Latest news with #MichelleO'Neill
Belfast Telegraph
3 days ago
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
Michelle O'Neill accused of ‘pathetic attempt to rewrite history' over ‘killing of local lads by British state' comments
First Minister Michelle O'Neill has been accused of a 'pathetic attempt to rewrite history' after describing how the killing of local people by 'the British state' shaped her life growing up in Co Tyrone.
Belfast Telegraph
3 days ago
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
Michelle O'Neill accused of ‘pathetic attempt to rewrite history' over ‘killing of local lads by British state' comments
First Minister Michelle O'Neill has been accused of a 'pathetic attempt to rewrite history' after describing how the killing of local people by 'the British state' shaped her life growing up in Co Tyrone.
ITV News
5 days ago
- Politics
- ITV News
Thousands turn out for Belfast Pride parade with theme No Going Back striking defiant note
Thousands of people both young and old filled the streets of Belfast for the city's annual Pride parade. Spectators lined the city's footpaths to cheer on the thousands who took part in the parade. Belfast Pride Festival is one of the biggest festivals in the city's calendar, with hundreds of events taking place. Organisers of Belfast Pride said it is the biggest cross-community parade in Belfast and is a protest and celebration of the lives of LGBT+ people. The theme for this year's event was No Going Back, as organisers said there must be 'no turning back from the advances made in visibility, legal protections and societal recognition'. Throughout the city, many people had rainbows painted on their faces, while others waved LGBT+ flags and held placards with equality messages written on them. A series of groups and floats, representing up to 250 charities and organisations, took off from Custom House Square at 1pm. It made its way north of the city before making its way down Donegall Place and past City Hall before finishing at Victoria Street. Friends, work colleagues and many young families, including pet dogs, were among those in the crowd. Belfast Pride organisers took the decision to ask political parties to not attend the parade in an official capacity, after Stormont backed a ban on puberty blockers. The parade started in 1991 and over the last 30 years has grown to be the largest single parade in Northern Ireland. Ahead of the parade taking place, First Minister Michelle O'Neill tweeted: 'Happy Belfast Pride to everyone celebrating today, I hope it's filled with joy and love for you all. 'Your courage over many years has helped transform our society for the better. 'As your First Minister, I'm committed to building a future where everyone in our LGBTQIA+ community is seen, valued, and treated equally. Be proud. Be you. Today and every day. 'Have a wonderful day.'
RTÉ News
5 days ago
- Politics
- RTÉ News
Thousands of people line streets for Belfast Pride
Thousands of people have taken part in Belfast's annual Pride parade while thousands more lined the route as the march made its way through the city centre. The theme this year was 'Not Going Back' which organisers said reflected their belief that rights already achieved were coming under pressure. Stormont's four main executive parties, Sinn Féin, the DUP, Alliance and the UUP had been told that they were not welcome at the parade. That is because they voted to approve an indefinite ban on puberty blockers for under 18s in Northern Ireland last December. Stormont Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir who is a member of the Alliance Party took part in a personal capacity along with a church group. The parade started at Custom House Square at 1pm and made its way through the city centre before finishing at Victoria Street. Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill said she was disappointed that executive parties had been asked not to attend. She posted about Pride on social media this morning saying she wished those attending well and that she was "committed to building a future where everyone in our LGBTQIA+ is seen, valued and treated equally". A number of organisations said they would not be attending the event in an official capacity. They include the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and the PSNI.
Belfast Telegraph
5 days ago
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
Crowds line streets of Belfast as city celebrates Pride parade
Latest | The centre of Belfast was turned into a sea of colour today as thousands celebrated the annual Pride parade. Crowds lined the city's footpaths to cheer on those taking part in the march. Organisers of Belfast Pride said it is the biggest cross-community parade in Belfast and is a protest and celebration of the lives of LGBT+ people. First staged in 1991, it now draws tens of thousands to the streets. This year's theme is "Not Going Back", which organisers say refers to LGBTQIA+ rights being 'under attack, here and across the world". Throughout the city, many people had rainbows painted on their faces, while others waved LGBT+ flags and held placards with equality messages written on them. Groups and floats, representing up to 250 charities and organisations, took off from Custom House Square at 1pm. The parade made its way north of the city before moving down Donegall Place and past City Hall and finishing at Victoria Street. Friends, work colleagues and many young families, including pet dogs, were among those in the crowd. However, there was controversy in the build-up with some politicians asked to stay away. Sinn Fein, the DUP, Alliance and UUP – the four Executive parties – were told by Pride organisers they were not welcome at the parade because they supported a ban on puberty blockers for under-18s. First Minister Michelle O'Neill said she hoped the parade was a success. In a message on social media, she said: 'Happy Belfast Pride to everyone celebrating today, I hope it's filled with joy and love for you all. 'Your courage over many years has helped transform our society for the better. 'As your First Minister, I'm committed to building a future where everyone in our LGBTQIA+ community is seen, valued, and treated equally. 'Be proud. Be you. today and every day. Have a wonderful day.'
