Allwyn celebrates first lucky National Lottery retailer to ‘Share the Win’ in Northern Ireland

Steve Harrison, owner of Nisa in Bellevue Street and first Northern Ireland winner of ‘Share the Win’

  • Belfast store owner named Northern Ireland’s first winner, scooping £10,000 for selling ‘high tier’ winning Scratchcard in his store

Allwyn, operator of The National Lottery, is celebrating the first lucky independent National Lottery retailer in Northern Ireland to scoop a prize in its ‘Share the Win’ initiative.  

Steven Harrison, owner of Nisa in Bellevue Street, Belfast, bagged the fantastic £10,000 ‘gold tier’ award. He sold a top prize National Lottery Scratchcard to a lucky player at his store, who will pocket £20,000 every month for five years. Steven becomes the first National Lottery retailer in Northern Ireland to take home a prize in the new ‘Share the Win’ rewards incentive from Allwyn and is now the proud owner of his new ‘Millionaire Made Here’ plaque and display.

The scheme, which launched in November 2024, awards retailers who sell high tier (£50,000 or more) winning National Lottery tickets – like EuroMillions, Lotto, and Thunderball, or National Lottery Scratchcards in their store.  

Allwyn's Director of Commercial Partnerships and Retail Sales, Alison Acquaye-Acford, said:

“Massive congratulations to Steven! I’m absolutely thrilled to be celebrating his £10,000 win and first ‘Share the Win’ store in Northern Ireland. Allwyn has awarded £269,000 in total to National Lottery ‘Share the Win’ retailers all over the UK, including Steven, so we’re extending that winning feeling and good fortune further than ever before. It’s wonderful that retailers are helping us to raise around £30 million every week for National Lottery-funded projects, while being in with a chance of winning huge prizes simply by selling tickets.”  

Glyn Roberts, Chief Executive Officer, Retail NI said:

“Congratulations to Steven for having one of the luckiest stories in the province. Retail is the backbone of our high streets across Northern Ireland, so it’s brilliant to hear how Allwyn is rewarding hard-working National Lottery retailers. At what is already a challenging and uncertain time for independent retailers, the revenue, commission, and footfall derived from selling The National Lottery is even more crucial. With the economic pressures facing our high streets, we should be doing all we can to protect and promote The National Lottery so that it can continue supporting retailers like Steven that serve their local communities each and every day.”

Steven Harrison said:

“I’m delighted to benefit from the win of one of our customers – it’s really good for business! We provide a service for the local community and can now promote ourselves as lucky – which further increases footfall instore. Our winnings will also allow us to go on a family holiday to our favourite place, Tenerife.” 

Share the Win is open to all National Lottery retailers where the winning ticketholder is happy to share details of their win. The retailer’s Share the Win prize is linked to the amount won by the playing customer.  

The three ‘Share the Win’ prize tiers for retailers are: 

  • Gold tier - wins of £1 million or more will net lucky retailers the top prize of £10,000.

  • Silver tier - wins of between £250,000 up to £1m will be worth £5,000 to shop owners.

  • Bronze tier - wins of between £50,000 up to £250,000 will see retailers pocket £2,000.

With more Share the Win awards due in the coming months, National Lottery retailers can head to the National Lottery Retailer Hub – https://tnlpartners.co.uk – to ensure they're opted-in and don't miss out on this exciting opportunity. 

Meet Northern Ireland’s Changemakers: New Fellowship Cohort Announced

Matthew O'Neill, Institute of International and European Affairs; Zachary Hutchinson, Centre for Democracy and Peace; Anna McClung, Department of Justice; James Redmond, Department for Infrastructure; Sarah Carlisle, Queen's University Belfast. 

Twenty-eight leaders from across Northern Ireland have been named as the newest cohort in the Centre for Democracy and Peace’s Fellowship Programme.

Selected from a record number of applicants, this fifth cohort brings together individuals already making an impact in politics, business, the public sector, and civic society. Among them are politicians, entrepreneurs, senior civil servants, business leaders, cultural advocates, and community organisers.

