After the previous appointment by the Assembly Commission left after less than a week, they have now appointed Stephen Wright – a former police officer – as the new Assembly Commissioner for Standards.
Causeway Coast and Glens councillor Margaret Anne McKillop has resigned from the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) due to their position on abortion. In 2013 she joined the SDLP after quitting Sinn Féin for the same reason.
After a masked mob of around 40 people turned up outside Justice Minister Naomi Long’s house on Wednesday evening to protest, she has said it is “threatening and wholly unacceptable.” The incident has seen widespread condemnation from all parties.
Police say they received a report of a suspicious object shortly before midnight on Sunday 5th October, which was identified as a viable explosive device by Ammunition Technical Officers (ATO). The pipe bomb attack has seen widespread condemnation across political parties.
Erne East Councillor Garbhán McPhilips has left the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) and will continue the rest of his term as an independent. He replaced his father in 2016 and was re-elected in 2023.
All the main parties in Northern Ireland are united in their opposition of the digital ID card scheme that was announced on Friday by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. All citizens will be required to have a digital ID card as part of Right to Work checks.
Education Minister Paul Givan has announced a bursary scheme that is aimed at tackling a shortage of teachers in STEM and Irish-medium subjects at schools in Northern Ireland. The scheme will start in September 2026 and has been welcomed by local universities.
Stormont’s new Standards Commissioner has resigned after just over a week in post. Mark McEwan was appointed after approval from the Assembly. He is joining Surrey Police as their new Deputy Chief Constable.
A mini-reshuffle by DUP leader Gavin Robinson sees Pam Cameron replaced in her role as Junior Minister in The Executive Office. Joanne Bunting will takeover in assisting Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly.