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Belfast Telegraph
3 days ago
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
DUP leader gifted Open ticket and hospitality worth over £1k, register reveals
DUP leader Gavin Robinson was gifted a ticket and hospitality worth over £1,000 for the final day of The Open.
Irish Times
31-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Times
Who do you call if you want to speak to the leader of unionism? It's complicated
There were the usual calls during July for unionist parties to 'show leadership' over parades, bonfires and related tensions. Some of this annual criticism was unfair: unionist leadership was evident at local level in various places, even if it was not always leading people in the direction others would prefer. The top level of unionist politics is where a strange, unprecedented rudderlessness is apparent. To paraphrase Henry Kissenger , who do you call if you want to speak to the leader of unionism? The official answer is the leader of its largest party, Gavin Robinson of the DUP . However, the DUP's size no longer conveys dominance. While it still holds a clear majority of unionism's seats, it is clinging on to a bare majority of unionism's votes – 51 per cent in the last assembly and general elections in 2022 and 2024. It managed a more respectable 58 per cent in the 2023 council elections. There is no sense of a prospective recovery. In opinion polls, the DUP dropped below the majority threshold four years ago and after a rebound has fallen below it again, to just 41 per cent of unionist support, in the latest LucidTalk survey. READ MORE The DUP and the UUP jockeyed to be the largest unionist party for decades, but that race appears to be long over. The UUP has been in almost uninterrupted decline for a quarter of a century and is bumping along on half the DUP's vote share. Nobody can foresee it regaining the top spot. All the growth within unionism this decade has been by the Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV). It does as well as the UUP in opinion polls but only half as well in elections, probably due to its appeal and resources being too thinly spread across the region. Although unionism has had significant third parties before, this has generally been at times of high drama, such as the mid-1970s or the years around the Belfast Agreement. Today's three-way split has been driven by Brexit, with voters upset at the DUP's disastrous handling of the issue. However, anger at the sea border has largely subsided to something more like exasperation. The fragmentation of unionism is now sustained not by high drama but by what looks like permanent damage to the DUP's reputation for competence. [ Unionism must offer a positive future, not hark back to a past that was often dark and divided Opens in new window ] An exhausted party system is compounded by unusual circumstances at the top of all three main unionist parties. Robinson was catapulted to the helm of the DUP last year by the resignation of Jeffrey Donaldson, currently awaiting trial for alleged sexual offences. Although Robinson was seen as a future leader, there is an understandable feeling among the public and some party colleagues that his elevation was rushed. The DUP believes its leader should sit at Stormont, as that is the overwhelming focus of Northern Ireland politics. [ Windsor deal an opaque mess, says Democratic Unionist Party leader Opens in new window ] But Robinson is stuck at Westminster, leaving leadership at Stormont to Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, who holds her seat thanks to co-option rather than election. This is all a complicated legacy of the DUP's botched leadership contest in 2021. It continues to undermine the authority of everyone involved. Neither DUP leader is doing a bad job: a poll in February ranked Little-Pengelly as Stormont's most popular minister. That only underscores the ennui in unionist politics, suggesting voters are so fed up with the DUP it no longer matters who is in charge. The UUP is also under unorthodox management. A selection row last year caused the resignation of leader Doug Beattie. With no obvious replacement, former leader Mike Nesbitt stepped back into the role, making clear he was doing so as a final duty before retirement. This unavoidably adds to the perception that the UUP is counting down the days until its own demise. [ Unionists and Sinn Féin have 'common goal' of making NI work, says Ulster Unionist leader Opens in new window ] TUV leader Jim Allister so dominates his party it is frequently described as a one-man band. Paradoxically, he has been sidelined by his shock triumph in last year's general election, when he unseated the DUP's Ian Paisley. This meant Allister had to vacate the TUV's only assembly seat and move to Westminster, where a lone MP struggles to make an impression. The councillor co-opted to replace him at Stormont, Timothy Gaston, is an effective opposition backbencher but that hardly fills unionism's leadership vacuum. The wider context for unionism's lack of direction is the loss of its overall majority in elections from 2017 and the loss of the first minister's post in 2022. Previous DUP leaders used the office of first minister to present themselves as prime ministers of Northern Ireland, an erroneous but easy way to project leadership by default. Little more by way of vision was required. Contrary to nationalist suspicions, the DUP has had no difficulty accepting second place at Stormont. It is having great difficulty figuring out how to lead unionism from that position.