With representation from five political parties and a wide range of sectors, the group reflects the diversity and ambition shaping Northern Ireland’s present and future. Over the next seven months, the Class of 2026 will take part in a transformative experience designed to strengthen their leadership, forge new connections, and explore the challenges and opportunities facing society today.

Now in its fifth year, the Fellowship is supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, as well as leading employers including Camlin Group, FinTrU, Fujitsu NI, NIE Networks, Ulster Carpets, Allstate NI, and the Irish American Partnership.

Darragh McCarthy, Chair of the Fellowship Advisory Board, said:

“This year’s Fellows bring a remarkable breadth of experience and perspective. The Fellowship offers a unique space to explore ideas, challenge assumptions, and grow as leaders. I’m delighted to welcome this group and look forward to working alongside them in the months ahead.”

The Centre for Democracy and Peace Fellowship Programme Cohort 2025-26 are:

  1. Gerard McDonald, SDLP

  2. Emma Cairns, UUP

  3. Lewis McVitty, UUP

  4. Alderman Gareth Wilson, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council, DUP

  5. Cllr Micky Murray, Belfast City Council, Alliance Party

  6. Cllr Kathleen McGurk, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Sinn Féin

  7. Kyle McMullan, Northern Ireland Electricity Networks

  8. Claire McBride, Fujitsu

  9. Jonathan Rogan, SQC Digital

  10. Corrina Grimes, MemoryTell

  11. Michael Boyd, MB Consulting and Coaching

  12. Anna McClung, Department of Justice

  13. Róisín McCreesh, Education Authority NI

  14. Meadhbha Monaghan, Patient and Client Council NI

  15. James Redmond, Department for Infrastructure

  16. Aoibhinn Treanor, Northern Ireland Assembly

  17. Rhyannon Blythe, Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission

  18. Sean McQuade, Northern Health and Social Care Trust

  19. Eilís Adamson, Public Prosecution Service NI

  20. Joanna Braniff, The Rivers Trust

  21. Brian Armstrong, Northern Ireland Alternatives

  22. Steven Mills, NI Football League

  23. Ola Sobieraj, the3million

  24. Dr Matthew O'Neill, Institute of International & European Affairs

  25. Sarah Carlisle, Queen's Orange Society

  26. Lisa McGinley, The MAC Belfast

  27. Gillian Hamilton, EastSide Partnership

  28. Wendy Blemings, The National Gallery

The Class of 2026 begin their Fellowship journey at Parliament Buildings, Stormont, on Wednesday 3rd September before heading to Worcester College, Oxford, the following week for the first of two programme residentials.

Deputy Lord Mayor joins 450 young athletes at Belfast Summer Sports Day 2025

GLL Senior Regional Director Gareth Kirk; Logan Cathcart (age seven); Eady Molloy (aged ten); and Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast, Cllr Paul Doherty

Over 450 children from 11 different leisure centres across Belfast were joined by Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast, Cllr Paul Doherty, as they came together at the Ozone Complex in Ormeau Park for the annual Better Summer Sports Day. A celebration of sport, fun, and friendship for young people, the Belfast Summer Sports Day serves as the highlight of Better’s Summer Schemes, which have been attended by 2,800 children across Belfast this summer.  

Participating children were given the opportunity to try their hands at a range of sporting activities – tennis, netball, basketball, hockey, dodgeball, rugby, cricket, Gaelic football, football, fencing, athletics, sports day games, and tug of war, making new friends from across all parts of the city. Children were represented on the day from Brook, Olympia, Andersonstown, Avoniel, Templemore, Ballysillan, Shankill, Falls, Whiterock, Grove and Lisnasharragh leisure centres. 

 

The 2025 Better Summer Schemes have seen another record-breaking year, with 2,800 children attending programmes delivered at 13 of Belfast’s 16 Better leisure centres, operated by social enterprise, GLL. The summer scheme has also had a positive local economic impact, with a total of 78 Summer Scheme staff employed to ensure a safe and engaging experience for all participants. 

