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Kenny Donaldson, an Ulster Unionist Party Officer today said more needed to be done to prevent a spate of Irish language stickers that have appeared on road signs initially in Newry and Mourne but have now spread to parts of Tyrone and Fermanagh. The large stickers simply state ‘GAELIGE’.

Mr Donaldson has already made representations to DRD Minister Conor Murphy who condemned the move and said that those pushing for bi-lingualism should do so via councils.

In a statement Kenny said: “With more and more of these stickers being plastered across road signs the Minister must do more to stamp out this growing trend and use the law if necessary to prevent it happening.

“I am not opposed to the use of the Irish Language by those who wish to speak it but imposing it in this manner is foolish, dangerous and is defacing public property.

“The emergency services navigating in the area need full visibility to road signs and place names; it helps no-one if a huge sticker is covering the name place of somewhere they are supposed to go to in an emergency. In addition the stickering merely adds to the confusion of the growing number of migrant workers, many of whom have difficulty enough finding their way around in the English language due to the language barrier.

“Lastly the stickering is a defacement of public property and is increasingly becoming perceived as antagonistic.

“I am calling on Minister Murphy to do more to nip this growing trend in the bud now. He has the ear of the nationalist community in a way most unionist politicians do not. It is time for some responsible leadership on this issue.”

Commenting upon the end of Operation Banner, Kenny Donaldson, an Ulster Unionist Party Officer and native of

Crossmaglen, South Armagh said:

“Today marks the closing of a chapter in Northern Ireland’s history. After 38-years of, ‘Operation Banner,’ the

back-up support of British Army soldiers to the Police, the campaign has come to an end.

“Over 700 military personnel lost their lives whilst protecting the State and its’ citizens. The people of

Northern Ireland, present and future now enjoy a level of peace and prosperity which could not have been realised

but for the contribution of our ‘State guardians and protectors.’

“My thoughts have turned today to the families of those men and women who died. Their sorrow and sense of loss

will not disappear; daily they will remember their loved ones and the cruel and callous way in which they were

taken from them.”

Kenny added: “Regardless of others attempts at rewriting history, the ultimate aim of those who served within the

ranks of the British army was to bring about Peace on the streets of Northern Ireland, similar to any other

Region of the United Kingdom.

“Those who adorned a uniform and set about fulfilling the role of, ‘state and civic protector’ deserve our

recognition and heartfelt gratitude.

“Law abiding people from both of our main traditions suffered greatly over the course of the Troubles’ period and

yes, with the benefit of hindsight; tactics and actions could and perhaps, should have been different however it

must never be forgotten that the ‘State Protectors’ of our Security Services were dealing with a Republican

insurrection whose contributors practised open, guerrilla warfare.

“Ultimately however, the “terrorist” course practised by the Republican Movement was recognized to be futile,

political negotiations ensued and we have consequently arrived where we are today. The British army leave

Northern Ireland having fulfilled their ultimate objective; today we enjoy a level of Peace which was considered

impossible during the darkest days of the Troubles.

“All right thinking people hope and pray that the dark days are behind us, that Northern Ireland can build for

the future and can become a Region of strength within the United Kingdom. That is the future we must work towards

– those who died must not have done so in vain,” concluded Kenny.

On Thursday, 28th June 2007, a meeting will be held in the UUP Constituency Advice Centre, Markethill. The purpose of which will be, the setting up of a youth branch of the UUP within Newry and Armagh Constituency. The meeting will commence at 7.30pm and will be addressed by local UUP MLA and Deputy Leader of the Ulster Unionist Assembly Party, Cllr Danny Kennedy MLA.

In a statement, Youth Development Officer for the UUP and Crossmaglen Unionist, Kenny Donaldson said: “We warmly welcome young people from across Newry and Armagh Constituency who share the aims and objectives of the Ulster Unionist Party to come along on the 28th June and input into proceedings.

“It is often said that young people are not interested in politics and some evidence would suggest that this is because of feelings of exclusion from the political process. In Newry and Armagh, as in all other constituencies up and down Northern Ireland, the Ulster Unionist Party aims to put in place a vibrant youth movement, which will set about actually engaging with young people on the issues most important to them.

“Be that, getting on the property ladder, education and its’ soaring costs, car insurance cost disparity with the rest of the UK or indeed issues like that which is absorbing Northern Ireland presently; youth suicide.

