Delighted that the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill has passed its Second Reading in House of Commons this eve by 295 votes to 221.
An important step forward towards restoring our place in the internal market of the United Kingdom & towards political stability in Northern Ireland.
I have contacted DfI Roads Service re these signs erected by Sinn Fein in Deerpark & Oldpark Road area. This is a mixed area & these illegal & political signs are considered intimidatory by Unionist residents. I have asked that they be removed by the Dept as a matter of urgency.
Disgusted that a further sectarian attack occurred this aft at Cityside (Yorkgate) Shopping Centre. Two Protestant boys aged 12 & 13 approached by 3 teenagers and asked ‘Where are you from?’ and ‘What are you doing in our area?’ following which one was punched in the head. 1/2
Following a DUP motion brought to Council, it was agreed at Committee today that £100,000 be provided by
@belfastcc
for community groups (up to £2,000 each) for street parties & events to celebrate HM The Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
We will update on when this fund opens. GSTQ!
Finished the Boston Marathon in 3:35:47 and raised over £1,200 for the Northern Ireland Hospice. A well-organised event and tremendous support from people along the route.
Many thanks again to everyone who supported this fundraising effort for
@NIHospice
Pleased that our proposal passed at Committee, that BCC should organise a commemoration of 'Bloody Friday' with the addition of a Day of Reflection for all victims of the Troubles in Belfast.
Backed by DUP, Alliance, Greens & SDLP. Opposed by Sinn Fein.
An unbelievably insensitive & insulting comment. We remember the victims of 'Bloody Friday' every year at the plaque in City Hall. In this 50th anniversary year we are calling for Council to work with victims of this atrocity to organise solemn remembrance & to say never again.
I stand by my call for Timothy Gaston to apologise that during public evidence-gathering on the needs of older people he chose to criticise a charity worker on the content of her personal social media account. Not his business nor the business of the committee. Abuse of privilege
@NIAEOCttee
Today : One of our newest MLAs and seemingly with a lot to learn in terms of protocol and manners.
I won’t tag any Individuals with these clips as they speak for Themselves :
Despite Sinn Fein using "call-in" to prevent the lighting of City Hall this eve for NI Centenary, the DUP will continue to push for this to be done on nearest possible date.
SF show no respect for the Unionist identity nor the democratic wishes of the Council & the people of NI.
Pleased to have confirmation that Belfast City Hall will be illuminated tomorrow evening (Thursday) in blue and green to mark the Centenary of Northern Ireland.
Police seized a crate of petrol bombs and one nationalist youth arrested after making his way into Workman Ave and attacking a vehicle.
PSNI has confirmed that NO youths are involved on Shankill side. Well done to community reps & PSNI officers who have been out on ground.
2/3
We will be meeting with the PSNI and the Shopping Centre management to ask what is being done to catch those responsible and to bring these disgraceful and blatant sectarian attacks to an end? Utterly appalling. 2/2
It is right that this blatant act of deliberate flag-burning is being investigated at a time when there has been greater media attention to other incidents. Should not be too difficult to identify the culprits!
Sammy Wilson MP addressing the Anti-Protocol Rally at North Belfast Orange Hall this eve, also addressed by Billy Hutchinson & Jim Allister -all highlighted the importance of Unionist parties using political leverage after the election to bring about replacement of NI Protocol 🇬🇧
@JoeBrolly1993
@NotThatBigIan
This is a nationalist Barrister and prominent GAA pundit promoting the IRA and denigrating anyone who criticises the lauding of IRA terrorists. This gives you an idea of what Republicans' idea of an united Ireland would be like. May we never end up there.
#GSTQ
Hard to take it in.
Christopher was one of the great characters of Unionist politics, he had so much more to give. Gone too soon.
Thoughts and prayers are with Laura, their four children and the family circle.
The Lord is my shepherd.
This band might be Tone Deaf to the huge suffering caused by IRA campaign of violence but those of us in Belfast & Northern Ireland are only too aware of the death, injury and destruction they inflicted on thousands of people and it is nothing to celebrate
This morning Phillip Brett and I were ratified as the DUP candidates for North Belfast constituency for the Assembly election in May.
