@naomi_long
As a former member of Alliance, I now feel completely alienated. Disappointed by your party colleges accusing those with concerns re RSE as far-right and being pro-life as “grossly offensive”. Does Alliance not have a conscience vote on abortion? I am also astonished and cannot
With the DUP not standing, The Ulster Unionists are clearly the main challenger to Alliance in North Down. Alex Easton has tried to take the Westminster seat 3 times and has failed in doing so, this time will be no different. Unionism should unite around Tim Collins, without a
This was the result of the 2023 Northern Ireland local elections in the areas covering the North Down Constituency:
APNI: 31%
DUP: 22%
UUP: 19%
IND U: 9%
GPNI: 9%
TUV: 4%
SDLP 3%
CON: 1%
Bear in mind at the general election, both the DUP and TUV are standing aside.
@KarlWDuncan
Children should not be allowed to make life altering, irreversible decisions to their body until they are mature adults who are capable of fully understanding the consequences and risk involved in what they are doing. Young people can be extremely vulnerable and need protection!
@BBCNewsNI
@AndrewMuirNI
@BBCSpotlightNI
As far as I am aware, the police don’t participate in the 12th of July or St. Patrick’s day parades. Why should they be expected to participate in gay pride?
@RTE_PrimeTime
She referred to them as “your refugees” twice there. They are now as much Ireland’s refugees as they were ever the United Kingdom’s. Has Ireland held any talks with France regarding this? As the refugees also belong to them going by this logic.
@AmeliaClarkson_
@allianceparty
You can condemn the stickers without condemning unionists. Classing them as “pro unionist stickers” is a bit pathetic. Meanwhile Alliance will be relying on unionist people tomorrow if they’re to have any success whatsoever.
@TeamUnion_UK
Wouldn’t that be embarrassing and set a dangerous precedent? This type of short sighted ideology fueled by sheer hatred is the biggest threat to the Union and always has been. You’d think you’d be trying to win over the middle ground/keep them on side, I guess not!
@bbctheview
@MarkCarruthers7
@GRobinsonDUP
I think Mark Carruthers is good in the role, but he needs to be checked on his interrupting, he needs a better structure in getting the answers he wants. It’s extremely frustrating and blatantly rude not allowing people to finish what they are saying when he asks them a question.
@StephenFarryMP
Your statement suggests we don’t already provide safe and legal routes to refugees. It seems like you are in favour of unlimited, uncontrolled mass immigration to the detriment of our own people, regardless of what you think of this particular scheme, something must be done.
@DarranMarshall
Very disappointing and a bad look for the UK Government considering the Irish Government was willing to provide funding for something out of their jurisdiction and the UK Government couldn’t for a project that’s within theirs.
@GaryHynds
Absolutely and there’s no doubt where the majority of non-voters constitutional aspirations lie. It’s easy for some to get sucked into believing that Sinn Fein are a dominant unstoppable political force.
@SuzyJourno
I think you’re a great journalist, but i don’t think it’s fair to report it as a two horse race. Would Robbie Butler not be a lot more well known in Lagan Valley?
Given the circumstances with the current MP and that fact Jonathan Buckley didn’t support the return to Stormont, I
@AntoFlynnser
Whether you support abortion or not, it should never be considered as a good thing to see more of. That is a pretty sick, snide comment for you to make regarding the 7681 baby’s denied the right to life.
@BelTel
@SuzyJourno
The DUP and Conservatives are both endorsing Alex Easton, but both asked Tim Collins to run for them. Take from that what you will!
If you’re thinking of voting for Alex Easton to represent you in Westminster, watch this and then watch a video of Tim Collins addressing voters. We need strong voices in Westminster.
@FightHypocrisy1
Racism isn’t confined to one part of the community, it’s all over. This particular incident happened in a loyalist part of Newry. That’s not to say it wasn’t nationalist thugs, but we certainly cannot rule out those ‘Newry loyalists’ you seem to be sarcastically doing.
@uuponline
I hope his successor continues to work and engage in the same spirit Doug has during his time as leader and can help bring about much needed realignment within political unionism.
All the best for the future
@BeattieDoug
@allianceparty
@SorchaEastwood
@SorchaEastwood
@PatrickBrownMLA
Just a coincidence that yous have both started referring to Northern Ireland as “the North” in the past few days? Jumping on the bandwagon to appease some may cost you’s a lot of your current support which got you’s to where you’s are at present!
@arnoboko
The new station will allow for more new services. We have an Increasing population and will be hosting huge events such as the British Open and the Euros. They’re looking at expanding the network to the international airport etc as well, only possible with a huge hub like this.
@darrenleckey
I agree, this would be a good one but the idea would be to appeal to all sections of the community, to have something we can all take pride in and the unaltered saltire would be best for that.
@maria228a
He only got elected because of Silvia Herman’s endorsement to support a pro remain candidate and the fact that several other candidates stood down for him to have a free run. He won’t be so lucky this time around!
@moneillsf
Deirdre Heenan’s assessment of the interview was good! “Also, the strapline of voting for change, how can a party that’s been in Government for 17 years talk about change?”
@AndrewMuirNI
How is it grossly offensive to be pro-life? The Alliance party are increasingly intolerant and condescending to anyone that holds a different view. Not very inclusive!
@Factual_Speak
@RealMessageEire
Mr facts, that isn’t factual. There’s atleast 3 black guys here. Not that it matters what colour of skin the attackers have, they’re all thugs!
@NiallSF
@Translink_NI
@CEOTranslink_NI
A lot of people in Wales speak Welsh as their first language. 30% of the Welsh population can speak the language. In Northern Ireland less than 4% of the population have the ability to speak Irish, with 0.3% claiming they use it as their main language.
