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Rev Dr Robert Coulter, the Ulster Unionist Party Assembly member for North Antrim and UUP Stormont Commissioner, has praised the Glens of Antrim Historical Society for its “highly impressive” school book project.

Speaking after attending the launch in Cushendall, Assemblyman Dr Coulter added: “I want to wholeheartedly congratulate the Glens of Antrim Historical Society on its innovative Clachan Project school book, How It Used To Be.

“I was most impressed with the book itself and especially with the presentation on the day.

“Those involved in the Clachan Project have completed a magnificent job, and I thank them for the opportunity to learn about all the work which has been done in the study of the Clachans of the Glens.

“The fact that so many people, and school children in particular, had the opportunity of learning about their past, searching records and collecting reminiscences of older people is of great benefit to us all.

“I wish the Historial Society every success in the future, especially with educational projects involving our children,” said Assemblyman Dr Coulter.

Ulster Unionist MLA Tom Elliott has hit out at the “dangerous” blockages that have been created close to Derrychara as work on the new Tesco’s store continues.

The Fermanagh and South Tyrone assembly man said: “As the work continues on the new Tesco’s outlet the pavements at the side of the road around the bottom of Derrychara have become a real hazard. The main problem is that equipment being used to build and install features into the new store has to be close at hand for the workers. However, the fact that the pavements have become blocked means that residents of Derrychara and schoolchildren attending Devenish Collage are finding they are being put at risk as they have to walk on the road to round the obstructions. It isn’t safe and is totally unacceptable.”

Following a number of complainants received by Mr Elliott from concerned residents and parents of pupils, the local MLA contacted the Road Service to sort the issue out.

Mr Elliott went on to say: “The response I received from the Road Service was very positive as they told me Tesco’s had been instructed to provide a coned off walkway for children through the site. This walkway would provide safe passage for all those concerned and allow Tesco’s to continue towards the opening off their store, which will be a massive boost to the local area. With the safety of the children resolved then the optimism to the opening of the store can really begin to build.”

The Officers of the Ulster Unionist Party note with regret the death of their esteemed colleague, Lord Cooke of Islandreagh (Alec).

Alec was above all one of nature’s gentlemen, a dedicated family man who was always concerned about the welfare of others. He led a productive life, starting his career as an Engineer Officer in the Royal Navy and later served as Chairman of Henry R Ayton Ltd., the Belfast Savings Bank, Springvale EPS and Harland & Wolff of which he later became a Director. He was also Director of Northern Ireland Airports and a Senator in the Parliament of Northern Ireland from 1960-68 before being appointed as Deputy Lieutenant for Country Antrim from 1970 -1996 and received an OBE in 1981.

Alec Cooke was elevated to the House of Lords as Baron Cooke of Islandreagh in 1992 where he served the Party well until his recent lengthy illness which he bore with great fortitude and was deeply respected across all sections of the community both at home and on the mainland.

The Party Leader, Officers and members of the Ulster Unionist Party extend their deepest sympathy to Lady Alison and the entire Cooke family at this sad time.

Ulster Unionist Party Deputy Leader Danny Kennedy met with IFA Chief Howard Wells today to discuss the on-going campaign to overturn a FIFA proposal that could allow people born in Northern Ireland to play for the Irish Republic team. Mr Kennedy has concerns that the proposal, if ratified, could put the very future of the Northern Ireland squad in jeopardy.

Speaking after the meeting Mr Kennedy said,

“The meeting with Mr Wells was very useful and the UUP remains fully supportive in the stand that the IFA is taking against this proposal.

It appears that the critical FIFA meeting to decide on the proposal will be on the 12th December in Japan but we are hopeful to have matters resolved with FIFA before then.

We will continue to stay in touch and we lend our full support to the IFA and have pledged to do all we can to see this proposal scrapped.”