Our overriding priority is to retain the two Unionist seats in North Belfast. I believe that Phillip & I are best placed to achieve that outcome.
On the DUP Student Association stall in the impressive new QUB Students Union building this afternoon, with other MLAs visiting also. Great to see a good number of students signing up 👏👏🇬🇧
Disgusted to hear from our DUP candidate Ian McLaughlin that people putting up his election posters at Twaddell Ave / Woodvale Rd this eve were attacked with bottles thrown by youths from Ardoyne
Thankfully no-one injured but a passing car was struck and damaged. PSNI informed.
Very disappointed that SF, Alliance & SDLP have officially withdrawn their support for the York Street Interchange project at Council Committee this eve. This is a very important development to reduce congestion & pollution and to help people & goods get around & through the city
Footage of the blatant sectarian attack by nationalist youths against Lower Shankill homes in Denmark Street / Sherbrook Terrace at around 9.20pm last night. Utterly disgraceful.
With
@NigelDoddsDUP
and
@nicolaverner1
laying a wreath on behalf of
@duponline
at the community remembrance this afternoon of the 9 innocent victims of the IRA bomb on the Shankill Road in 1993, as we approach the 30th anniversary.
We will remember them.
Huge thanks to DUP voters in Court Electoral area:
1️⃣ Frank McCOUBREY tops the poll,
2️⃣ Nicola VERNER also elected with full quota
3️⃣ Ian McLAUGHLIN to follow shortly as our new Councillor.
A tremendous result.
Thank you for your support 👏 👏 🇬🇧
#DUP123
Amazed that
@News_Letter
has published such a comprehensive obituary for our Mum in today's paper, with sincere thanks to David Hume.
A great honour for her and for us and a great record for posterity :)
A very special occasion for me at City Hall this evening, the unveiling of my portrait by Colin Davidson, such an honour to have been painted by him :)
Called with residents in Sherbrook Terrace / Denmark Street this morning following a disgraceful blatant sectarian attack upon homes, with window smashed, by around 30 nationalist youths last night. Needs to be utterly condemned from all sides.
Following up with PSNI.
DUP voted in support of Health & Social Care Workers at City Council this eve. Very disappointing that our call for earliest possible restoration of NI Executive to address this & other matters of concern was defeated by: 31 (SF, SDLP, PBP & Alliance) - 19 (DUP, UUP, PUP, Greens)
Very sorry to hear of the passing of Past County Grand Master Dawson Bailie. It was a pleasure to know him particularly during my years working at the Shankill Mirror. A gentleman and a credit to the Orange Institution. With deepest sympathy to his family circle and friends
Attended the solemn occasion of wreath-laying by local football teams at the scene of the 1993 Shankill bomb, marking the start of the 25th anniversary events. We will remember them.
Delighted to be joined by our party leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP and fellow candidate Cllr Phillip Brett for canvassing in the Alliance area of Upper Ardoyne this morning. A great response of the doors as always.
#DUP12
#Kingston1Brett2
Community remembrance event for Noah Donohoe and in support of his family at Skegoneill this evening. Well done Pastor Brian Madden, Cllr Dean McCullough and all others who organised and supported this event. Attended along with colleagues William Humphrey & Nicola Verner.
Delighted to receive this limited edition framed print, hand embellished, from
@brianjohnspencr
of his excellent painting of City Hall. Will look very well on my office wall :)
Tremendous turn-out for deliveries for
@NigelDoddsDUP
this morning/aft - with teams out in Shankill, Woodvale, Twaddell, Ballysillan, Joanmount, Tigers Bay, Shore Road & Rathcoole and good encouragement from folk along the way.
#VoteDoddsX
#Dodds4NorthBelfast
On the doors for
@NigelDoddsDUP
in Ballysillan Park, Ballysillan Avenue, Buttermilk Loney, Benview, Tyndale and Carrs Glen Park this morning, with many expressions of support
#VoteDoddsX
#Dodds4NorthBelfast
Very sorry to hear of the sudden tragic death of Dr Paul Conn of Ballygomartin Group Practice, who had helped many thousands of people over 30+ years as a local GP. With deepest sympathy to his family, colleagues and friends.
