Editorial: Arlene Foster’s Resignation as DUP leader and NI First Minister, makes for an uncertain near future

Discontent within mainstreasm unionism with the DUP leadership was widely known of. Yet the rapidity and suddenness with which Mrs. Foster’s leadership of the DUP and indeed of Northern Ireland was ended, within the space of 24 hours, was something of a story in and of itself. Editor Peter Donnelly offers a reflection on the week since Monday 26th April which would mark the beginning of the end for Mrs. Foster’s political tenure.

Under The Radar: St. Patrick’s Day 2021 in Belfast

St. Patrick’s Day 2021 represented a marked change in the conduct of St. Patrick’s Day, particularly within the student districts of South Belfast. Crowds gathered within Botanic Gardens despite the Coronavirus Health Protection Regulations being in force.

NI BUSINESSES CALL FOR COVID OPENING DATES

Business leaders, from Northern Ireland’s main commerce chambers, are calling for the Executive to release the dates they expect to lift restrictions. This comes in the wake of the Executive’s Pathway to Recovery plan, the region’s way out of the pandemic era. Aidan Lomas writes.

NI’s Way Out Of Covid: Stick With The Step-By-Step Approach

There is no doubting that any continuation of restrictions is highly frustrating as the thirteenth month of living under some form of lockdown or restriction approaches. Hope is near with the highly successful UK-wide roll out of the Covid vaccination programme. Yet that hopeful anticipation of something brighter on the horizon is persistently defeated by the recklessness of individuals who take it upon themselves to invoke their exemption to the law. Editor Peter Donnelly writes.

QUB: NI Students To Receive Covid Disruption Payment By End of March

Following an email communication circular on Thursday, 4th March, eligible Queen’s students are set to receive the one-off £500 COVID Disruption payment by the end of March.