@KarenSethuraman
I haven’t seen it, but was England mentioned pacifically? Or Scotland? Every time they say “the country” they are referring to the whole country, including Northern Ireland. We aren’t special!
@BelTel
Horrible comments from Peter Weir and Edwin Poots, but Naomi Long aims the blame at Emma Little-Pengelly for not calling it out? For all Naomi knows, Emma sent them a private message condemning what they said. Meanwhile Naomi provides no messages for the enquiry to analyse!
@SuzyJourno
@LucidTalk
Is the SDLP seriously content with Colum Eastwood continuing as leader? He’s been in the role just shy of 10 years now. It increasingly looks like the party has just accepted its decline. Claire Hanna as leader is their only hope of somewhat of a political comeback IMO
Talk about jumping on the bandwagon. Sinn Fein support an open border with the UK & EU. More than 80% of asylum seekers in the Republic of Ireland come from the UK and heaven knows what they would do if that border was to be enforced. All smoke and mirrors!
Sinn Féin opposes open borders and advocates for a fair, efficient, and enforced immigration system that respects the human rights of those fleeing conflict and persecution.
This is why we have voted against much of the EU migration pact.
@Donnchadhol
@mclaren_linzi
@BorderSolution_
100% it is an absolute mess and it devalues the property’s in the area as well, it isn’t fair on the people living there.
@frecklescorp
@mikenesbittni
Off topic and unrelated. You’d be better putting this separate concern to the justice minister rather than the health minister.
@sinnfeinireland
All largely irrelevant in the political world due to refusing to engage in the political chamber they are elected to. A vote for Sinn Fein is one for no representation in the place that it’s needed most. Sinn Fein “MP’s” have never voted in Westminster to improve anyone’s lives.
@gymforthesoul
It can be disheartening for many to see the apparent vast endorsement of SF given their terrorist past. Nice for people to know that endorsement is actually tiny. Also, unionism is split 4 ways and most who don’t vote are happy with the present constitutional arrangement.
@BeattieDoug
Those that call the Ulster Unionist Party protocol implementers etc etc, must be aware that they are the only unionist party that would have avoided this whole mess if they had of been the voice leading unionism over the past 10 years. When will the unionist electorate wake up?
@newsoncool
@duponline
@GRobinsonDUP
Why should wealthy pensioners be entitled to a winter fuel allowance? It should only be available and availed by pensioners who need it. I’m not saying it’s only those on pension credit who need it but it should be means tested. It’s easy to jump on the bandwagon for the sake of
@AlexKane221b
The best thing for unionism- DUP brand to cease, there’s no reputational comeback for it and its decline is most likely to continue. The DUPs forward thinking members as Ulster Unionists would make a strong political force. TUV could have unappealing individuals like Sammy Wilson
@BBCMarkSimpson
They should increase the capacity at Windsor by rebuilding the north stand and give us a couple of matches out of courtesy. Very unlikely, pity about Casement!
@TeamUnion_UK
Give over. You know fine well that sort of thing happens more in Northern Ireland than anywhere else. Constantly putting the Republic down isn’t the great coo you think it is. Negative tactics, you should focus on the benefits of Northern Ireland, not things that happen in the
@ThoughtsToby
That’s really saddening, there’s having concerns regarding immigration and then there is this! How dare you touch him and tell him where to go. You’re not from the Republic of Ireland, that guy has lived there for years & probably knows Dublin better than you. Complete racism.
@SuzyJourno
@LucidTalk
Is the SDLP seriously content with Colum Eastwood continuing as leader? He’s been in the role just shy of 10 years now. It increasingly looks like the party has just accepted its decline. Claire Hanna as leader is their only hope of somewhat of a political comeback IMO
@Pro_Union_EG
It became blatantly obvious to me when Easton said the Donaldson deal was a work in progress. Don’t know why TUV didn’t withdraw support. DUP councillor
@ALewis_DUP
said I was simply inaccurate for saying this would happen, lying to the public in the DUP’s DNA. Easton included.
@arnoboko
Loving the optimism. The rail link to the airport is still there and would cost considerably less to reopen than the station is to build. I’m near sure Translink are carrying out a feasibility study for it at present. Same sorts said the station would never happen.
@LordWeirDUP
They know Tim is leading, so they want people to think it’s a two horse race between Stephen and Alex so that some that plan voting for Tim will vote Alex instead, split the vote and then get him re-elected. Collins will win, Farry may very well come third.
Blue Lights series 2 premieres TONIGHT🚨
BBC's gripping police drama BLUE LIGHTS is back with six intense episodes. Prepare for heart-pounding action with our favourite PSNI officers!
@TwoCitiesTV
| Series Two | 9pm | BBC One|
@BBCiPlayer
@RedBSierra
Why record her and post it for everyone to see? Really angers me when I see young people record vulnerable people for a laugh or whatever reason. This woman has a family, her problems aren’t for you to gossip about publicly online.
@realZacTC
@Keir_Starmer
If you’re going to go to the effort of mentioning one terrorist organisation in this particular context, you may as well of kept going!
@JamesDonnellySF
@moneillsf
He put the question to her again and she couldn’t answer it this time around. Making it a worthwhile question as it shows us she doesn’t stand by her original statement of no alternative.
@DHamill2004
@NiallSF
@Translink_NI
@CEOTranslink_NI
The Welsh language was never extinct.
The language act of 1993 didn’t exactly encourage an upsurge in those speaking the language either.
There is no comparison in this to the Irish language in Northern Ireland.
@Barnabybear70
@uuponline
As of the recent assembly election, there are no female MLA’s. Therefore, there unfortunately is no female politician who would be in a credible position to be a candidate to lead the party. Do hope this answers your question and puts any worries of misogyny at ease!