“I would call on all those who oppose such eulogising of IRA terrorism to work together to ensure this never happens again. Feile organisers should also not include the Wolfe Tones on the programme of events in the future.”
Calling round the doors with Nigel in Ballysillan / Benview / Silverstream this evening, with a good response as always
#Dodds4NorthBelfast
#VoteDoddsX
WINDSOR WAY - it’s official!
Delighted that Belfast City Council has this evening ratified the naming of the new pathway from Boucher Road to Windsor Park as ‘Windsor Way’ - the fans’ choice, the people’s choice!
#GAWA
At meeting of
@belfastcc
this eve I proposed that Council, through the Lord Mayor, write to Isaac Herzog congratulating him on his election as President of Israel, following in the footsteps of his Belfast-born father Chaim Herzog. Glad to say this was approved by the Council 🇮🇱
Huge congratulations  to our daughter
@amykingston96
who has got a FIRST class honours degree at
@QUBelfast
!!! Wow!
Looking forward to the Graduation ceremony 🙂
In Central Park after the Marathon. Finished in 3:26:02 - slowing down badly at the end after going out too fast! - but still my 2nd fastest marathon. An excellent event and tremendous support from the crowds lining the route.
Great response in Westland this morning & afternoon canvassing for Nigel, and thanks to those who brought some of us in to dry out!
#Dodds4NorthBelfast
#VoteDoddsX
Appalled to hear from PSNI Commander that there has been trouble at Springfield Road by around 20-30 nationalist youths again this evening which has resulted in Lanark Way gates being closed early for 2nd night in a row.
1/3
Delighted to attend 80th anniversary celebration of Sea Cadets in Northern Ireland with principal guest Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal (Princess Anne), in my capacity as honorary President of Belfast Eagle Sea Cadets.
A very positive event, moved indoors due to weather!
A very respectful 30th anniversary remembrance parade and wreath-laying on the Shankill for the 9 innocent victims of the Shankill bomb. Attended along with party colleagues. Well done the Shankill community.
Main remembrance service on Monday.
We will remember them.
Very disappointing that Michael Conlon does not follow the lead of many previous boxing and sporting heroes so that people can support him across the divide. Disgraceful that he has no regard for the victims of IRA terrorism.
Is it not humiliating for Sinn Fein, who currently abstain from taking their places at Westminster and at Stormont, to see northern nationalists calling on Fine Gael to represent their politics?
#PaintCorner
Good to see the new Belfast Bikes dock being installed at Carlisle Circus this morn. This was agreed and funded through the Lower Shankill Building Successful Communities Forum, of which I am a member, along with the bike dock previously installed beside Shankill Leisure Centre.
At
@belfastcc
this eve I proposed that Council should include the Centenary of opening of the Ulster Memorial Tower at Thiepval, France, in our Centenary programme this year, highlighting connections between Council and the Tower. This request has been referred to Committee.
A poignant service at West Kirk this aft marking this 30th anniversary of the Shankill Bomb.
Attended alongside bereaved family members, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and other party colleagues and many others from the Shankill community and beyond.
We will remember them.
Connecting our Union
Pleased that Prime Minister included investment in the A75 road in Scotland in his speech today.
The DUP has pressed for upgrading this vital link from our connecting port of Cairnryan to the M6. Will strengthen our connections & supply lines within the UK.
Attended the dignified memorial service at West Kirk this afternoon commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Shankill Bomb. Final event in a well organised programme. Lest we forget.
A portrait of Sir Henry Wilson hangs at Belfast City Hall. It is welcome that a memorial plaque is being unveiled at Westminster today recognising his service as an MP and as a senior army officer, on the centenary of his murder by two cowardly IRA gunmen
Great to join with other
@duponline
candidates and supporters at the launch of our Assembly election campaign and
#5PointPlan
to build a better Northern Ireland, addressed by Party Leader
@J_Donaldson_MP