04/11/2008
Cross-Border Policing Talks Highlight Stormont Divide
A united effort to target cross-border crime took a step forward today with news of a high-level meeting between Irish police force bosses alongside senior members of both governments.
The Irish Republic's Minister for Justice and the Gardaí Commissioner are today attending a cross-border conference on crime.
Dermot Ahern and Irish police chief, Fachtna Murphy (pictured) have been joined by PSNI Chief Constable Hugh Orde and the Northern Ireland Office-based Security Minister, Paul Goggins.
The meeting, in Co Fermanagh, will address continuing concerns over tackling fuel laundering, illicit alcohol manufacturing and smuggling across the Irish border.
The talks are aimed at greater cross-border co-operation on the issues.
The event has particular significance as the Stormont Executive remains deadlocked over a timetable for taking responsibility for both policing and justice issues, with the DUP and Sinn Fein at loggerheads over the promised transfer of powers.
Had the issue been devolved, Paul Goggins role would have been taken over by an elected NI Policing and Justice Minister, which remains the sole function not yet devolved to Stormont.
However, a resolution seems as far away as ever today as it has emerged that the latest spat to sour inter-party relations took place today, with the suspension of a leading DUP MLA.
Nelson McCausland was ordered from the Stormont chamber for a day over allegations about Gerry Adams - which the Sinn Féin President denied.
The claims were made during a debate on Troubles' victims who 'Disappeared' at the Assembly on Monday.
Today, the North Belfast MLA refused to withdraw his words and speaker Willie Hay ordered him to leave.
See: Other NI News In Brief
(BMcC)
The Irish Republic's Minister for Justice and the Gardaí Commissioner are today attending a cross-border conference on crime.
Dermot Ahern and Irish police chief, Fachtna Murphy (pictured) have been joined by PSNI Chief Constable Hugh Orde and the Northern Ireland Office-based Security Minister, Paul Goggins.
The meeting, in Co Fermanagh, will address continuing concerns over tackling fuel laundering, illicit alcohol manufacturing and smuggling across the Irish border.
The talks are aimed at greater cross-border co-operation on the issues.
The event has particular significance as the Stormont Executive remains deadlocked over a timetable for taking responsibility for both policing and justice issues, with the DUP and Sinn Fein at loggerheads over the promised transfer of powers.
Had the issue been devolved, Paul Goggins role would have been taken over by an elected NI Policing and Justice Minister, which remains the sole function not yet devolved to Stormont.
However, a resolution seems as far away as ever today as it has emerged that the latest spat to sour inter-party relations took place today, with the suspension of a leading DUP MLA.
Nelson McCausland was ordered from the Stormont chamber for a day over allegations about Gerry Adams - which the Sinn Féin President denied.
The claims were made during a debate on Troubles' victims who 'Disappeared' at the Assembly on Monday.
Today, the North Belfast MLA refused to withdraw his words and speaker Willie Hay ordered him to leave.
See: Other NI News In Brief
(BMcC)
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09 January 2009
Elderly Man Accused Of Raping Minor
A 67-year-old man is to appear in court today, charged with raping and indecently assaulting a minor. The man was detained by police yesterday. It is believed the alleged offences took place in east Belfast between 2005 and 2006. The man is expected to appear before Belfast Magistrates Court this morning, police said.
Elderly Man Accused Of Raping Minor
A 67-year-old man is to appear in court today, charged with raping and indecently assaulting a minor. The man was detained by police yesterday. It is believed the alleged offences took place in east Belfast between 2005 and 2006. The man is expected to appear before Belfast Magistrates Court this morning, police said.
30 May 2019
Stormont: Party Talks Continue
Northern Ireland's political leaders have reconvened at Stormont today as the attempts to restore power-sharing continue. Weekly talks with the British and Irish governments have been ongoing since 07 May in a bid to get the Executive back up and running.
Stormont: Party Talks Continue
Northern Ireland's political leaders have reconvened at Stormont today as the attempts to restore power-sharing continue. Weekly talks with the British and Irish governments have been ongoing since 07 May in a bid to get the Executive back up and running.
14 November 2022
De-Facto Irish Sea Border On Energy Support Payments – SDLP
The SDLP has accused the DUP of creating a de-facto Irish Sea border on energy support payments for people in NI. SDLP Cost of Living Spokesperson Matthew O'Toole said that by boycotting the Stormont institutions the party are making it harder to get energy support payments to families in the North that are being received in other parts of the UK.
De-Facto Irish Sea Border On Energy Support Payments – SDLP
The SDLP has accused the DUP of creating a de-facto Irish Sea border on energy support payments for people in NI. SDLP Cost of Living Spokesperson Matthew O'Toole said that by boycotting the Stormont institutions the party are making it harder to get energy support payments to families in the North that are being received in other parts of the UK.
17 November 2015
Stormont Talks Are Coming To An End - Eastwood
The Leader of the SDLP has said the Stormont Talks appear to be rapidly coming to an end. Colum Eastwood MLA said that it's time for both governments and all parties to put their cards on the table at the current round of Talks.
Stormont Talks Are Coming To An End - Eastwood
The Leader of the SDLP has said the Stormont Talks appear to be rapidly coming to an end. Colum Eastwood MLA said that it's time for both governments and all parties to put their cards on the table at the current round of Talks.
16 March 2011
Stateside Backing For IFI In Question
As NI's top two politicians tucked into a hearty breakfast in the USA today, their plan to underline the importance of continuing US funding for the International Fund for Ireland (IFI) was sharply in focus. The organsiation that channels the cash to job creation and enterprise in NI and the border counties has come in for criticism.
Stateside Backing For IFI In Question
As NI's top two politicians tucked into a hearty breakfast in the USA today, their plan to underline the importance of continuing US funding for the International Fund for Ireland (IFI) was sharply in focus. The organsiation that channels the cash to job creation and enterprise in NI and the border counties has come in for criticism.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.