Latest news with #StrabaneDistrictCouncil
Western Telegraph
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Western Telegraph
Books of condolence open across Northern Ireland following death of Pope Francis
Belfast Lord Mayor Micky Murray was joined at Belfast City Hall by Father Tim Bartlett, who helped to organise Francis's visit to Ireland in 2018, to sign the book which has been opened to the public. Mr Murray said: 'I was saddened to hear of the death of Pope Francis just a day after he gave his final Easter blessing at St Peter's Square on Sunday. We can all reflect on the way Pope Francis worked to bring people together from different backgrounds through mutual respect and understanding Micky Murray 'We extend our sympathies and condolences to all those who are mourning Pope Francis's death. 'We can all reflect on the way Pope Francis worked to bring people together from different backgrounds through mutual respect and understanding.' A special meeting of Belfast City Council to mark Francis's death, and to allow members to pay tribute to him and reflect on his legacy, will take place on Thursday at 5pm. Belfast Lord Mayor Micky Murray passed on sympathies to all those mourning the death of Pope Francis (Belfast City Council/PA) The book of condolence can be signed from Monday to Friday 9.30am-5pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 10am-5pm. Belfast City Hall will be illuminated in yellow and white on Saturday evening. An online book of condolence can be signed at The compassion, humility and bravery he exhibited during his papacy had an impact on the lives of so many people locally Lilian Seenoi-Barr Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Lilian Seenoi-Barr has opened books of condolence, including at the Guildhall in Londonderry. She said: 'There has been a huge outpouring of sorrow and grief across Derry and Strabane since Pope Francis' passing on Monday. 'The compassion, humility and bravery he exhibited during his papacy had an impact on the lives of so many people locally and I want to give the public an outlet to record their feelings and sympathy. 'On behalf of the people of Derry and Strabane, I offer our deepest sympathies to Archbishop Eamon Martin, the clergy, and all members of the Catholic Church. 'May Pope Francis rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy continue to guide us toward compassion and unity.' An online book is available at He was a truly great spiritual leader who championed the poor and marginalised and constantly demonstrated remarkable humility and courage Pete Byrne Newry, Mourne and Down District Council chairman Pete Byrne said books of condolence will be available for signing for two weeks at the Downshire Civic Centre, Downpatrick, and Newry Town Hall. Arrangements will be made for additional books of condolence for signing at Crossmaglen Community Centre, Dan Rice Hall in Drumaness, Newcastle Centre and Warrenpoint Town Hall. He said: 'The passing of Pope Francis brings profound sorrow across our district. 'He was a truly great spiritual leader who championed the poor and marginalised and constantly demonstrated remarkable humility and courage. 'His message of mercy and inclusion resonated throughout the world. At such a significant time it is important to allow our residents the opportunity to pay their own tributes and respects.' He added: 'My thoughts and prayers are with them, and I am aware that many of our residents will also be reflecting on this sad occasion.'
North Wales Chronicle
23-04-2025
- Politics
- North Wales Chronicle
Books of condolence open across Northern Ireland following death of Pope Francis
Belfast Lord Mayor Micky Murray was joined at Belfast City Hall by Father Tim Bartlett, who helped to organise Francis's visit to Ireland in 2018, to sign the book which has been opened to the public. Mr Murray said: 'I was saddened to hear of the death of Pope Francis just a day after he gave his final Easter blessing at St Peter's Square on Sunday. 'We extend our sympathies and condolences to all those who are mourning Pope Francis's death. 'We can all reflect on the way Pope Francis worked to bring people together from different backgrounds through mutual respect and understanding.' A special meeting of Belfast City Council to mark Francis's death, and to allow members to pay tribute to him and reflect on his legacy, will take place on Thursday at 5pm. The book of condolence can be signed from Monday to Friday 9.30am-5pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 10am-5pm. Belfast City Hall will be illuminated in yellow and white on Saturday evening. An online book of condolence can be signed at Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Lilian Seenoi-Barr has opened books of condolence, including at the Guildhall in Londonderry. She said: 'There has been a huge outpouring of sorrow and grief across Derry and Strabane since Pope Francis' passing on Monday. 'The compassion, humility and bravery he exhibited during his papacy had an impact on the lives of so many people locally and I want to give the public an outlet to record their feelings and sympathy. 'On behalf of the people of Derry and Strabane, I offer our deepest sympathies to Archbishop Eamon Martin, the clergy, and all members of the Catholic Church. 'May Pope Francis rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy continue to guide us toward compassion and unity.' An online book is available at Newry, Mourne and Down District Council chairman Pete Byrne said books of condolence will be available for signing for two weeks at the Downshire Civic Centre, Downpatrick, and Newry Town Hall. Arrangements will be made for additional books of condolence for signing at Crossmaglen Community Centre, Dan Rice Hall in Drumaness, Newcastle Centre and Warrenpoint Town Hall. He said: 'The passing of Pope Francis brings profound sorrow across our district. 'He was a truly great spiritual leader who championed the poor and marginalised and constantly demonstrated remarkable humility and courage. 'His message of mercy and inclusion resonated throughout the world. At such a significant time it is important to allow our residents the opportunity to pay their own tributes and respects.' He added: 'My thoughts and prayers are with them, and I am aware that many of our residents will also be reflecting on this sad occasion.'
