Just had a lovely lunch
@DeanesAtQueens
with a good friend. It’s great hospitality is open again- Hope everyone is having a great day this lovely sunny afternoon.
#ProudofNI
It's time to respect the referendum result. Focus on getting a sensible deal rather than playing games. Those tying the Govt's hands are really trying to cancel Brexit. We will fight any election on defending the Union & our record of delivery.
What a difference a day makes. Devastating news that our inspirational Sovereign has passed away in her beloved Balmoral. My deepest sympathy to her son the new King and all the royal family. Elizabeth R - a truly remarkable Christian example to us all.
Just finished a call with the Prime Minister. My message was clear. The backstop must go. Too much time has been wasted. Need a better deal. Disappointed it has taken so long for Prime Minister to listen.
I’ve spoken with the Prime Minister
@BorisJohnson
and
@michaelgove
this evening. The Government must now take robust action including using Article 16 to advance Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom.
This has been a long road for the Ballymurphy families. 50 years later, the court has considered the evidence and the findings should be accepted. I commend the families for their tenacity.
I cannot quite believe that No10 would ask HM the King to become involved in the finalising of a deal as controversial as this one. It’s crass and will go down very badly in NI.
We must remember this is not the King’s decision but the Government who it appears are tone deaf.
Our darling India was killed on the road last night and we are all so very sad - she was such a quirky wee thing and thou she was only with us from last year she was very much part of the family.
#India
❤️
BREAKING: two senior EU sources say the main stumbling block to a deal has been removed with the DUP accepting the latest proposals on consent... Optimism a deal can now be done...
The resignation of Lord Frost from the cabinet is a big moment for the Government but enormous for those of us who believed he would deliver for NI. Wishing him all the best
@DavidGHFrost
.
Just landed in London to attend the funeral of our inspirational late sovereign. I feel so honoured to be able to be in Westminster Abbey tomorrow.
#GodSaveTheKing
Thank you everyone for your lovely messages on this wonderful day for HM the Queen.
#PlatinumJubilee
. Watching the Trooping of the Colour and then of to Enniskillen to celebrate
#GSTQ
Sincere condolences to Pat & the wider Hume family. A giant in Irish nationalism, John left his unique mark in the House of Commons, Brussels & Washington. In our darkest days he recognised that violence was the wrong path & worked steadfastly to promote democratic politics.
Was thrilled that I received my damehood from the Princess Royal today - a wonderful role model for females in public life. I was far from home but my thoughts were very much with the families of the Enniskillen bomb on this the 35th anniversary.
Evidently the pressure is building in Brussels. A deliberately provocative & disrespectful statement about the 17.4m of us who voted to leave. This is a time for solutions & genuine diplomacy not insults.
What an awful afternoon. I arrived at work today buzzing about the stories we had planned as a team and ended up anchoring the news of the tragic and horrific murder of an elder statesmen- Sir David Amess MP. Huge thanks to
@LiamHalligan
for being with me throughout.
@GBNEWS
On this Easter Sunday my thoughts are with Sri Lanka following the horrific attacks on worshippers there.
It is a sad reminder of how many Christians around the world suffer persecution for their faith.
Thank you to the hundreds who have been in touch with such generous messages and a special mention to those who sent these beautiful gifts. You don’t know how much it means to me and you are all so kind.
Tonight will be historic but for the wrong reasons. We will oppose the toxic backstop & vote against the WA. It’s time for a sensible deal which governs our exit from the EU & supports all parts of the UK.
Here’s a basic fact:
Sinn Féin won 27 seats to become the largest party in NI & will now be entitled to nominate a first minister - a first for a nationalist party.
Hope that’s basic enough for you
@ArleneFosterUK
…
As First Minister of Northern Ireland and Democratic Unionist Party Leader, I offer my deepest sympathies to Her Majesty The Queen and to all members of the Royal Family at this sad time.
YES! WE DID IT! In less than 36 hours. People power and politics in action together. Thanks to all who signed from across our U.K. People do care. Please keep promoting and signing - it will magnify our voice in the Parliamentary debate.
