and cycleway along the B158 Stiles Way in Antrim, with construction beginning on Monday 10 August 2026. The scheme forms part of the Department's commitment to expand active travel infrastructure and improve accessibility for people walking and cycling.
11 August 2026
UUP Leader Condemns O'Neill's Attendance At IRA Hunger Strikers Commemoration
Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows MLA has condemned First Minister Michelle O'Neill for attending a commemoration for IRA hunger strikers, among them Thomas McElwee, whose firebomb attack killed Ballymena mother-of-three Yvonne Dunlop. Mrs Dunlop, aged 26, died in her family's Ballymena shop on 9 October 1976.
10 August 2026
Invest NI Grant Spurs 160 Micro And SME Firms To Invest £3.6m In Innovation
Invest Northern Ireland's Business Innovation Grant (BIG) is enabling 160 micro and SME businesses across Northern Ireland to invest £3.6m in innovation and productivity.