ITV News
25-07-2025
- Politics
- ITV News
Stormont Executive parties split over Civil Service's participation in Belfast Pride after exclusion
Thousands of people will pack into Belfast to mark the annual Pride celebrations on Saturday. However, a decision by the organisers to exclude the four Stormont executive parties has led to a debate over which organisations should take part. Belfast Pride organisers asked political parties to not attend the parade this year in an official capacity, after Stormont backed a ban on puberty blockers. The parade started in 1991 and over the last 30 years has grown to be the largest single parade in Northern Ireland. The theme for this year's event is No Going Back, as organisers said there must be 'no turning back from the advances made in visibility, legal protections and societal recognition'. Lynn Millar from Belfast Pride said: "Pride has always been a protest as well as a celebration. "While people within the community are being treated unfairly, it will remain a protest. "Especially this year with our trans-community, they have faced such an awful time." Critics say because the organisers are making a political statement, bodies like the Northern Ireland Civil Service, which are supposed to be politically impartial, should not take part. The Department of Finance, who look after this issue for the civil service, tweeted out colleagues will be taking part in celebration of diversity and inclusion. Although the decision has divided the two main parties. DUP leader Gavin Robinson said: ""There's no question that their parade, the event itself, is political. "There is a question around the civil service, which is required to be impartial, which has to dispassionately give impartial and independent advice to politicians who make decisions. "It does jar with me and it jars with colleagues and individuals who have no axe to grind or no position to take on policy perspectives. "If our civil service is impartial, then it as an organisation should not be participating, though of course any employee can." Sinn Féin MP John Finucane said: "They're a huge employer, possibly the biggest employer here, and I think it's important that that message is sent out, that message of solidarity and support. " I think being visible on the parade is important, and I do endorse and think it was the correct decision that was taken." The Alliance Party said they regret the decision not to allow them to take part, but high profile gay members of the party such as Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir and former Belfast Mayor Micky Murray will be there in a private capacity. Alliance leader Naomi Long said: "I will be respecting the fact that I'm not a parade and that that's what has been decided, and I will respect that. "I will be marking pride with my party colleagues in other ways. "It will be a different pride, but it will not be one that makes me any less of an ally because I'm absolutely committed to ensuring that LGBTQIA rights are protected in law and in practice. The pride organisers say they are more than willing to have a conversation in the future with the executive parties about them taking part, but only if they lift their ban on puberty blockers. First Minister has said it is with regret that she will stay away from Belfast Pride this year. Michelle O'Neill said she will mark Pride in her own way, and hopes to be able to return to Belfast Pride next year. It was reported that the head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, Jayne Brady, was told they would be 'open to the charge of acting politically' by taking part in Belfast Pride. Ms O'Neill said she felt that as a major employer in Northern Ireland, the civil service should be represented, however TUV MLA Timothy Gaston said there was 'deep unease' among Christian civil servants. Mr Gaston said he has written to Ms Brady to voice his concern after being contacted by Christian civil servants. The PSNI said they will not be attending the event. The service said: "Following a review in 2023, the Police Service of Northern Ireland withdrew its permission for Police Officers and Police Staff to participate in Belfast Pride in uniform."This decision, in line with the Judgment of the Administrative Court in Smith v Chief Constable of Northumbria, was taken on the basis of the statutory and regulatory requirements surrounding police impartiality."PSNI are currently considering the judgment's implications for our proposed engagement at Belfast and other Pride events."Conscious that Pride is this weekend, we are aiming to reach decisions on these matters as soon as possible." Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know.