For those supporting the Withdrawal Agreement, please read the clear legal advice from the Attorney General. This is a bad deal for Northern Ireland and the entire United Kingdom. We would be trapped indefinitely.
Today is the day we should be forming an Executive to put money in peoples pockets and to start to fix our health service. The DUP have confirmed they will punish the public and not turn up. They are disgracefully holding the public to ransom for their Brexit mess. Shameful.
UK must leave as one nation. We are keen to see a sensible deal but not one that divides the internal market of the UK. We will not support any arrangements that create a barrier to East West trade. Anonymous sources lead to nonsense stories.
#frontpages
Those chanting “ooh ah up the ‘Ra” should take a moment & read about what IRA done on this day 31 years ago. Not actions worthy of glory. All terrorism was wrong & should be condemned - not glorified.
#OnThisDay
in 1988 the IRA murdered Jillian Johnston, 21. Chemist shop assistant shot x27 in car outside home near Belleek with fiancé. IRA claimed target was brother & he was UDR. He wasn’t. Ken Maginnis “The IRA are prepared to wipe out every Protestant that lives there”
#OTD
Six years ago today, my mum travelled up to see her daughter sworn in as First female First Minister of NI. I hope that young women continue to aspire to their goals, face the challenges, build resilience and continue to succeed!
#thisgirlcan
#ProudofNI
This time ten years ago I was landing at Heathrow about to go to an event to celebrate our tourism sector when I received the devastating news that my darling Dad had died suddenly. Many times during those ten years I have thought what would daddy say? Miss you Dad ❤️
The Prime Minister has promised to get legally binding changes. The reaction by the EU is unsurprising. They are doing what they always do. The key question is whether the PM will stand up to them or whether she will roll over as has happened previously.
Kingsmill victims were shot by the IRA after being asked their religion.Shame on any elected rep who posted that inhuman video.I feel sorry for IRA victims & West Tyrone who have McElduff as their MP.All murder was wrong. Glorifying any murderer is sickening. Mocking is depraved.
Northern Ireland needs freed from the Protocol.
We must have unfettered trade between GB & NI.
It’s time for the Government to step up & protect this part of the United Kingdom with permanent solutions, not sticking plasters.
EU must recognise the absence of unionist support.
Congratulations to
@BorisJohnson
on becoming Conservative Party Leader. Look forward to discussing our shared objectives of strengthening the Union, delivering Brexit & restoring devolution.
Continuing to pray for our Prime Minister as he is taken into hospital tonight. Wishing him a speedy recovery.
Keep safe and stay strong everyone. We will get through this but some distance still to travel. Let’s stay the course.
Domestic legislative tinkering won’t cut it. The legally binding international Withdrawal Treaty would remain fundamentally flawed as evidenced by the Attorney General’s legal advice.
Meeting with Prime Minister just ended. NO border in the Irish Sea will ever be acceptable to unionists throughout the UK . . . regulatory or otherwise.
An historic day for us all in this Elizabethan reign. Quite simply she is the best and we are all so fortunate to have her as our Sovereign. God save the Queen 🇬🇧
Just had an audience by telephone with HM the Queen. Entirely up to date with what is happening in this part of her Kingdom and in particular how we are dealing with Covid 19.
#GodSavetheQueen
Whilst continuing to mourn for the late Queen it was such a privilege and honour to be present with good friends from NI at the accession council today for His Majesty King Charles III
#GodsavetheKing
I have just watched Jeremy Bowen on BBC and I am outraged at the propaganda. Six months on from the terrorist attack on Isreal there is so little about the hostages - innocents being held. Hamas could end the war today but choose not to.
#IstandwithIsrael
As someone who is from a policing family and as First Minister of Northern Ireland, I send my deepest sympathy to the family and colleagues of the police officer who was killed last night in Castlerea, Co. Roscommon.
Missed the Political Correction today as this little man was getting christened! My great-nephew Alfie was a ⭐️ on his special day. Such a lovely service for all the family.
