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BREAKING

Tue, 28th November 2023

(left to right) Tanaiste Micheal Martin, Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris and Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Michelle Donelan, at Farmleigh House, Dublin during the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference

NI Secretary looking for a 'sustainable Executive that lasts the course'
Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris has insisted that talks with the DUP over the trade border impasse are making progress, but has refused to put a timeline on the restoration of Stormont.

Five Things To Read

  • 1Transport strike to impact 60,000 pupils across NI this week
  • 2Ben Dunne 'did the Christian thing and forgave his IRA kidnappers'
  • 3The long running Portadown Drumcree parade dispute in pictures
  • 4Belfast unionist questions plan to restrict the right to protest and preach
  • 545-year-old man extradited from Poland to face sexual assault charges
    • The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee provides a platform for MPs to scrutinise what's going on in the province.

    Sir Robert Buckland elected as NI committee chair

    The Presbyterian Church in Ireland has published its submission to the public consultation on the Secretary of State Chris Heaton Harris' plans for compulsory abortion education in NI schools. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

    Business appeals to Heaton-Harris on Christmas public transport strike

    Alderman James Tinsley, LCCC Veterans Champion; Mr Danny Kinahan, the Northern Ireland Veterans’ Commissioner; Mr Peter Mackie, High Sheriff; The Deputy Lord Lieutenant Mrs Pauline Shields, OBE, DL; Mayor Councillor Andrew Gowan; Lyn Bulgin, Greenfinch, Rosemary Craig, Greenfinch; Mr David Burns, Chief Executive; The Right Reverend Darren James McCartney, the rector of St. Paul’s Parish; Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP; Reverend Nicholas Dark and Ronnie Nesbitt and Councillors are pictured with the Greenfinches at the event

    Thanksgiving service held to mark 50th anniversary of UDR's Greenfinches

    Gerard Greene from Craigavon, with his wife Margaret, is backing a Cancer Research UK campaign  for lung cancer screening. Picture: released by Cancer Research UK

    Great-grandfather with inoperable lung cancer backs NI screening call

    Feature Video: Watch now

    Hundreds of people have observed a moment of silence during a ceremony for Armistice Day at the Belfast Cenotaph: Press: ▶️ & 🔊

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    Puzzles

    Quick CrosswordTo test and hone your word skills

    SudokuThe ultimate logic-based numbers game

    WordwheelPit yourself against the clock with our simple anagram game

    Cost Of Living

    Christmas dinner

    NI consumers left feeling anxious and “caught off guard” by rising food prices

    Aoife Marken, Thomas Thibodeau and Taryn Graham who are part of the wider group of Criminal Barristers on strike today due to payment delays by the Department of Justice. On Friday, all criminal barristers engaged in both criminal defence and prosecution work will withdraw their services, and will not attend criminal court for any work or engage in any associated legal administration work, except for emergency matters. Photo: PA Wire

    Courts: Significant disruption at courts as barristers go on strike

    Maximum taxi fares in Northern Ireland will increase, the Department for Infrastructure has announced

    Maximum taxi fares in Northern Ireland will increase by up to 19.5% in December

    New figures from the Trussell Trust reveal that the charity’s Northern Ireland network of food banks distributed a record number of emergency food parcels between April and September this year – more than ever before for this six-month period and the largest increase in the UK. Pictured are volunteers at Carrickfergus food bank and warehouse sorting food and other items into bags for collection

    Over 39,300 food parcels distributed in NI - the largest increase in the UK

    Opinion

    Cathal Geoghegan, president, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry

    View: ​No game changing economic initiatives for NI

    ​​At a UK wide level, last week’s Autumn Statement brought forward a number of initiatives which are welcome and should help catalyse investment.Cathal Geoghegan, president, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry
    Morning View

    Editorial: Met have failed to arrest Jihad advocates the way they did Robinson

    People taking part in a march against antisemitism in London on Sunday. The event gave ordinary people the chance to show their sympathy for their Jewish neighbours over the Hamas terror attacks on October 7

