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Belfast Telegraph
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
Alliance MLA ‘disgusted' at opposition to kids' event which has now been cancelled
Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong also believes the group of loyalists are showing 'intolerance' over the camp in Comber. MLA Kellie Armstrong 'disgusted' after children's cricket club cancelled after opposition to GAA Club The cross-community camp was scrapped following opposition from a local Orange lodge over the involvement of 'a small group of children from a GAA club.' First Minister Michelle O'Neill described the situation as 'deeply worrying' and 'unacceptable'. East Belfast GAA – who were planning on sending a number of children from their club to take part – also expressed 'disappointment'. Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, Ms Armstrong said the complaints opposing the event came from a group that calls themselves 'the local loyalists of Comber and the local Orange Order'. 'Any opportunity for children to come together to play sports, to get to know each other... is to be welcomed. We need more of that across Northern Ireland. For the club to have to pull an event because some people's outdated and backward considerations is wrong.' Ms Armstrong added: 'We have children that enjoy shared education, integrated education, that play other sports with each other all the time – why single out this one sports activity, a summer scheme where kids would be outdoors playing, learning a new sport, getting together, having a bit of craic and it's upsetting a minority of adults. "My heart goes out to North Down Cricket Club to be honest. Any sports club depends on its volunteers and of course they'll look to protect the children that'll be coming together…. their decision is theirs to make and it's probably the right one when thinking about safety.' She also said that residents from Comber and further afield had come together and made 'some very vicious and vile comments about the fact that children from other backgrounds were coming to Comber.' She concluded: 'I'd like to ask for clarification from those groups and the Orange Order if they support excluding people. They've talked about inclusiveness but what I'm hearing is intolerance. Perhaps it's time that the Orange Order and other unionist politicians stood up and actually said how they felt about it.' Speaking on the Nolan Show this morning, TUV Councillor Ron McDowell said that the statement from Comber Orange Lodge has been 'read into' and that the lodge's complaint is not in opposition to sport. He argued the lodge hadn't prevented the event from taking place or made a threat of 'protest, action or militancy' and claimed there were concerns over other controversies surrounding the GAA including children and youth tournaments being named after IRA leaders. Raising her own concerns, Ms O'Neill said: 'Children should be allowed to play together at summer camp without facing intolerance. 'These developments are deeply worrying and unacceptable. Sport has the power to unify. 'Political representatives must call this out. We need to send a clear message that we will continue moving forward together to build a brighter society and overcome such unacceptable intolerance.' East Belfast GAA – which has faced bomb threats over recent years – spoke out about the controversy. 'The regrettable cancellation won't stop any of the organisations involved from continuing their great work in building bridges, promoting peace, and sharing spaces for sport,' the club added. 'We look forward to future opportunities to collaborate with like-minded groups from Belfast and beyond so that everyone can enjoy a healthy lifestyle through sport and community.' North Down Cricket Club had planned to host the kids summer camp at its Comber site on Friday but it was scrapped as Goldsprings LOL stated that a number of residents in the area 'expressed significant concerns' on the GAA aspect of the event. The cricket club had set out to involve 10 different local sports and community groups, including GAA games, to help the 'building of friendships through shared activity'. "As reaction to the event grew, we felt the spirit of the camp was at risk of being lost. With regret — and out of respect for all involved — we chose not to proceed' A spokesperson from North Down Cricket Club said last night that it has been 'an important part of Comber since 1857 — the oldest sporting club in the town, with deep roots, proud traditions, and a strong sense of identity'. 'We reflect the best of our community and our Ulster-British heritage — confident, welcoming, and grounded in respect. This club wasn't just built by Comber families — it's still made up of them. "For generations, people from this town have given their time and care to something bigger than themselves. What they passed on wasn't just facilities — it was a culture of decency, community and quiet pride. That's the tradition we're proud to continue. 'It's often been sport that's brought people together when little else could: shared pride, shared joy, shared ground. 'The Sport Summer Camp was created to give young people from different backgrounds a chance to enjoy cricket, try something new, and simply have fun." The spokesperson added: 'The plan was to involve 10 different local sports and community groups — including organisations supporting ethnic minority communities — with the aim of building friendships through shared activity. A small group of children from a GAA club was just one part of that broader mix. 'As reaction to the event grew, we felt the spirit of the camp was at risk of being lost. With regret — and out of respect for all involved — we chose not to proceed. 'But let's be clear: openness is not a threat. Respect is not surrender. And our culture is not so fragile that it can't be shared. 'We are a strong club, in a strong town. That's why our gates will always remain open — and why we'll keep showing others what we're about: sport, community, and quiet confidence in who we are. That's what this was about." In a social media post, the area's local Orange lodge, Goldsprings LOL, said the club's presence 'would be viewed with regret and opposition by many in the Comber area'. 'While the promotion of sport and youth engagement is widely supported across all sectors of society, many local residents have raised reservations about the GAA's cultural and historical affiliations. 'Specifically there is unease regarding aspects of the organisation that have, in the past, celebrated or commemorated individuals associated with paramilitary activity. 'For a shared and peaceful future, such actions are viewed by some as divisive and incompatible with a truly inclusive society.' The spokesman added: 'Residents have made it clear that until the GAA takes meaningful steps to ensure it is fully inclusive and sensitive to the history and identity of the Protestant, Unionist and Loyalist (PUL) community, its presence in Comber would be viewed with regret and opposition by many in the Comber area. 'This issue is not about about opposition to sport, but about ensuring that all organisations operating in shared spaces demonstrate respect for all traditions and work proactively towards reconciliation and mutual understanding.'
