Political News
TUV: Timothy Gaston suspended from Assembly following comments in Executive Office committee
The TUV’s Timothy Gaston has been suspended from the Assembly for two days following comments he made towards Paula Bradshaw, chair of the Executive Office committee, in October 2024.
Jon Burrows ratified as leader of Ulster Unionist Party (UUP)
Jon Burrows and Diana Armstrong were ratified as leader and deputy leader of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) at an Extraordinary General Meeting on Saturday.
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.
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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).