In addition to the main scheme, specialist camps including a gymnastics-specific camp and Active and Able programmes have supported a further 90 young people to get involved in physical activity this summer. 

Active and Able camps are designed specifically to support children and young people with learning or physical disabilities. Delivered in partnership with Active Youth NI, these inclusive and accessible camps are led by experienced, qualified coaches who ensure every participant can join in safely, actively, and enjoyably. Running across three centres during the summer, each daily session runs from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm, creating a supportive space where disabled young people have equitable access to sport and physical activity. 

Jonathan Michael, Regional Business Manager, GLL said: 

“It’s incredible to see so many young people out enjoying sport today. Our Summer Schemes are all about helping children stay active, build confidence, and form friendships that last beyond the summer. We’re proud of the inclusive and dynamic programme we’ve delivered this year – and days like today are the perfect way to celebrate it. 

“GLL’s mission is centred on expanding access, improving inclusivity, and ensuring that every child, regardless of ability or background, has the chance to enjoy the benefits of sport. The energy and enthusiasm we’ve seen this summer shows just how powerful these programmes can be in shaping positive experiences and building stronger communities.” 

Votes at 16: Northern Ireland's New Electoral Wild Card, By David McCann, Strategic Political Analyst at Brown O’Connor Public Affairs

The British government has announced its commitment to follow through on plans to lower the voting age to 16 years old. This will be the first time since 1970 that the franchise will change at a General Election, when another Labour government lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 years of age.

Northern Ireland is the only one of the devolved regions that does not allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in regional elections. Scotland lowered its voting age in 2014, with Wales following suit in 2021. However, with the announcement last week, that will change as the Secretary of State has the power under the Northern Ireland Act to extend the franchise. It is unlikely this will be ready for the 2027 Assembly Election, meaning it will be 2032 before 16-year-olds get a chance to cast a ballot for their MLAs.

Context

You may have heard concerns about how this could affect the outcomes of elections. I hate to break it to you, but 16- and 17-year-olds will make up around 2-3% of the entire electorate for future general elections across the UK. This is roughly the same for Northern Ireland – whilst thousands of new voters will have the chance to cast a ballot, it is unlikely that this cohort alone will determine whether Michelle O’Neill remains as First Minister or whether there will be a surge towards any particular party.  Political parties across Northern Ireland will still need to appeal to the traditional voting demographics to win seats at Westminster, the Assembly and Local Government.

The next general election will be the first contest where this age cohort will have the chance to vote. One of the risks of launching this initiative for a general election is that Northern Ireland typically has low turnouts at Westminster Elections. Just 57% of voters in Northern Ireland cast a vote in last July's election, one of the lowest turnouts in the UK. Likewise, in 2019, turnout in Northern Ireland was more than 5 points lower than the UK average. Between now and polling day, work needs to be done to ensure that this reform does not fall victim to broader lower turnout trends that we have witnessed at recent Westminster Elections.

Seats to watch

Whilst the impact is limited, three seats at Westminster are held by margins of 1,500 votes or less: East Londonderry (179 votes), North Antrim (450 votes) and East Antrim (1,306 votes). Two of these three seats are held by the DUP, with the TUV holding the North Antrim seat. It will be fascinating to see if the more “progressive” challengers in East Londonderry (Sinn Féin) and East Antrim (Alliance) can utilise this change to their electoral advantage.

There is an assumption that the younger you are, the more likely you are to lean toward progressive parties. With the success that more populist candidates on the continent and in the USA have had with younger voters, it will be interesting to see if Northern Ireland’s new voters throw any spanners in the electoral works and veer off in a direction that has not been considered.

STV

The real test for this change will come with the Assembly Election. Many of the last seats are decided by just a few hundred votes. In 2022, a number of seats were decided by fewer than 500 votes, and with transfers that can significantly influence the outcome, this cohort of voters has the opportunity to influence some races. Whether they turn out and choose to exercise their vote is the key question for which we do not have an answer.

