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Belfast Telegraph
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
Police launch investigation after agriculture minister says he received a death threat
Speaking about threats against those in public office, Chief Superintendent Stephen Murray said it is 'totally unacceptable' for elected representatives to face abuse or threats for doing their job. Last week Mr Muir told the Assembly that he and officials in his department had been the target of 'vile' homophobic, racist and misogynistic comments on social media over his department's proposed Nutrients Action Programme (NAP). However, speaking today the minister said that the situation had 'taken a disturbing turn' in recent days after he received a death threat. It comes during heated opposition from the farming community to Mr Muir's NAP proposals which are currently out for consultation. Mr Muir has been urged to scrap the proposals which are aimed at improving water quality and the wider environment by reducing and preventing pollution caused or induced by nutrients from agricultural sources. Opponents say the proposals could devastate agriculture, reduce livestock numbers and undermine food security. Speaking to Cool FM on Monday Mr Muir revealed details of the threat which he said did 'not reflect the farming community in Northern Ireland'. 'As minister I have been out and about, I've been welcomed into the homes of many farmers and (had) very respectful engagement around what is a consultation,' he said. 'But things have really taken a disturbing turn last week when there was a zoom call to discuss the NAP proposals and consultation, someone decided to post a comment which essentially is threatening to have me shot.' He added: 'I'm very disappointed, I know this does not reflect the farming community in Northern Ireland, and I think it is really important that I say that. "I know the police are taking this very seriously and it's important that when we are engaging in what is a consultation about draft proposals, people lower the tone a bit." News Catchup - Monday 9th June 2025 He urged people to take a 'step back' adding there 'is no need to issue death threats against me' or for discriminatory comments aimed at officials in his department and people working in the agri-food sector. A spokesperson for the PSNI confirmed that an investigation had been launched adding that any reports of abuse, harassment or criminality directed at elected representatives would be thoroughly investigated. Chief Superintendent Stephen Murray added: 'It is totally unacceptable that anyone should face abuse or threats simply for carrying out the duties of their office. We will thoroughly investigate any such incident. 'We will continue to do all we can to ensure that all of our politicians are supported, and that they can undertake their role free from fear and intimidation. 'We regularly engage with our elected representatives in order to provide information on personal safety, how the Police Service can support them and, crucially, when to report an incident to police. 'We regularly engage with Assembly and Parliamentary officials, and the Electoral Commission, in regard to elected representative safety.'
Irish Times
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake: Magical performance explains why show still enchants so many
Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake: Next Generation Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin ★★★★★ The cast of Matthew Bourne 's Swan Lake interpret this show with the energy of fledgling dancers creating something for the first time, yet with the expert precision of sage performers. Sparks fly from the moment the prince reaches out to the queen for unrequited affection until the end when he tangles with the swan/stranger. In between are a humorous ballet pastiche, a sultry nightclub foray and the now infamous ritual-like dances for male swans. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, this ballet has earned its recognition as one of the most beloved Swan Lake interpretations of all time. Bourne has created a production that is very unlike the traditional Swan Lake and has become so familiar to dance audiences that many current company members decided to pursue dance as a career after watching the show when they were young. In turn, the cast brings an irrepressible energy to the stage. Dublin native Stephen Murray dances a flawless interpretation of the prince, developing from an earnest yet downcast son to a hopeful young man who discovers another side of himself when encountering a mysterious swan (the superb Jackson Fisch) during a fraught evening at a park. READ MORE [ Irish Swan Lake star Stephen Murray: 'After the show you're emotionally drained. Leaving it on the stage is a big challenge' Opens in new window ] The prince's discovery unleashes an onslaught of male swans who bound across the stage in relentless leaps and lunges, punctuated with exquisitely timed wrist flicks and knee swivels. All of this convinces the prince he might be able to break free of the royal confines and express a part of himself that longs for acceptance. His hopes are dashed later at the palace ball when the swan, appearing as a stranger, makes a grand entrance. The stranger seduces the queen (an infallible Katrina Lydon) in a nod to the traditional Swan Lake where the white swan Odette deceptively reappears as the black swan, Odile. Here the stranger takes turns tantalising every female in the room, at the same time, driving the prince mad. One of the joys of Bourne's company, New Adventures, is its ensemble cast, and Jade Copas, another dancer from Ireland, dazzles as she introduces the men in the ballroom scene. Bourne has a gift for syncopation in his choreography that combines craftsmanship with theatricality and a touch of whimsy, such as the maids mechanically waving their upturned elbows or the silhouetted dancers in the nightclub swaying slightly offbeat. His ability to then inject humour while consistently maintaining such an impressive level of artistry has helped him build a decades-old reputation for successfully marrying commercial sensibilities with classical dance. He also has assembled a team of collaborators whose reputations have grown hand in hand with the company's, including set and costume designer Lez Brotherston and sound designer Ken Hampton. But perhaps his biggest accomplishment is the ability to lead a company whose dancers have worked together for years yet perform on a Tuesday night in Dublin with the same intensity as an opening night on Broadway. As distressing as it feels to watch the prince and his beloved swan suffer through their dramatic demise at the end of this show, there is satisfaction in the way Bourne does it. There's a flurry of drama punctuated with moments of stillness, engulfed by climactic music against a set that feels like its own character in how it morphs and comes to life. But mostly Bourne ignites the talent of each performer until they exude a sizzling energy that transcends dance steps, musical counts and character portrayals. He unearths their artistry and creates an alchemy that is mighty, and while this kind of magic may not happen during every performance, if even a fraction of it shines through on the show's pearl anniversary tour, bring on the next 30 years. Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake: Next Generation is at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre , as part of Dublin Dance Festival , until Saturday, May 24th