#makingmemories
Out walking with Max (my puppy- aka mad Max!) and looking up at the clear night sky, reminds me of the reason for the season and the first Christmas Eve. Have a wonderful Christmas everyone, wherever you are and however you spend it 🎄
We have always respected the principle of the separation of powers upon which our constitutional law is founded. Therefore the judgement of the Supreme Court has to be respected.
Our focus must remain:
- Defend the Union
- Deliver Brexit
- Restore Devolution
DUP response to the latest comments from Michel Barnier. We will not tolerate the annexation of Northern Ireland. Let's focus on getting a new trade deal. That is good for everyone.
The PM’s letter raises alarm bells for those who value the integrity of our precious union & for those who want a proper Brexit for the whole UK. From her letter, it appears the PM is wedded to the idea of a border down the Irish Sea with NI in the EU SM regulatory regime.
1/2 1st November 2018 letter from Arlene Foster
@DUPleader
& Nigel
@NigelDoddsDUP
to the Prime Minister. "Unlike the previous political declarations, the scope for delay, fudge or obscurantist language has passed. This is now a time for clarity and plain speaking."
A special day - thinking of my late Daddy, who survived an IRA murder attempt in 1979 just because he put on the uniform of the RUC to serve his local community. Others were not as fortunate.
#lestweforget
100 years today the Royal Ulster Constabulary came into excistance.
Throughout ‘The Troubles’, the police service lost 319 members as a result of terrorism, while a further 9000 were injured.
Ordinary people doing an extraordinary job.
What a great day for a celebration of NI! Looking forward to catching up with old friends and new as we celebrate being part of the UK.
(Btw for those who seek to denigrate our culture and our country, we see you and feel sorry for your narrow sectarian nastiness.
@irish_news
)
This is not protest. This is vandalism and attempted murder. These actions do not represent unionism or loyalism. They are an embarrassment to Northern Ireland and only serve to take the focus off the real law breakers in Sinn Fein.
My thoughts are with the bus driver.
I have been really struggling to process the news of Christopher’s death, but my first thoughts and my prayers are with Laura and his beloved and adored children. This is how I will remember him, happy and confident after the 2016 election. Matthew 5v4.
I have to say if people are going to comment on NI they should at least have the basics
@piersmorgan
. Unionism is still the largest designation and nationalism lost more seats. 🙄
This is the kind of nonsense predicted.
Sinn Fein had no seat change ( had 27, now on 27)
DUP went into the election on 27 and only lost 2 seats.
While Alliance gained, it was mainly consolidation of the middle ground (4 from SDLP, 1 from UUP and 2 from Green party)
🙄🙄
Soldier F was given anonymity by a judge after hearing submissions in court but patently Colm Eastwood knows better and has set himself up as Judge, jury and executioner. Never again can the SDLP lecture anyone else on rights and the rule of law.
#justiceisblind
#dueprocess
Just had a lovely call from HRH Prince Charles who would normally visit NI at this time of year. HRH has such a huge interest and knowledge of this place and it was an honour to speak with him.
#ProudofNI
The United Kingdom fighting European elections almost three years after a clear majority voted to leave the EU sums up the disorganised and slapdash approach taken in negotiations by the Prime Minister.
——————————————
Get involved 👉
Pleased to wish my neighbours in
@FermanaghGAA
all the best for the Ulster Final. I might not have had many tips for them - but a lovely welcome from the team and management . . . It’s Fermanagh’s year.
I was born on the Irish border. I want to see a sensible exit from the EU. The referendum result must be implemented. The Conservative & Labour parties reject a border in the Irish Sea. Time for Brussels to respect the constitutional & economic integrity of UK.
It is beyond parody that there is a dispute over a portrait of Her Majesty The Queen, our head of state. Stormont House is the seat of HMG in Northern Ireland. All of this is the opposite of HM’s gracious and generous approach.
EU draft text is constitutionally unacceptable & would be economically catastrophic for Northern Ireland. I welcome the Prime Minister's commitment that HMG will not allow any new border in the Irish Sea. Northern Ireland must have unfettered access to GB market. AF