Sunday World
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Sunday World
Orange Order celebrations labelled ‘the perfect Twelfth' after bonfire controversies
With the sun shining and temperatures high, thousands hit the streets for the celebrations. People take part in a Twelfth of July parade in Belfast, part of the traditional Twelfth commemorations. The loyalist parades mark the anniversary of the Protestant King William's victory over the Catholic King James at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. Picture date: Saturday July 12, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Mark Marlow/PA Wire Crowds have lined the streets of cities, towns and villages all over Northern Ireland on Saturday to attend Twelfth of July parades. Crowds have lined the streets of cities, towns and villages all over Northern Ireland on Saturday to attend Twelfth of July parades. Crowds have lined the streets of cities, towns and villages all over Northern Ireland on Saturday to attend Twelfth of July parades. Crowds have lined the streets of cities, towns and villages all over Northern Ireland on Saturday to attend Twelfth of July parades. Crowds have lined the streets of cities, towns and villages all over Northern Ireland on Saturday to attend Twelfth of July parades. DUP MP Leader Gavin Robinson, keeps in step with the band. 'Little protestant prince' with his mum. The Orange Order put a week of controversy behind them to put a sunny smile on King Billy's face. It was all ice cream, sunshine and smiles as thousands lined city streets and country roads at 18 venues across Northern Ireland for this year's Twelfth. Grand Secretary the Rev Mervyn Gibson hailed it as 'the perfect Twelfth'' as lodges sweltered in temperatures soaring towards 27 degrees. A controversial bonfire on Belfast's Donegall Road was lit without incident on Friday night while moves will now be stepped up to clear the site of deadly asbestos. 'Little protestant prince' with his mum. News in 90 Seconds - Sunday July 13 DUP leader Gavin Robinson addressed the parade in Belfast, while Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly delivered a speech at the Lisburn parade. Ulster Unionist MP Robin Swann spoke at the parade in Carnlough, Co Antrim. He said some people dismissed the Twelfth and 'would rather we keep our heads down,' adding that the event brought people together and was about 'faith and freedom'. 'It crosses class, it bridges geography and it cuts across party political lines,' he said. Orange Order deputy grand master Harold Henning told the parade in Maghera that unionist political parties had to work together. 'The leadership of this institution remains consistent in its desire to see closer collaboration between the leadership of our pro-union political parties so as to maximise unionist representation at all levels of government. 'Cooperation between our political representatives must be encouraged – more than that, it should be demanded, and country should always come before party or individual self-interest. 'Let's get that message out to our politicians – as a people, we want to see more unity of purpose across political unionism.' One of the largest parades took place in Keady, Co Armagh, where Orange Order grand secretary Mervyn Gibson spoke about the strengths of the union. DUP MP Leader Gavin Robinson, keeps in step with the band. He said: 'We need to promote the union at every opportunity – a union that has stood the test of time and continues to offer its citizens stability, opportunity and purpose. 'At its heart, the United Kingdom is more than just a political entity. 'It is a partnership of four nations England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland – each with its own identity, traditions, and strengths. 'Let us concentrate on building and promoting this union which a generation defended during the Troubles against the murderous, cowardly terrorist campaign of republicans.' Members of local Orange lodges were joined on parade by visiting lodges from Scotland and further afield. The main parade in Belfast set off from the Orange hall at Clifton Street in north Belfast. Labour MP and NIO Minister Fleur Anderson and Emma-Little Pengelly were in Keady. Crowds have lined the streets of cities, towns and villages all over Northern Ireland on Saturday to attend Twelfth of July parades. 'It's important to see that you can have a cultural identity that can be celebrated and is also peaceful,' said Labour MP for Putney. Rev Gibson said the lead-up to the Twelfth has been 'tremendous'. Asked about the Eleventh night and bonfires he said: '99% of everything passed off wonderfully. 'Today couldn't be a better day for it, the sun is shining and the bands are playing loud, it's just been a great Twelfth of July.' Earlier in Belfast, a small feeder parade passed the Ardoyne shops in the north of the city at 9am without issue. There was a small police presence at the shops, which in the past was the scene of parade-related trouble. The return parade will take place this morning. In a separate development police have described an attack on an Orange Hall in Rasharkin as a "hate crime'. Shortly after 1.20am police received a report of criminal damage caused to an Orange Hall in the Main Street area. Paint had been thrown over the front of the building and graffiti daubed on walls opposite. District Commander for Causeway Coast and Glens, Superintendent Sinead McIldowney said: 'We are treating this criminal damage as a sectarian-motivated hate crime. 'The Police Service condemns all sectarian hate crime and criminal damage caused to any property is absolutely unacceptable.. 'We will thoroughly investigate this matter and would appeal to anyone with information to contact us on 101, quoting reference 177 of 12/07/25. 'Our officers will continue to proactively patrol the area and engage with the local community around any concerns they may have.'
