Political News
DUP: Adam Copeland co-opted as new Cusher councillor
The DUP has announced that Adam Copeland will replace Gareth Wilson on Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council. The vacancy follows William Irwin’s retirement from the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt is most popular in Executive, with Justice Minister Naomi Long bottom of ranking
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has topped the latest LucidTalk popularity poll with a 47% approval rating, while Justice Minister Naomi Long has fallen to the bottom of the Executive rankings at 33%.
Executive Ministers attend third meeting of East-West Council alongside NI Secretary
First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly challenge the UK government on funding during the third East-West Council meeting in Belfast, focusing on trade, education, and the NI budget.
Your Representatives
Councils are responsible for local services such as waste collection, leisure centres, parks, planning, environmental health and community development. They cannot make laws. Councillors are elected using Single Transferable Vote (STV) every four years.
The Assembly is the devolved legislature for Northern Ireland, based at Parliament Buildings, Stormont. There are 90 members that are elected from 18 constituencies. The MLAs make laws on devolved matters such as health, education, justice, infrastructure and agriculture. MLAs are elected every five years using STV.
The UK Parliament is the highest legislative authority and NI is represented by 18 Members of Parliament. MPs make decision on reserved and excepted matters, which include defence, foreign policy, immigration and taxation and welfare. MPs are elected every five years in a general election using First Past the Post (FPTP).