DUP

Always a poignant service of remembrance, it was an honour to join once again for the annual Dromara Local History Group Remembrance event. It was especially lovely to see the relatives of Pte Henry Walker in attendance, and they had been asked to lay the wreath on behalf of all gathered, as this year Henry had been selected as the local Dromara person to be particularly remembered for his service at the event. We heard how Henry had moved for work to Scotland and enlisted and ended up serving with the Scottish Rifles. He sadly lost his life in the war and is forever remembered for his contribution, service and incredible sacrifice. We should always remember all who gave so much, and it is particularly moving to hear the experience of these local boys and men, across all communities here, who gave so much for all of us. Well done Pte Henry Walker, your service is remembered and appreciated, and to all who fought, served, gave it all and those who survived. #LestWeForget

“I am so sorry to hear of the death of Ciara Mageean, at the age of 34 years. An outstanding athlete and ambassador for her sport, Ciara was born in Portaferry, County Down and represented Northern Ireland and predominantly Ireland on the world stage. Ciara had outstanding success, and was an inspiration to many. She spoke with such honesty and bravery about the health battles she subsequently faced. I know so many from right across Northern Ireland were deeply proud and inspired by Ciara. My deepest condolences to her family, teammates and friends, and her husband to whom she had so recently married. May God comfort all those who mourn this deeply sad loss at such a young age.” Emma Little-Pengelly Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland

Given the seriousness of the circumstances surrounding Michelle O’Neill’s recent reckless conduct, and the damage it has done to the operation of our joint office, I have withdrawn agreement to attendance at tomorrow’s engagements in Glasgow. This follows on the back of stopping separate planned engagements, including with the President of Ireland, Catherine Connelly over the last number of weeks and I have not agreed further activities or events. I do not take this action lightly. The situation surrounding the First Minister’s recent conduct remains extremely serious. There is significant anger, hurt and legitimate public discontent arising from her actions. These concerns cannot simply be dismissed or minimised. This is an exceptionally serious matter, particularly given the responsibilities of the office she holds and the importance of public confidence in the rule of law. Of further concern is the First Minister’s continuing refusal to recognise or meaningfully acknowledge the depth and legitimacy of the discontent caused by her behaviour. Her approach has contributed to a significant deterioration in confidence and in the working relationship necessary to discharge the responsibilities of our joint office. Northern Ireland will not miss out. I have requested a separate meeting with the Prime Minister to ensure Northern Ireland’s interests, including the urgent budgetary and funding challenges facing the Executive, continue to be represented directly.

It was an honour to attend Hillsborough Castle to mark the Anniversary of 25 years of the Northern Ireland Police Fund, and particularly to have the opportunity to meet so many of those whose lives have been touched by its work. Twenty-five years is a significant milestone. But behind that anniversary are countless personal stories — stories of sacrifice, courage, loss, resilience and remarkable strength. We know that policing in Northern Ireland has come at an enormous personal cost to so many officers and their families. There are those who went out to serve their community and never returned home. Others who returned with injuries, visible and invisible, that would change their lives forever. And families who have carried the consequences of that service, often quietly and with extraordinary dignity. Their sacrifice must never be forgotten. Their service must never be taken for granted. And our gratitude must never be confined to words alone. That is why the work of the Northern Ireland Police Fund is so important. For 25 years, it has demonstrated that remembrance is not simply about looking back. It is about reaching out, offering practical help, and ensuring that those who have given so much are not left to face life’s challenges alone. There is something profoundly important about that commitment — because while we cannot undo the hurt of the past, we can make a difference to the lives of those who continue to live with its consequences. I want to pay particular tribute to the Board, staff and everyone who has contributed to the Fund’s work over the past quarter of a century. And, most importantly, to the officers and families here today: you are valued, you are remembered, and you have the enduring gratitude of our community. As the Fund and those who benefitted over the years celebrate this anniversary, may we also renew our commitment to ensuring that the care, compassion and support that have defined the Fund’s first 25 years continue long into the future.

Hate, division and recklessness. That’s what we have witnessed. People are disgusted. It isn’t leadership to defy the law. It isn’t leadership to create and further hate and bitterness. It isn’t leadership to facilitate hate and intolerance. The last few weeks has witnessed absolutely unedifying behaviour by Michelle O’Neill. She has damaged the reputation of the office of First Minister, fractured political relationships across the office, the Executive and beyond. People want responsible leadership. To face recklessness with responsibility. Childish politics and stunts with maturity. I am beyond despair at the behaviour of Sinn Fein - but when others degrade and demean the posts they hold, we need to cut through all this nonsense and show what responsibility means.

This tells you everything you need to know. Michelle O’Neill has a PSNI vehicle and could have driven into the police station, but chose to performatively walk in for the invited press. What a surprise. Fake, reckless and divisive behaviour once again. People are sick of this behaviour. Yet on important issues - not to be found. Tomorrow we have an opportunity and offer to meet with the Secretary of State and the Chief Secretary of the Treasury on budget and she has refused to attend that meeting. This is not responsibility, that is recklessness and an abdication of her role.