Allowing 16- and 17-year-olds the opportunity to vote is a positive step that can increase participation but not upend the entire electoral process. However, it cannot be done in isolation. A broader political education piece of work needs to accompany this; otherwise, this bright new day will become a false dawn. Parties that successfully engage with these voters in 2029 have a real opportunity to establish a loyal base of new voters who could remain loyal to them for decades to come.

CGI supports Canada Day celebrations in Belfast

Photo Caption (L-R): Belfast City Councillor Michael Long, Ken Brundle, Honorary Canadian Consul for Northern Ireland; Pete Wilson CGI; Kyla Dittmar, Oui Poutine; Derbhile Kennedy, Director, CGI; Adam Keefe, Head Coach of the Belfast Giants.

CGI a leading global IT and business consulting services firm, supported this year’s Canada Day celebration in Belfast, hosted on Tuesday 1 July at local Canadian food business Oui Poutine.

Held in the city centre, the event was a celebration of Canadian culture, with attendees enjoying Canadian street food. Guests included Ken Brundle, Honorary Canadian Consul for Northern Ireland, Pete Wilson and Derbhile Kennedy, Directors, CGI; Kyla Dittmar, Oui Poutine; Adam Keefe, Head Coach of the Belfast Giants, Belfast City Councillor Michael Long and other members of Northern Ireland’s Canadian community, which now numbers over 12,000.

Chris Shorthouse, Vice President, Client Engagement for Northern Ireland at CGI said:

“As a company with deep Canadian roots and a strong local presence, we were delighted to support this community celebration. CGI is committed to being an active and positive presence in Northern Ireland, and events like this reflect the value of cultural connection, civic pride, and strong local partnerships.” 

CGI, founded in Montréal in 1976, has long believed in strengthening ties with the communities it serves. With established operations in Northern Ireland, the company delivers technology and business consulting services across both the public and private sectors.

 Ken Brundle, Honorary Canadian Consul for Northern Ireland, said:

“The Canada Day celebration was an opportunity to reflect on enduring links between Canada and Northern Ireland. It was great to come together to share and enjoy Canadian food and culture in Belfast and we are grateful for the support of organisations like CGI that help make these community celebrations possible.”

The event highlighted the growing visibility of the Canadian community in Northern Ireland and its contribution to local life and culture.

New Documentary by Trevor Birney ‘The Negotiator’ to screen at Ireland’s premier film festival

Senator George Mitchell and Trevor Birney at the premiere screening of The Negotiator in Belfast

The Negotiator - which examines the life and work of the man credited for bringing the Good Friday Agreement into being, Senator George Mitchell, has been announced as a major new addition to the Galway Film Fleadh, Ireland’s leading film event. 

The Fine Point Films documentary, directed by journalist and filmmaker Trevor Birney (No Stone Unturned; Quinn Country, Cyndi Lauper: Let the Canary Sing, Kneecap) and developed in association with Queen’s University Belfast, follows Birney as he profiles US Senator George Mitchell, whose leadership in securing the Good Friday Agreement transformed life for entire generations in Northern Ireland.

The Negotiator will join Fine Point Films other 2025 film Boy George and Culture Club, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in May, at the festival. 

The Negotiator is a timely, powerful, and deeply personal feature documentary that will bring a vital perspective to the Galway Film Fleadh, which has chosen to spotlight the urgent issues it raises.

Producer of the BAFTA winning, Kneecap and Emmy-nominated founder of Fine Point Films, Trevor Birney, Director of The Negotiator said:

"We’re honoured that The Negotiator has been invited to screen at the 37th Galway Film Fleadh. This welcome is not only a recognition of the pressing issues explored in the film, but also of the enduring example offered by Senator Mitchell.

“The Negotiator serves as both a tribute to Senator Mitchell’s extraordinary role in Northern Ireland and a timely reminder of what true diplomacy can achieve.”

