Finance Minister John O’Dowd has published his draft multi-year budget. However, the DUP has said the budget has not received Executive approval, and the allocations “are deeply flawed and will require significant changes if they are to command our support.”
Mike Nesbitt is standing down as leader of the Ulster Unionist Party. He made the decision ahead of the 2027 Assembly election, saying he cannot commit to full-time politics until the end of the next mandate.
A motion proposed by People Before Profit councillor Matthew Collins ‘in support of Pro-Palestine hunger strikers’ has passed at a special meeting of Belfast City Council. The motion has been criticised by the DUP for not relating to ratepayers, and by Alliance for giving less than two hours notice to councillors.
Niall Lawlor has been chosen by Sinn Féin to replace Leanne McEvoy as a councillor for The Mournes DEA on Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. McEvoy is stepping down from the council, stating personal reasons.
Following William Irwin’s retirement, the DUP have selected councillor Gareth Wilson to replace him in the Newry and Armagh constituency. The former Lord Mayor has served on ABC Council for 20 years.
Katherine Newman is the Ulster Unionist Party’s new councillor for the Bangor West DEA. The move follows Linzi McLaren’s decision to resign from the council and from the UUP.
DUP MLA of almost 20 years, William Irwin, is set to retire from politics. ABC councillor Gareth Wilson is reportedly the favourite to replace him in Newry and Armagh, with DUP party officers conducting interviews for the role this week.
Following Caitlin Deeney’s announcement that she is stepping down from Derry City and Strabane District Council, Sinn Féin has selected her replacement to be co-opted to the Waterside seat.
Caitlin Deeney has announced she is stepping down as a councillor for the Waterside DEA on Derry City and Strabane District Council for personal reasons. She was first elected in 2023 for Sinn Féin.