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Happy Easter and don’t forget to recycle the packaging: Environment Minister

Some 4,000 tonnes of extra card waste alone are generated from the packaging along with an Nestle-estimated 726 tonnes of plastic waste, all of which is going to landfill in Britain and Northern Ireland. Eighty million Easter Eggs are sold … Continue reading Happy Easter and don’t forget to recycle the packaging: Environment Minister

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Industrial Court Logo

Four members of Industrial Court reappointed by Employment for Learning Minister

Employment for Learning minister, Dr Stephen Farry MLA of the Alliance Party today announced the reappointment of the four members of the Industrial Court. The Industrial Court has its origins in the Industrial Courts Act 1919 and is responsible for the … Continue reading Four members of Industrial Court reappointed by Employment for Learning Minister

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Oi you two! holding hands, please leave! – new resource to combat discrimination from Equality Commission

“Oi you two! Yes you two holding hands… you’re offending me and my customers. We don’t want your sort here. Please leave.” Perhaps you or someone you know has had this said to you in a bar, or a shop, … Continue reading Oi you two! holding hands, please leave! – new resource to combat discrimination from Equality Commission

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Track Renewal System 4 in action on the West Coast main line

ScotRail were the saviours as journey home hit by Network Rail delays

As long-time readers will know, getting to and onto ferries can be fraught with difficulties. On Monday past, our return from Burnley was no exception. We started off okay: caught a train from Burnley two hours earlier than expected. So … Continue reading ScotRail were the saviours as journey home hit by Network Rail delays

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There’s a knock at the door, it’s the Police… what next?

In the last days and weeks Northern Ireland has been hit by many bomb alerts and security alerts, many of which have turned out to be hoaxes. I doubt that many people living in the rest of the United Kingdom have any idea what this is like. Imagine a family with young children, who are asleep at the time of the alert, being roused by a knock on the door from the Police. No, we don’t want to speak to anyone here – but there is a bomb alert at the bottom of your street. We need to evacuate you. … Continue reading There’s a knock at the door, it’s the Police… what next?

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Is St Patrick to be expunged from Union Flag?

Now any observer of flags in Northern Ireland will tell you that there are many variations in the flags that are seen around the Province. But this one, first seen by me on a Facebook page, is a new one even for me. It is placed on a page somewhat dedicated to so-called Loyalism that appears to have sprung up following the decision by Belfast City Council to fly the Union Flag from City Hall on the designated Flag-flying Days. Most of these pages want to see the Union Flag replaced, that is hoisted once more on City Hall, not … Continue reading Is St Patrick to be expunged from Union Flag?

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Violence and fire-lighting is not the way forward

My thoughts and prayers are with all Alliance Party representative and their staff at this difficult time following the decision by Belfast City Council to fly the Union Flag on designated days. Reports are coming in this evening that a constituency office for Stewart Dickson MLA, the Alliance representative for East Antrim has been set on fire. According to the BBC the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service are at the scene. As with the protest yesterday that forced Naomi Long MP‘s office to close early, all that these actions will do will be to stop local people from getting … Continue reading Violence and fire-lighting is not the way forward

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PA MagLochlainn RIP

This afternoon, I learned that a very dear friend, mentor and colleague, PA MagLochlainn has ‘gone home’. A few weeks ago I learned that he was in hospital and was very unwell, while we were celebrating 30 years of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Northern Ireland. Last week, the Pink Triangle Commemoration at Belfast City Hall was organised for the first year not by him. He was due to come, but this was not to be. And now, today, we are in mourning. He was many things to many people. His life touched all around him. Upon hearing the news … Continue reading PA MagLochlainn RIP

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