“Our young people are the present and the future and we wish to build a vibrant movement within Newry and Armagh, which champions the issues young people grapple with. We will, where necessary be a thorn in the side against those whose inaction condemns young people to a rawer deal than that which they are entitled to.

“We would plead with young people aged 16-30 to come forward, get involved and make your voice heard. You can take that first step by joining us on Thursday, 28th June 2007 at 7.30pm in the UUP’s Advice Centre, Markethill. We look forward to seeing you then.”

UUP Party Officer Kenny Donaldson has urged the public to guard against the dangers of drink spiking.

Mr Donaldson made the call after it was revealed that since the ban on smoking in public places, reported incidents of drink spiking have increased in a number of towns and cities throughout Northern Ireland.

In a statement, Kenny said: “It would appear that in many pubs and clubs, drinks are being left unattended whilst people pop outside to have a cigarette. Whilst they are away it would seem that unscrupulous opportunists are tampering with their drink.

“We have all heard about people who have had their drink spiked with drugs. People have suffered sexual assault, been the victims of a mugging or other theft related crime. My message is simple – do not leave your drink unattended for any reason and where possible, consume alcohol in moderation so as to ensure that you are in possession of your wits. Guard against falling vulnerable prey for opportunistic predators.

“I would also call upon the Courts to serve out harsher punishments upon those who carry out the crime of drink-spiking. A strong message needs sending that this crime will not be tolerated and that those perpetrating the act will receive, lengthy custodial sentences,” concluded Kenny.

Newry and Armagh Young Unionists Representative and UUP Officer Kenny Donaldson has described as “insulting and anti-democratic” the contents of a leaked memo emanating from the new Sinn Fein DRD Minister Conor Murphy in which he is said to have banned his staff from calling the Province Northern Ireland.

At the behest of Mr Murphy, DRD staff must now refer to Northern Ireland as “here” or “the north”, while the Republic of Ireland is to be called “all Ireland” or “across the island of Ireland” and “Derry” must be used instead of “Londonderry”.

In a statement, Kenny said: “It’s absolutely intolerable that any Minister of the Northern Ireland Executive should seek to eradicate terminology specific to the very Region for which they are at service to. Conor Murphy along with his colleagues within the Republican Movement accepted Northern Ireland as a ‘legitimate territory of the United Kingdom’ when signing up for the Belfast Agreement, the consequent Saint Andrew’s Accord, and when taking the oath to serve as a Minister within the Northern Ireland Executive.

“Mr Murphy is guilty of political revisionism. He, along with his colleagues, are clearly embarrassed at the fact that they have sold out on their founding ‘so-called Republican principles.’ Northern Ireland is here and it is here to stay and any Minister of our Executive who should so blatantly seek to undermine this territory by giving it erroneous names should be hauled into line.”

He added: “Come on DUP, where are your much-vaunted accountability mechanisms? Do you care that your OFM/DFM partners are so intent upon undermining the very Region for which you claim to care so dearly for?”

Ulster Unionist Party Officer Kenny Donaldson has today congratulated local men Joe Swail and Mark Allen for their efforts in pulling off upsets at the World Snooker Championships and in-so-doing now advance to the second round.

The Northern Ireland men each fought off stiff competition to keep alive their dreams of lifting the coveted World Title.

In a statement Kenny said: “Mark Allen who is a mere 21 years old should be commended for his highly impressive win over Dublin-based, former World Champion, Ken Doherty. Mark had to endure the torrid qualification rounds before securing his place in the World Title main event but he has proven through his victory over Ken that he is a top class player who has the game to go far in the Sport.

“Meanwhile, the evergreen and Crucible favourite Joe Swail pulled off a gritty performance against another former World Champion, Wales’ Mark Williams. Joe’s victory via a final frame decider was a further demonstration of the doggedness and determination which he has carried with him throughout his Snooker career.

“Mark and Joe have done themselves and their Country proud. Their dream of winning the World Snooker crown remains alive. I, along with many other Northern Ireland Snooker enthusiasts pray that we have a future World Champion within our midst who will emulate the Snooker success of Alex Higgins.”

Ulster Unionist Party Officer Kenny Donaldson has congratulated the players and coaching staff of the Northern Ireland football team upon climbing to the dizzy heights of 33rd in the FIFA World Rankings.

In a statement, Kenny said: “International football fever has captured the imagination of the broad Northern Ireland public of late with our team climbing to the lofty heights of top spot in their European Championship Qualifying group. Heroic wins against Spain and Sweden and a hard fought draw away to Denmark have helped our team defy the pundits in what was described; ‘the group of death.’