Belfast Telegraph
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
Alliance MLA questions how ‘children playing cricket will erode culture' after cancellation of kids' event
The criticism comes amid the growing controversy after the cross-community camp was scrapped following opposition from a local Orange lodge over the involvement of 'a small group of children from a GAA club.' The First Minister Michelle O'Neill described the situation as 'deeply worrying' and 'unacceptable' as East Belfast GAA – who were planning on sending a number of children from their club to take part – also expressed 'disappointment'. Speaking about the row on BBC NI's Nolan Show, Strangford politician Kellie Armstrong said the cancellation is a 'missed opportunity'. 'I'm very disappointed that a minority in Comber has decided to take away an opportunity for children to play together outside,' she said. 'Unfortunately the club had to take the decision to cancel which is letting down children from the local area and wider beyond. "I really don't understand how children playing cricket in a playing field and learn about cricket is going to erode anyone's culture. 'This was an opportunity. North Down Cricket Club had seen an opportunity to bring children together but that has been stopped because of some really outdated comments by self-proclaimed loyalists and the Orange Order in the area have decided that a small number of children who happen to play Gaelic games are not to be there. "They seem to have taken upon themselves who can come into Comber and who can't.' She added: 'Here we have a group of adults who should know better, who have come out and stopped a summer scheme from happening because of their own prejudices.' TUV Councillor Ron McDowell said on the programme that the statement from Comber Orange Lodge has been 'read into' and that the lodge's complaint is not in opposition to sport. In his comments he argued the lodge hadn't prevented the event from taking place or made a threat of 'protest, action or militancy' and claimed there were concerns over other controversies surrounding the GAA including children and youth tournaments being named after IRA leaders. Raising her own concerns on social media, Ms O'Neill said: 'Children should be allowed to play together at summer camp without facing intolerance.' 'These developments are deeply worrying and unacceptable. Sport has the power to unify. 'Political representatives must call this out. We need to send a clear message that we will continue moving forward together to build a brighter society and overcome such unacceptable intolerance.' East Belfast GAA – which has faced a number of bomb threats over recent years – have also spoken out about the controversy in a statement this morning. The club called it a 'regrettable cancellation' and said it would have involved 'a great opportunity to engage with those who share our values of respect, togetherness, and inclusion'. 'The regrettable cancellation won't stop any of the organisations involved from continuing their great work in building bridges, promoting peace, and sharing spaces for sport,' they added. 'We look forward to future opportunities to collaborate with like-minded groups from Belfast and beyond so that everyone can enjoy a healthy lifestyle through sport and community.' North Down Cricket Club had planned to host the kids summer camp at their Comber site on Friday but it was scrapped as Goldsprings LOL stated that a number of residents in the area 'expressed significant concerns' on the GAA aspect of the event. The cricket club had set out to involve 10 different local sports and community groups, including GAA games, in order to help the 'building of friendships through shared activity'. "As reaction to the event grew, we felt the spirit of the camp was at risk of being lost. With regret — and out of respect for all involved — we chose not to proceed' A spokesperson from North Down Cricket Club said last night that it has been 'an important part of Comber since 1857 — the oldest sporting club in the town, with deep roots, proud traditions, and a strong sense of identity'. 'We reflect the best of our community and our Ulster-British heritage — confident, welcoming, and grounded in respect. This club wasn't just built by Comber families — it's still made up of them. "For generations, people from this town have given their time and care to something bigger than themselves. What they passed on wasn't just facilities — it was a culture of decency, community and quiet pride. That's the tradition we're proud to continue. 'It's often been sport that's brought people together when little else could: shared pride, shared joy, shared ground. 'The Sport Summer Camp was created to give young people from different backgrounds a chance to enjoy cricket, try something new, and simply have fun." The spokesperson added: 'The plan was to involve 10 different local sports and community groups — including organisations supporting ethnic minority communities — with the aim of building friendships through shared activity. A small group of children from a GAA club was just one part of that broader mix. 'As reaction to the event grew, we felt the spirit of the camp was at risk of being lost. With regret — and out of respect for all involved — we chose not to proceed. 'But let's be clear: openness is not a threat. Respect is not surrender. And our culture is not so fragile that it can't be shared. 