The Independent
12-07-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Twelfth of July: Thousands join Orange Order parades across Northern Ireland
Tens of thousands of people joined Twelfth of July celebrations across Northern Ireland, braving scorching temperatures for the traditional Orange Order parades. Crowds lined the streets in cities, towns and villages as the region marked the 334th anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne, when the Protestant King William of Orange triumphed over the Catholic King James II. The parades typically consist of Orange lodges accompanied by marching bands, drawing support from spectators along their routes. When the parades reach demonstration fields, a religious service is observed and speeches delivered before the march home. This year's festivities, spread across 19 main locations, also featured calls for unionist political parties to collaborate. This year's celebrations took place with temperatures above 25C right across Northern Ireland. DUP leader Gavin Robinson addressed the parade in Belfast, while Northern Ireland's deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly delivered a speech at the Lisburn parade. Ulster Unionist MP Robin Swann spoke at the parade in Carnlough, Co Antrim. Orange Order deputy grand master Harold Henning told the parade in Maghera, Co Londonderry, that unionist political parties had to work together. He said: 'The leadership of this institution remains consistent in its desire to see closer collaboration between the leadership of our pro-union political parties so as to maximise unionist representation at all levels of government. 'Cooperation between our political representatives must be encouraged – more than that, it should be demanded, and country should always come before party or individual self -interest. 'Let's get that message out to our politicians – as a people, we want to see more unity of purpose across political unionism.' One of the largest parades took place in Keady, Co Armagh, where Orange Order grand secretary Mervyn Gibson spoke about the strengths of the union. He said: 'We need to promote the union at every opportunity – a union that has stood the test of time and continues to offer its citizens stability, opportunity, and purpose. 'At its heart, the United Kingdom is more than just a political entity. 'It is a partnership of four nations England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland – each with its own identity, traditions, and strengths. 'Let us concentrate on building and promoting this union, which a generation defended during the Troubles against the murderous, cowardly terrorist campaign of republicans.' On Saturday morning, an Orange Order feeder parade passed the Ardoyne shops in north Belfast without incident. On Sunday, a return parade will return past the shops, but will be restricted to one band and 50 members of the order. Meanwhile, the traditional July 13 events organised by the Royal Black Preceptory in the village of Scarva, Co Armagh, will take place on Monday. The event includes a parade as well as a sham fight between actors playing rival monarchs William and James. The Twelfth celebrations come after the burning of bonfires at an estimated 300 locations in loyalist neighbourhoods across the region on Thursday and Friday nights. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said it dealt with a 'challenging' situation and one firefighter was attacked while attending a bonfire in Lisburn, Co Antrim. Northern Ireland's Environment Minister Andrew Muir said he was 'very disappointed' that a controversial bonfire in south Belfast was lit despite warnings of asbestos on the site. Of all the loyal order parades to take place on Saturday, about 30 have been officially categorised as sensitive by the Parades Commission. Locations of sensitive parades this year include Belfast, Coleraine, Keady, Dunloy, Rasharkin, Strabane, Newtownabbey, Maghera, Newtownbutler, Portadown, Glengormley and Bellaghy. More than 4,000 police officers and police staff are working on July 12. On the 11th night, about 1,200 officers were deployed to monitor public safety at bonfires. The cost of policing parades and bonfires in Northern Ireland through spring and summer was £6.1 million last year, a figure that was up £1.5 million on the previous year. The bill, which covers the period April 1 to August 31, also includes the cost of policing republican commemorations around Easter and events to mark the mid-August anniversary of the introduction of internment without trial during the Troubles. The PSNI expects the costs in 2025 to be higher still. This is because of falling police numbers and the resulting increased reliance on paying overtime to ensure enough officers are on duty for the events.