    Ruth Dudley Edwards: I’ll carry on wearing ‘I Stand With Israel’ badge in public

    Letters: Great pity over fallout

    Letters

    Letters to editor

    Letter: Clear and logical analysis from Bob McCartney

    The judgment call on border poll rests with the secretary of state. According to the Belfast Agreement, a poll should be held, if at any time ‘it appears likely’ to the secretary of state that a majority of voters here want to become part of a separatist all-Ireland republic. That decision is entirely at the minister’s discretion and there is no need for him to set out any criteria

    Letter:​ Threshold for success in any border poll should be raised

    Peter Robinson said Northern Ireland could have the best of both worlds with seamless access to both the UK and EU market. But if our rules for trading goods are set in Brussels, it will always be costlier and more expensive for mainland companies to send products to this province

    Owen Polley: No unionist worth the name would accept being semi detached from GB

    Sport

    FA chief executive Mark Bullingham. (Photo by Mike Egerton/PA Wire)

    Sin bins proposal on IFAB agenda after grassroots trial

    The Stena Line Belfast Giants can confirm the signing of 24-year-old Cameron Pound for the remainder of the 2023/24 season, following a number of injuries within the roster. Picture: OJHLI Images/Timothy Bates

    Cameron Pound added to Belfast Giants defensive line for remainder of the season

    Glentoran manager Warren Feeney. (Photo by Desmond Loughery/Pacemaker Press)

    Glentoran's Warren Feeney ready for 'massive game' in Co Antrim Shield

    Simone Magill (second right) enjoying yesterday's Northern Ireland training session at The Dub in Belfast ahead of UEFA Women's Nations League games against Albania and Republic of Ireland. (Photo by PressEye Ltd)

    Simone Magill feels Northern Ireland 'prepared for everything' against Albania

    Loughgall have enjoyed a solid start to life back in the Premiership and take on Portadown in a Mid-Ulster Cup semi-final this evening. PIC: INPHO/Stephen Hamilton

    Dean Smith: Qualities that helped Loughgall achieve success are still there

    Rangers players applaud supporters following a recent UEFA Europa League Group C match at the Ibrox Stadium

    Rangers and Celtic tickets for away fans most expensive in Champions League

    Manchester United's Mike Phelan (right) with, from left, Mark Hughes and Bryan Robson during the 1993/94 season. (Photo by John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)

    Mike Phelan's Manchester United warning 30 years on from 'Welcome to Hell'

    Irish League Football

    Former England, Barcelona and Tottenham manager Terry Venables has been remembered after taking his Spurs side to Glenavon for a pre-season friendly in 1992

    Glenavon recalls Terry Venables' visit to Mourneview Park in 1992

    Linfield manager David Healy. PIC: INPHO/Phil Magowan

    David Healy provides injury updates on several Linfield key players

    Kyle McClean was on the scoresheet for Linfield as the Blues defeated Ballymena United 4-0 at Windsor Park. PIC: INPHO Brian Little

    David Healy delighted as Linfield return to the Premiership summit

    Coleraine striker Davy McDaid wheels away in celebration after netting in the 1-1 draw against Carrick Rangers

    Davy McDaid continues to show predatory instincts: Kearney

    Newry City's John McGovern was joined on the pitch by younger brother Paul during their defeat to Glenavon. PIC: INPHO Brian Little

    'Proud day' for Irish League brothers as they share Premiership pitch together

    Eating Out

    Pictured receiving the accolade on behalf of ABP Linden Foods at a black-tie dinner and ceremony in the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London are Diane Christie, ABP Linden head of innovation and Caoimhe Mallon ABP Linden retail technical manager with Daniel Murphy, M&S business unit controller

    Tyrone firm gets huge business boost with top food manufacturing award

    Taurine is found in meat, fish and in certain supplements and energy drinks. Taurine levels are significantly lower in the blood of older people compred to the young, suggesting that the consumption of the nutrient could play a role in increasingly longevity and stalling the ageing process although so far research has been focused on higher taurine consumption in animals

    Scientists find taurine could increase chances of longevity

    Crime

    Four men have been arrested following a report of an aggravated burglary in south Belfast this morning (November 28)

    Four men arrested following report of an aggravated burglary in south Belfast

    Picture of Michael Watt. Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Major Investigation Team have today, Tuesday 28th November, launched Operation Begrain, an investigation into the clinical practices of Michael Watt, former Consultant Neurologist. Pic Pacemaker

