29/09/2026
UUP Leader Urges Secretary Of State To Push Back Budget Deadline
Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows MLA has urged the Secretary of State to extend Thursday's deadline for the Northern Ireland Executive to agree a three-year budget, confirming he has written to request a brief postponement.
Jon Burrows MLA said: "I have written to the Secretary of State today asking him to defer Thursday's budget deadline by a short, defined period.
"Northern Ireland urgently needs a balanced three-year budget, and this is not a request to let that process drift. But the Secretary of State has asked party leaders to agree a way forward together. Given the strain on political relationships since the weekend, a considered response by Thursday looks unlikely.
"A short extension would allow leaders to address the immediate situation, consult properly and return to the budget with the seriousness it deserves.
"Our position on Garvaghy Road is unchanged: anyone who broke the law must face consequences. We also need to find a resolution to this dispute for the long term. We can hold people to account while delivering for patients, pupils and public sector workers. They rely on us to work for them, and we intend to do both."
Jon Burrows MLA said: "I have written to the Secretary of State today asking him to defer Thursday's budget deadline by a short, defined period.
"A short extension would allow leaders to address the immediate situation, consult properly and return to the budget with the seriousness it deserves.
"Our position on Garvaghy Road is unchanged: anyone who broke the law must face consequences. We also need to find a resolution to this dispute for the long term. We can hold people to account while delivering for patients, pupils and public sector workers. They rely on us to work for them, and we intend to do both."
Latest Northern Ireland News
29 September 2026
Landmark Joint Strategy To Improve Handling Of Serious Sexual Offences
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland (PPS) have launched a joint five-year Strategy for Investigating and Prosecuting Serious Sexual Offences, outlining how both organisations will work together to improve victims' experiences and deliver a more effective response to some of the most
Landmark Joint Strategy To Improve Handling Of Serious Sexual Offences
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland (PPS) have launched a joint five-year Strategy for Investigating and Prosecuting Serious Sexual Offences, outlining how both organisations will work together to improve victims' experiences and deliver a more effective response to some of the most
29 September 2026
Naomi Long Unveils 'Justice Is Changing' Drive To Support Victims Of Sexual Crime
Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched the 'Justice is Changing' campaign, signalling the Department of Justice's commitment to improving outcomes and support for victims of sexual crime across Northern Ireland.
Naomi Long Unveils 'Justice Is Changing' Drive To Support Victims Of Sexual Crime
Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched the 'Justice is Changing' campaign, signalling the Department of Justice's commitment to improving outcomes and support for victims of sexual crime across Northern Ireland.
29 September 2026
UUP Leader Urges Secretary Of State To Push Back Budget Deadline
Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows MLA has urged the Secretary of State to extend Thursday's deadline for the Northern Ireland Executive to agree a three-year budget, confirming he has written to request a brief postponement.
UUP Leader Urges Secretary Of State To Push Back Budget Deadline
Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows MLA has urged the Secretary of State to extend Thursday's deadline for the Northern Ireland Executive to agree a three-year budget, confirming he has written to request a brief postponement.
29 September 2026
Minister Kimmins Launches Consultation On Bellarena–Bishop’s Gate Greenway
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has opened a public consultation on proposals for the Bellarena to Bishop's Gate Greenway, part of the Department for Infrastructure's Active Travel Signature Scheme.
Minister Kimmins Launches Consultation On Bellarena–Bishop’s Gate Greenway
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has opened a public consultation on proposals for the Bellarena to Bishop's Gate Greenway, part of the Department for Infrastructure's Active Travel Signature Scheme.
29 September 2026
PSNI Maintains Garvaghy Road Operation As Unlawful Protest Blocks Parade
A substantial public safety operation remains in place on the Garvaghy Road after an unnotified protest stopped a notified parade from proceeding along its determined route, the Police Service of Northern Ireland has said.
PSNI Maintains Garvaghy Road Operation As Unlawful Protest Blocks Parade
A substantial public safety operation remains in place on the Garvaghy Road after an unnotified protest stopped a notified parade from proceeding along its determined route, the Police Service of Northern Ireland has said.
29 September 2026
Detectives Seek Information After Reported Shot Fired At Downpatrick Home
Police are investigating after a reported gunshot struck the exterior of a house on Colmcille Road, Downpatrick, at around 9.45pm on Monday 28 September. The female householder heard a loud bang outside and, on checking, found what is believed to be a strike mark on the wall beside the kitchen window.
Detectives Seek Information After Reported Shot Fired At Downpatrick Home
Police are investigating after a reported gunshot struck the exterior of a house on Colmcille Road, Downpatrick, at around 9.45pm on Monday 28 September. The female householder heard a loud bang outside and, on checking, found what is believed to be a strike mark on the wall beside the kitchen window.
29 September 2026
Generations Gather As Dundonald International Ice Bowl Celebrates 40 Years
Held on Saturday 26 September, the complex was turned into a giant birthday party with a packed programme of entertainment running throughout the day. Visitors enjoyed circus performances featuring a magician, clowns and a juggler, while the rink hosted exhibitions by some of the region's leading talent.
Generations Gather As Dundonald International Ice Bowl Celebrates 40 Years
Held on Saturday 26 September, the complex was turned into a giant birthday party with a packed programme of entertainment running throughout the day. Visitors enjoyed circus performances featuring a magician, clowns and a juggler, while the rink hosted exhibitions by some of the region's leading talent.
29 September 2026
Summer-Born Primary 7 Pupils To Keep Childcare Support Under NICSS Change
Education Minister Paul Givan has updated eligibility rules for the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS) so that summer-born pupils entering Primary 7 can continue to receive support for the full academic year. The change covers children who turn 11 between 2 July and 31 August and are moving into Primary 7.
Summer-Born Primary 7 Pupils To Keep Childcare Support Under NICSS Change
Education Minister Paul Givan has updated eligibility rules for the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS) so that summer-born pupils entering Primary 7 can continue to receive support for the full academic year. The change covers children who turn 11 between 2 July and 31 August and are moving into Primary 7.
29 September 2026
Why Old Game Show Formats Keep Finding New Screens
For more than a decade, a voice on the end of a telephone line was one of the most discussed characters on British television. The Banker never appeared on camera, yet his offers could turn an ordinary weekday afternoon into proper drama. Deal or No Deal ran on Channel 4 from October 2005 until December 2016, and then the boxes were packed away.
Why Old Game Show Formats Keep Finding New Screens
For more than a decade, a voice on the end of a telephone line was one of the most discussed characters on British television. The Banker never appeared on camera, yet his offers could turn an ordinary weekday afternoon into proper drama. Deal or No Deal ran on Channel 4 from October 2005 until December 2016, and then the boxes were packed away.
29 September 2026
Communities Minister Joins Veterans At Help For Heroes Sport Event In Newtownards
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has met armed forces veterans taking part in a Help for Heroes sporting programme that supports health and wellbeing after active service.
Communities Minister Joins Veterans At Help For Heroes Sport Event In Newtownards
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has met armed forces veterans taking part in a Help for Heroes sporting programme that supports health and wellbeing after active service.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A dry and cloudy start with light outbreaks of rain possible by late morning. Cloudy with light rain possible through the afternoon. Brisk southeasterly winds will be strong at times with coastal gales. Maximum temperature 18 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a band of heavy rain spreading east through the evening, accompanied by strong winds and severe coastal gales. Rain clears east overnight, leaving clear skies and easing winds. Minimum temperature 12 °C.