“Our boys deserve every possible credit, they have turned out results which few gave them a chance of doing and they have now established themselves as a force to be reckoned with, especially at Windsor Park, which is fast becoming; a ‘no go area for fancied International teams.’

“Our Manager, Lawrie Sanchez has instilled within our players; a strong work ethic, a new confidence and a passion which is unmatched in International football at present and our fans time and time again have lifted our boys to enable them to turn out performances on the pitch, which they on paper aren’t given a prayer of delivering.”

Kenny concluded: “The community should continue to row behind our team in the remaining European Qualifier fixtures and indeed beyond. Our team can qualify for a major football tournament, they have what it takes. If our boys succeed, the benefits to our Country and to our people will be immense. Wee Norn Iron will be put on the map and will be lauded across Europe and further afield. I have full confidence in our team and coaching staff to deliver.”

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.

Kenny Donaldson, an Ulster Unionist Party Officer and resident of Crossmaglen has paid tribute to the soldiers of the Scottish Black Watch Regiment who were withdrawn from the Border Village on Saturday last. The soldiers of the Black Watch were the last British Army presence in the area.

In a statement, Kenny said: “Saturday last has been seen as a ‘historic day’ in the area but there is now an onus on the republican movement and the local community at large to work with and support policing in all of its forms.

“I would pay tribute to the brave service that the men and women of the security forces gave to the South Armagh area; their story must be remembered and not written out of history.

“A large number of British soldiers, other Security Service personnel, civilians and indeed republican insurrectionists died in the South Armagh area over the last 30 odd years. There cannot and will not ever be any justification for the terror campaign of the Provisional Republican Movement.

“In the volatile situation which pervaded South Armagh over 30 plus years of republican insurrectionism, law-abiding people did suffer and relationships between the Army and local inhabitants were strained. As we enter a new political dispensation, it is my hope that our Police Service of Northern Ireland will be given the full support and co-operation of local people in the South Armagh area.

“We must never again allow a political vacuum to engulf Northern Ireland – politics must work!

“The Government should be mindful that republican dissidents wait in the wings ready to profit from any political instability. It is therefore imperative that the Chief Constable has the option of requesting army back-up should there be any worsening of our security situation.”

Kenny added: “Violence was never the answer and it is regrettable that over 3,000 people had to lose their lives, thousands of others injured, tens of thousands bereaved and an economy decimated before people realised that the road they were on was the road to nowhere.

“All involved in Northern Ireland politics have an obligation to make politics work for the entire community. The public are crying out for responsible political leadership which is based upon delivering for the common good, rather than partisan party politicking. That is the challenge ahead for us; the sins of the past must never be repeated – we owe that to our present and future generations,” concluded Kenny.

A Young Life and Times Survey carried out by Northern Ireland’s two universities has found that almost 30% of 16-year-olds in Northern Ireland were bullied at school within a two month period. Reacting to the report, Kenny Donaldson, Ulster Unionist Party Assembly candidate for Fermanagh and South Tyrone has described the findings as, “deeply disturbing but not entirely surprising.”

In a statement, Kenny said: “The report’s findings make for grim reading however I am all too well aware from personal experience that bullying is a serious problem within our Schools. What the bullies do not seem to understand is that their actions can have life-changing impact upon their victim.

“Bullying is a problem throughout our society, whether in Schools, the workplace or indeed in civic life. There are obviously multiple forms of bullying; physical, verbal name-calling and psychological are amongst the weapons used by aggressors.

“I believe the Education system and individual Schools must do more to combat bullying within the School and its’ associated after-Schools activities. Bullying policies have been found to be effective in combatting the scourge of bullying and I would call upon School Boards of Governors to give the issue of bullying the attention it deserves. No child or young person should feel threatened or unhappy at School – quite the reverse, School life should be where young people are afforded a positive climate in which to express themselves and develop.”

Kenny continued: “It is worth noting that bullying within Schools isn’t confined to pupils, the Irish National Teachers Organisation has claimed there has been a 10-fold increase in the bullying of teachers in recent years. I support the INTO’s call for a commitment by the Department of Education and employers to give support to teachers. If this is not achieved and teachers are not given the protection they deserve, dozens will leave the sector and that is something our education system can ill afford,”concluded Kenny.