'We are a strong club, in a strong town. That's why our gates will always remain open — and why we'll keep showing others what we're about: sport, community, and quiet confidence in who we are. That's what this was about." News Catch Up - Tuesday 15th July In a social media post, the area's local Orange lodge, Goldsprings LOL, said the club's presence 'would be viewed with regret and opposition by many in the Comber area'. 'While the promotion of sport and youth engagement is widely supported across all sectors of society, many local residents have raised reservations about the GAA's cultural and historical affiliations. 'Specifically there is unease regarding aspects of the organisation that have, in the past, celebrated or commemorated individuals associated with paramilitary activity. 'For a shared and peaceful future, such actions are viewed by some as divisive and incompatible with a truly inclusive society.' The spokesman added: 'Residents have made it clear that until the GAA takes meaningful steps to ensure it is fully inclusive and sensitive to the history and identity of the Protestant, Unionist and Loyalist (PUL) community, its presence in Comber would be viewed with regret and opposition by many in the Comber area. 'This issue is not about about opposition to sport, but about ensuring that all organisations operating in shared spaces demonstrate respect for all traditions and work proactively towards reconciliation and mutual understanding.'
Belfast Telegraph
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Belfast Telegraph
Stephen Nolan drops down table of BBC's highest-earning stars
Mr Nolan earned between £405,000 and £409,000 in 2024/25, according to the BBC's latest annual report. His pay packet for 2024/25 was in the same bracket as what he earned in 2023/24, when he was fifth in the pay rankings - but now there are six stars above him. Each year the BBC publishes its annual report listing all presenters and staff who earned more than £178,000 in the previous financial year. Only salaries that come directly from the licence fee are listed. Payments to presenters for other programmes made by independent production companies are not included. Nolan received his bumper pay packet for his work on Radio Ulster's Nolan Show, his 5 Live programme and Nolan Live on BBC NI. Gary Lineker, who left his job hosting Match of the Day in May after 26 years at the helm, was once again the highest paid BBC star in 2024/25. He earned between £1,350,000 and £1,354,999. Second in the table was radio presenter Zoe Ball, who earned between £515,000 and £529,000, while Alan Shearer was the corporation's third highest paid broadcast talent, receiving between £440,000 and £444,999 for his work on Match of the Day. Radio 1 Breakfast Show host Greg James had a pay packet of between £425,000 and £429,999, putting him fourth. Nick Robinson, who presents BBC Radio 4's Today programme, and Question Time host Fiona Bruce both earned between £410,000 and £414,999 in 2024/25, coming in joint-fifth. While no other on-air talent from Northern Ireland is included on the list of high earners, BBC NI Director Adam Smyth is included when it comes to staff salaries, earning between £178,000 and £184,999 in 2024/25. The report comes at a time when the BBC is under intense scrutiny following a series on controversies. These include a documentary on Gaza that was pulled after it emerged that the narrator was the son of a Hamas official and allegations of inappropriate behaviour made against MasterChef host Greg Wallace. News Catch Up - Tuesday 15th July There has also been criticism of BBC decision-making relating to controversial sets at Glastonbury, including one by Belfast rap trio Kneecap. Questions have also been raised over the BBC's decision not to settle a libel case taken by former Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams, which the corporation lost resulting in Mr Adams being awarded substantial damages. Tuesday's report shows that 94% of adults in the UK are now using BBC services, on average, every month, with the corporation contributing £4.9bn to the UK economy in 2024/25. A total of £3.84bn was brought in via the licence fee in the last financial year, compared to £3.66bn in 2023/24. The corporation also had a commercial income of £2.16bn, up from 2023/24's figure of £1.86bn. Speaking to the media upon the publication of the report, BBC Director-General Tim Davie addressed some of the recent controversies. On the Gaza documentary, he said: 'We're taking action to ensure proper accountability, and we're taking immediate steps to stop a failing like this being repeated. 'Now, overall, despite this mistake, I do want to credit thousands of people across the BBC who are delivering such brave, impartial journalism, despite immense challenges and very significant personal pressure. "Personally, I remain utterly committed to delivering impartial coverage without fear or favour.' Regarding an investigation which upheld 45 allegations made against Greg Wallace over inappropriate behaviour, Mr Davie said: 'We're not going to tolerate behaviour that is not in line with our values. "The industry needs to change, and we want to lead from the front. Myself and the BBC leadership team will not tolerate people who are behaving inappropriately. 'There is no place in or on the BBC for those who are not prepared to live by our values, whoever they are.' Mr Davie added that 'we have already seen dismissals' over inappropriate behaviour at the corporation, but did not elaborate.
