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"Nasty and intolerant” veto of centenary stone proposal

Party Leader Arlene Foster has criticised the approach by Sinn Fein towards the proposal for a stone to mark Northern Ireland’s centenary.

She said, "This bitter, nasty and intolerant approach by Sinn Fein is the latest in a long line of instances where the Party has sent a clear message to unionists that SF is following Gerry Adams' strategy of "Break the Bs". Despite Adams no longer being leader his strategy is still well and truly being implemented.

Only last week, Sinn Fein vetoed Parliament Buildings being lit up to recognise European Day of Remembrance for innocent victims of terrorism. The very fact it took over twenty years after Patten for Sinn Fein to attend a police recruitment event speaks volumes about their direction of travel.”

The proposal to erect a stone marking the centenary was jointly made by all the unionist parties in the Assembly. You can read the joint statement from the unionist leaders here.

Also this week

Party Leader Arlene Foster said that legal action launched by the EU was further proof Brussels is closing its eyes to the serious problems caused by the NI Protocol.
- Announced the relaxation of some Covid-19 restrictions including dates for the full return to school for all pupils.
-Encouraged people to take part in Marie Curie’s campaign with a national moment of reflection on 23rd March.
-Condemned a security alert in Enniskillen.
- Commented following her meeting with the US President and Vice President.

Lagan Valley MLA Paul Givan led the Second Stage of his Private Members Bill - the Severe Fetal Impairment Abortion (Amendment) Bill in the Assembly.

North Antrim MP Ian Paisley paid tribute to Professor Jim Dornan
- Congratulated Michael Dunlop on his performance at the Daytona 200.

Economy Minister Diane Dodds launched Apprenticeship Week 2021.

Education Minister Peter Weir announced a programme of regular Covid testing in schools.
- Confirmed that all primary school pupils would return to school next week.
- Addressed a sitting of the Assembly’s Ad-Hoc Covid response committee.

Lagan Valley MP Sir Jeffrey Donaldson re-terated that abortion should be dealt with by the devolved structures rather than legislation at Westminster.

DAERA Minister Edwin Poots commissioned analysis options to deliver a more secure, long-term supply of vets for Northern Ireland.
- Launched a £1million equipment fund for micro food businesses.
- Ecouraged people to take advantage of our Forest Parks.
- Met with the Chair of the Trade and Agriculture Commission.

South Antrim MLA Pam Cameron secured confirmation that further relaxations to Covid restrictions could take place prior to the next official review.

South Antrim MLA Trevor Clarke highlighted the need for businsses to return to trading as quickly as possible.

South Belfast MLA Christopher Stalford called for the quick re-opening of Sure Start services.

East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson reiterated the Party’s opposition to draconian measures designed to curb protests.

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart stressed that health is a devolved issue following the announcement by the Secretary of State in relation to abortion.

East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell queried recent reductions in vaccination rates.

Upper Bann MLA Jonathan Buckley condemned the politically charged attacks on the Oxford Astra Zeneca vaccine.