Archive for April 3rd, 2007
Following on from Sinn Fein’s recapture of the Education portfolio, Ulster Unionist Leader Sir Reg Empey has said that DUP attempts to reassure Unionists will fall flat if they continue to peddle spin and half-truths as fact.
The UUP Leader commented after the DUP claimed that changes they negotiated mean all major decisions are a matter for the Executive as a whole.
In a statement, Sir Reg said: “In trying to take ownership over everything under the sun, the DUP have gone far beyond what’s believable.
“It was always a myth that departments were separate fiefdoms under control of individuals. This was never the case because all substantial decisions required money or legislation or both. Money and legislation required cross-community support.
“The DUP are trying to convince people that they’ve solved a really tricky problem. They haven’t. But they’ve hung all this on two announcements – the de Brun ‘decision’ on the RVH, and the McGuinness ‘decision’ on academic selection.”
Continue Reading E-mail April 3rd, 2007
Sir Reg Empey MLA
Despite the fact that many people in society are prepared to move on and work for a peaceful and equitable future in the Province, there are still a tiny minority who are clinging to the past, East Londonderry Assembly member David McClarty has said.
The MLA was speaking following an incident in Coleraine on Monday night when a parked car was set alight by a petrol bomb.
He said: “Every effort must be made to apprehend those who are continuing to inflict fear and terror in the community.
Condemning the attack at Linden Avenue in Millburn, Mr. McClarty added:
“These type of incidents are heinous and obviously designed to frighten and alarm. Such behaviour cannot and will not be tolerated by right-thinking people. I would appeal to anyone who knows anything about this attack to help the police with their enquiries.”
Continue Reading E-mail April 3rd, 2007
David McClarty MLA
Crossmaglen man and UUP Party Officer Kenny Donaldson has congratulated local GAA side, Crossmaglen Rangers upon their momentous win over Kerry side, Dr Crokes in the All-Ireland Club Final replay held in Portlaoise on Sunday last.
The win means that Crossmaglen Rangers have won the All-Ireland Club Championship four times in the last decade.
In a statement Mr Donaldson said: “I would congratulate Crossmaglen Rangers, the players and all the backroom staff. Their unique spirit, determination and will to win has saw them clinch their fourth All-Ireland Club Championship in a decade – that is a considerable sporting achievement and is testament to all involved.
“In any sport it is too often the headline clashes between major teams that draw all the media attention - too little attention gets paid to the important work of building up our sporting potential at club and local level. In particular, I know that in Gaelic Football it takes an immense level of skill, dedication and commitment for any club team to advance to an all-Ireland final. Crossmaglen Rangers have proved again and again that they have what it takes to win the big games and claim the top silverware.
“As a Unionist I acknowledge that the GAA have taken significant steps in recent years to reach out and demonstrate respect for the tradition to which I belong. I would hope and expect that the organisation will continue to move forward in a progressive and inclusive manner. I would urge the unionist community to display tolerance and respect for Gaelic Games and the important role they have for thousands of Northern Irish citizens.”
“After the moving experience of hearing God Save The Queen played and respected by 80,000 Ireland fans in Croke Park and living through the heroics of our Northern Ireland football team as they climbed to the summit of their European Qualifying Group in what was termed; ‘the group of death’ and the groundswell of support the team has received from across the community, there can be little doubt that sport has immense potential of building reconciliation within our community,” concluded Kenny.
Continue Reading E-mail April 3rd, 2007
Kenny Donaldson