    Investigation launched into clinical practices of Michael Watt

    Larne Street

    Men seen kicking doors, smashing bottles and shouting racist comments

    ATM machine

    Man and woman charged in connection with attempted theft from ATM machine

    Sir Declan Morgan

    ​Prison threat part of legacy act, court told

    A man in handcuffs

    Public asked not to approach handcuffed man who absconded from PSNI

    What's On

    Young Cal and Young Calder

    Wednesday: Shetland (BBC One, 9pm)

    Paul, Prue, Alison and Noel with finalists, Matty, Josh and Dan

    Tuesday: The Great British Bake Off (Channel 4, 8pm)

    The cast of Hansel and Gretel, which is running at the Lyric Theatre, Belfast, until January 6, 2024

    Christmas is sweet with Hansel and Gretel at the Lyric Theatre, Belfast

    Retro

    Finlay team members enjoy the 65th anniversary celebration

    Pioneering NI manufacturer celebrates 65 years of innovation and success
    An anniversary event brought together almost 600 team members from across its four Omagh sites who have contributed to Finlay’s global success since opening in 1958

    General image of The Holy Bible

    Advent charity drive by Church of Ireland for Israel/Palestine Anglican diocese

    Pictured in November 1980 at the Ulster Ram Breeders Association annual dinner and prize distribution which was held at Ballymena, pictured are W B Stevenson, second right, URBA president, with Harold Dickey, secretary, Jack McElroy, chairman, and James Armstrong, secretary. Picture: Farming Life archives/Darryl Armitage

    The magical 300-egger is ‘in the hatching’ declares minister (1973)

    Surveying on Binevenagh Mountain. Picture: Submitted

    Local legacy of world first mapping project marked at conference

    The Flamingo, Ballymena, where some of the biggest names in music played live

    Retro: The Flamingo Ballroom, Ballymena

    Homes & Gardens

    'Rosebank House', 8 Millisle Road, DONAGHADEE, BT21 0HY

    Historic grade 2 listed seaside property on the Ards peninsula on the market
    Dating from around 1620 the property offers stunning uninterrupted views across the Irish Sea & beyond

    Callicarpa ‘Profusion’.

    ​Holly and ivy have their place – but so do many others.

    A selection of winter root vegetables.

    Some veg can be left in the ground until you need them

    Isobel and Maisie decorate the wish tree with their Robin crafts

    RSPB: Tips for a more sustainable Christmas

    Plans to redevelop city centre site will help meet Belfast’s demand for social housing. Pictured is a computer generated image of the development

    Plans at city centre site will help meet Belfast’s demand for social housing

    Lifestyle

    Piattelli Wine Resort. Argentina

    Travel: A road trip through amazing Argentina

    Shoppers from Britain and abroad at Selfridges, the upscale London department store, are now enjoying award-winning cured meats from Corndale Free Range Farm, near Limavady in Co Derry. Pictured is Alastair Crown, founder of the business

    ​​Top London store chooses unique tastes from Londonderry farm innovator

    Northern Ireland saw the largest annual percentage increase in start-up numbers of all the nations and regions in the UK, well ahead of Greater London (21.9% increase), East Anglia (17.6%) and Scotland (16.3%) Pictured highlighting October as a ‘milestone month’ is Ian Leonard, chair of R3 in Northern Ireland

    Northern Ireland start-ups almost double year-on-year, R3 research finds

    Antrim has been named as one of three counties where Apache Pizza is set to expand its presence as part of plans to open new stores and to create 50 jobs before the end of the year. The announcement was made as the pizza chain announced plans to open a new outlet in Ballymoney, creating 15 jobs. Credit: Shelley Corcoran

    Pizza chain eyes up Antrim as part of expansion plan as employees hit 3,000

    People

    Buster the German Shepherd enjoyng the snow

    Advice issued to help you keep your dogs warm and safe during cold spell
    As the temperature begins to drop, and snow and freezing weather set to hit parts of the UK, Dogs Trust Ballymena is urging owners to follow some simple steps to keep their dogs safe and warm this winter.