Belfast Telegraph
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
Bryson is only half-right — it's tough for working classes on both sides of sectarian divide
JAMIE Bryson is not someone with whom I would instinctively agree on just about anything and this is equally true of the comments he made on the Nolan Show about middle-class attitudes — though the disagreement isn't as complete as usual. It's just the reality is more complicated. The loyalist activist said that 'a number of barristers from a middle-class Protestant background' did not want him to progress in his own legal career towards qualification as a barrister. There was a conversation about how to 'make sure that nobody will take him as a pupil to stop him getting in'.
Belfast Telegraph
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
Justice Minister slams ‘absolute nonsense' over claims she can quickly change Ombudsman removal laws
Naomi Long said there has been 'a lot of misinformation' surrounding the issue which would require extensive public consultations to achieve. It comes after Northern Ireland's Police Ombudsman, Marie Anderson, announced she was taking a temporary leave of absence on Tuesday. Her leave follows the news that police investigating an alleged domestic incident at the Ombudsman's home have sent a file of evidence to the Public Prosecution Service (PPS). Ms Anderson said that, despite planning to retire in December, she opted for temporary leave due to the 'current commentary' that was 'detracting from the focus' of her work with bereaved families. The probe, launched after the alleged incident at Ms Anderson's Co Down home in September 2023, was carried out by West Midlands Police at the request of the Chief Constable, and has now concluded. Think tank calls for new approach to save public services The PPS confirmed that the file reports 'one individual for potential offences of perverting the course of justice and misconduct in public office'. Mrs Long believes there has been 'too much speculation' regarding the alleged incident, as well as 'a lot of misinformation' in the capabilities of the Department of Justice's powers. She told the BBC's Nolan Show: 'I think that brings a legal risk. I also think that brings all sorts of damage to the individual.' Asked about the department's powers generally in relation to the Police Ombudsman, she said: 'There has been a lot of misinformation around this. First and foremost, for me, public confidence in the role of the office of the Police Ombudsman is crucial because it impacts on the confidence in policing. I want to acknowledge [her] decision to delegate her powers to the chief executive and senior staff. 'To be clear, the Ombudsman herself is not appointed by the Department of Justice or employed by the Department of Justice. She is a corporation sole, which means that the powers of the Ombudsman are vested in the individual, not in the office. 'It's not her office that has the powers, the office is there to facilitate her powers.' Mrs Long explained that the nature of accountability in the Ombudsman role was set up to ensure control was not 'abused' for political means. She added: 'It's something I am very conscious of and have been conscious of for some time. It would require a period of significant public consultation to ensure that any power to suspend or remove the Ombudsman could not be abused for political ends. 'That is the reason why when this office was set up originally there was no power of suspension or removal from office. The fear was that if politicians had the power to suspend the Ombudsman, they would use that power if they disagreed with their findings or their interventions.' The Justice Minister admitted there is 'a conversation to be had' surrounding the high thresholds, but slammed the notion that any action from her office could be taken swiftly. 'There are very clear rules set down in law about when the Ombudsman should be removed from office, in terms of when someone should retire, and those thresholds are high – there's no question about that.' 'There is a conversation to be had around this, but the idea that a piece of legislation, that either I or the Executive Office could bring at the drop of a hat without thorough consultation and legal advice is absolute nonsense. 'Some commentators have been suggesting we should just change the law, it is not that simple.'
