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Higgins Centenary snub “a backwards step”

Party Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has criticised Michael D Higgins for his snub to a cross-community church service marking the centenary of Northern Ireland.

Speaking before another centenary event at Union College in Belfast yesterday he again highlighted the political motivation behind the snub.

Strangford MLA Peter Weir had highlighted the refusal, whilst also speaking yesterday he said the explanations now coming from the Irish Republic’s President were “bizarre and backward”.

DUP 50th Anniversary dinner tickets on sale

Tickets are available via the Party website.

Also this week

Party Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and Lord Dodds paid tribute to Cllr Paul Hamill who sadly passed away this week.

Economy Minister Gordon Lyons announced that applications for the High Street Scheme will open from 27th September.
- Highlighted the impact of the NI Protocol on the lives and livelihoods of everyone in Northern Ireland.
- Attended DSEI in London to support NI Companies.

Education Minister Michelle McIlveen announced major investment for outside play and learning in special schools.
- Joined Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots to highlight the work primary school pupils are doing to improve our environment.

Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots said a permanent solution was needed for pet checks as he announced an indefinite suspension whilst negotiations continue.

A DUP delegation met with the Irish Football Association and said that families must not be priced out of supporting Northern Ireland.

Upper Bann MLA Diane Dodds highlighted the hypocrisy of the Irish Government’s approach to legacy issues in Northern Ireland.

East Antrim MLA David Hilditch welcomed support for the taxi industry.

DUP Peers Lord Browne and Lord Hay spoke during the passage of the Armed Forces Bill through the House of Lords.

East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson welcomed the announcement of two MoD contracts to Thales.

East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson said HMG’s decision to delay checks from the Republic of Ireland to Great Britain until 2022 amounts to a surrender of leverage.

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart urged the Government to protect and support farmers as she marked Back British Farming Day.
- Joined with Strangford MP Jim Shannon to hit out at the Government’s proposed cut to Universal Credit.

East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell said Sinn Fein’s abstentionist policy was putting their outdated ideology before support for working families.