    Households in Northern Ireland are paying less for their home heating oil than their counterparts in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland, recent statistics have revealed. On average, the cost of space and water heating for an average sized three-bedroom house using a condensing boiler, radiators and DHW cylinder in Northern Ireland is £1,190 per year, according to figures released by the Sutherland Tables

    Home heating oil costs less in NI than rest of UK and RoI and prices are falling

    Over 450 companies and organisations have signed a pledge to stop all road deaths in Northern Ireland. Pictured are Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, councillor Mark Cooper, councillor Matthew Brady, chairperson of Antrim and Newtownabbey Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) and Lynda Hurley, head of road safety promotion at the Department for Infrastructure

    Over 25,000 sign pledge to stop all road deaths in Northern Ireland

    Business

    Climate Essentials, a London-based carbon intelligence platform, has appointed Sam Evans (pictured) as business development manager for Northern Ireland. Operating out of the Belfast office, Sam will work to promote growth and support the strategic direction of Climate Essentials across Northern Ireland

    Climate Essentials welcomes first member to its Belfast team

    Belfast-based facades manufacturer, Spanwall, has been recognised at the prestigious Façade Awards UK for its involvement in creating an innovative façade solution for leading hospitality group, Whitbread. Pictured are Philip West, Anna Hanna, Gemma Patterson, Chris McFarlane and Paul Jesus from Spanwall collecting their award

    NI manufacturer scoops top at Façade Awards UK for their 'ground-breaking work'

    Northern Ireland’s largest hotel group, Andras Hotels, is delighted to announce that five of its hotels within the portfolio have attained silver accreditation through the Green Tourism programme. Pictured are Julie Armouet, Ashutosh Kumar, Vicky Green, Taroon Missry, Aidan Murtagh, Jac Cullan, Stephen Sellers and Rebecca Tyagi

    NI’s largest hotel group is leader in sustainability with green awards

    Belfast's MKB Law celebrated their 20th anniversary with an event at the Ulster Museum recently, with food and drinks provided by Craft Catering and music by the Ulster String Quartet. Pictured outside the Ulster Museum are directors David McAlinden, Anne Marie Kelly, Maria Conway and Gordon McElroy

    Belfast’s MKB Law celebrates two decades of 'legal excellence' in NI

    Recommended

    1 Governors Gate Manor, Royal Hillsborough, BT26 6FZ 3 Bed Detached House Offers over £635,000

    Neo Gothic Style home with a prominent spire and stone facade for sale locally

    Mast

    EE brings 4G mobile coverage boost to at least 139 rural communities

    These are the best and spookiest costumes for children for Halloween 2023.

    Cheap, scary Halloween costumes for kids - Wednesday and Marvel heroes

    49 Ardress Road, Portadown, Craigavon, BT62 1SE

    Look around this spectacular award-winning home just 35 minutes from Belfast

    UK Trending

    Aldi gift guide 2023

    Aldi gift guide 2023 - including Tom Ford dupes

    Shocking CCTV footage shows shameless shoplifters stealing £300 worth of Lego by hiding them in carry bags at a supermarket self-checkout area. They are among a light-fingered four who have been jailed - clockwise from top left, Yasmin Leech, Emma Fraser, Shaun Fitzgerald and Shakita Maximilian

    Video shows shoplifters walking out of store with £300 of Lego

    Tesco are recalling a brand of frozen peas over fear of contamination.

    Tesco recalls frozen food product over fear of contamination

    Kate Gearing, 69, was invited to join her daughter, Nessie Gearing and her partner Becca Wolfenden, both 27, on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Thailand after being given the all-clear from breast cancer

    Mum, 69, celebrates breast cancer all-clear with Thailand backpacking

    Professor Ghassan Abu-Sittah addresses journalists in London

    'Operating hospital ceiling fell on us' - 43 days as a surgeon in Gaza

    Check out our list of the best TV shows arriving in 2024.

    Top 9 TV shows to look out for at the start of 2024

    Must Read

    The statue in Hillsborough Forest Park stands about 5m tall and was originally titled Cernunnos, after a pagan deity. The council has now removed the name but some ratepayers say it still scares young children.

    Council removes 'witchcraft deity' name from ‘scary statue’

    Ad Feature Households urged to prepare for first cold snap

    Ad Feature British Gas, Team GB and ParalympicsGB announce new 5 year partnership

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