BBC News
16-04-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Brian Tierney: Councillor reinstated after court reference suspension
The Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) has reinstated a councillor who provided a court reference for an Irish soldier later convicted of Tierney who sits on Derry City and Strabane District Council was suspended by the SDLP and lost the party whip after details of the reference emerged earlier this apologised and withdrew the reference for Kielan Mooney from Derry who was jailed for eight and half years for raping the woman who was also in the Irish his suspension the SDLP launched an investigation which has now concluded with the reinstatement of Tierney. A party spokesperson said the SDLP believes in the "legitimacy of remorse and restitution" and that is why it has taken the decision to reinstate Tierney's membership."We acknowledge the deep hurt caused by the issuing of a character reference for Kielan Mooney and we further acknowledge councillor Tierney was misled about the nature of the offence, that his apology and engagement with affected parties were fulsome and that they have been accepted by the victim at the centre of the case," the spokesperson added. "Character references in the legal system have worked against victims and survivors of sexual violence and the SDLP are actively working for them to be prohibited in cases of this nature."The party has now directed its elected representatives to avoid providing character references where allegations of violence or sexual crimes are has also introduced mandatory training for all its politicians around the barriers women face in the justice system.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Mayor subjected to online 'campaign of disinformation'
The leader of the SDLP has condemned a "deliberate campaign of disinformation and smearing" directed towards the mayor of Derry City and Strabane. Speaking on Wednesday, Claire Hanna said online abuse of Lilian Seenoi Barr in recent weeks had both "implied and very direct racist undertones". Hanna said the abuse comes after a man was jailed last month for posting abusive messages online toward Seenoi Barr. Seenoi Barr, who was born in Kenya and became the first black mayor in Northern Ireland last year, said the past week has been "deeply distressing". She said she has reported the abuse to police and reassessed her security. In a statement, police said they received a report on 24 February in relation to online posts and commentary. "Enquiries are ongoing, and will continue to be reviewed to identify any potential offences," the police said. Derry City and Strabane area commander Ch Supt Gillian Kearney said the police will "continue to work with and support the mayor to ensure she feels safe in her workplace". "To that end, we are working with Derry City and Strabane District Council to provide reassurance," the senior officer added. Lilian Seenoi Barr and Claire Hanna, flanked by party colleagues, addressed a press conference in Derry's Guildhall on Wednesday. "The past week has been deeply distressing seeing lies, disinformation and malicious attacks spread about me, simply because of my firm and reasoned commitment to fighting racism and injustice in our society," Seenoi Barr said. "I want to be very clear, I will not be deterred by name-calling, the smearing of my character and certainly not by online attacks by those who offer nothing constructive to society." The mayor said she has also been humbled by the support that she has received in the wake of "malicious smearing and lies". She said the attacks are "rooted in prejudice" and believes she has been targeted because of her ethnicity and background. "I am a Maasai woman and a Derry Girl," she said. Seenoi Barr said she is proud to call Derry her home and that the abuse she has received will not deter her from her carrying out her duties as mayor. "Whether people like it or not I have earned my position as mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council," she said. Seenoi Barr said such online attacks can deter people from ethnic minority backgrounds aspiring to hold public office "if serious action is not taken". "This is a city I am proud to represent and proud to call my home - it will not stand for division or racism." In a statement, Ch Supt Kearney said any abuse, harassment or criminality directed at our elected representatives "is totally unacceptable and will be thoroughly investigated". "We will continue to do all we can to ensure that our elected representatives are supported, and they can undertake their role free from abuse, harassment and intimidation," she added.
BBC News
05-03-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Lilian Seenoi Barr: Mayor subject to 'campaign of disinformation'
The leader of the SDLP has condemned a "deliberate campaign of disinformation and smearing" directed towards the mayor of Derry City and on Wednesday, Claire Hanna said online abuse of Lilian Seenoi Barr in recent weeks had both "implied and very direct racist undertones".Hanna said the abuse comes after a man was jailed last month for posting abusive messages online toward Seenoi Barr, who was born in Kenya and became the first black mayor in Northern Ireland last year, said the past week has been "deeply distressing". She said she has reported the abuse to police and reassessed her security. In a statement, police said they received a report on 24 February in relation to online posts and commentary. "Enquiries are ongoing, and will continue to be reviewed to identify any potential offences," the police City and Strabane area commander Ch Supt Gillian Kearney said the police will "continue to work with and support the mayor to ensure she feels safe in her workplace". "To that end, we are working with Derry City and Strabane District Council to provide reassurance," the senior officer added. 'Deeply distressing' Lilian Seenoi Barr and Claire Hanna, flanked by party colleagues, addressed a press conference in Derry's Guildhall on Wednesday. "The past week has been deeply distressing seeing lies, disinformation and malicious attacks spread about me, simply because of my firm and reasoned commitment to fighting racism and injustice in our society," Seenoi Barr said. "I want to be very clear, I will not be deterred by name-calling, the smearing of my character and certainly not by online attacks by those who offer nothing constructive to society."The mayor said she has also been humbled by the support that she has received in the wake of "malicious smearing and lies". She said the attacks are "rooted in prejudice" and believes she has been targeted because of her ethnicity and background. "I am a Maasai woman and a Derry Girl," she said. Seenoi Barr said she is proud to call Derry her home and that the abuse she has received will not deter her from her carrying out her duties as mayor. "Whether people like it or not I have earned my position as mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council," she said. Seenoi Barr said such online attacks can deter people from ethnic minority backgrounds aspiring to hold public office "if serious action is not taken"."This is a city I am proud to represent and proud to call my home - it will not stand for division or racism." In a statement, Ch Supt Kearney said any abuse, harassment or criminality directed at our elected representatives "is totally unacceptable and will be thoroughly investigated"."We will continue to do all we can to ensure that our elected representatives are supported, and they can undertake their role free from abuse, harassment and intimidation," she added.