Produced by Stephen Douds and Andrew Tully, The Negotiator explores the art of political negotiation and the quest for lasting peace.

The Negotiator will screen at the Pálás Cinema on Friday, morning the 11 July at 09:30, and is expected to generate significant interest among audiences and media alike. Boy George and Culture Club will screen at the Town Hall Theatre on 11 July at 22:30.

Bookings for both Fine Point Film screenings at galwayfilmfleadh.com, or explore the full programme, including screenings, Q&As, filmmaker interviews, panel discussions, and more, at galwayfilmfleadh.com, or contact the Town Hall Theatre box office at 091 569777.

The festival is supported by the Arts Council of Ireland, Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, TG4, Coimisiún na Meán, Galway City Council, and Fáilte Ireland.

Slew of awards for best in class as Docs Ireland festival draws to a close

Stuart Sloan from Docs Ireland presents the Pull Focus Irish Documentary Award to Myrid Carten for her debut feature,  A Want In Her.

A number of awards for the best in new documentary film-making have been awarded to a host of Irish and international film-makers, as the curtain draws to a close on the seventh annual Docs Ireland film festival.

Dedicated to platforming the best in new Irish documentary, this year’s annual Pull Focus Irish Documentary Competition went to Myrid Carten for her debut feature,  A Want In Her. The jury were enthralled by the film and selected it “for its painfully honest portrait of mother-daughter relationship, in the shadow of addiction, and a creative new voice in documentary filmmaking”.

Established at Docs Ireland 2019, the Northern Ireland Screen Pitch is one of the festival’s flagstaff industry events and has ushered a wealth of non-fiction talent through the process of developing their feature documentaries. This year the jury selected The Loneliest Boy in the World by Medb Johnstone and Ann Ni Chiobhain.

The jury said, “as a story that looks beyond the headlines to reckon with history The Loneliest Boy in the World has the potential to weave a personal account with a political address - we hope this prize allows the filmmakers to dive deeper into their narrative research and establish a strong visual treatment of this historical story.”

This year the festival recognised acclaimed Irish cinematographer, stills photographer and documentary director Ross McDonnell, who tragically lost his life in 2023 with the Ross McDonnell Award for Best Cinematography in an Irish Feature. The inaugural award was given to Paddy Hayes for his Irish language film, David Keenan: Focla Ar Chanbhás / Words On Canvas.

The winner of the Short Competition was Ross McClean for No Mean City, with an Honorable Mention to Dennis Harvey for his film, The New Policy Regarding Asylum Seekers.

The LUMI Programmers jury winner was Ruairi Bradley, We Beg To Differ and an Honorable Mention was given to Meg Earls for It All comes Down.

Finally, the Maysles Award for Best in International Observational Documentary was awarded this year to Polish film, Silent Trees, directed by Agnieszka Zwiefka.

Director of Docs Ireland, Michele Devlin said: “Every year we are blown away by the standard of filmmaking at Docs Ireland. The reason we established this documentary-focused festival is to shine a light on Irish talent and to nurture it and support it. I would like to thank everyone who submitted films this year, those who participated on various jury panels and to all our event sponsors for making our seventh year such a success.”

Docs Ireland is supported by Northern Ireland Screen through the Department for Communities, Belfast City Council, Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, BFI/Film Hub NI, and British Council and is proudly sponsored by TG4, BBC NI, Yellowmoon, FinePoint Films and Stellify Media.

Brown O'Connor Political Monitoring - Forward Look Freeview W/C 30 June

Forward Look  

  • Minister of Finance John O'Dowd MLA has said he will bring multi-year budget recommendations to the Executive this Autumn. A draft budget is to be published for a 12-week consultation before final approval ahead of the new financial year.

  • The Department for Infrastructure will shortly receive advanced-stage feasibility studies for projects funded through the Union Connectivity Review. The department will then undertake a consideration process to evaluate these studies and determine next steps for improving transport connectivity links.

  • The Minister for the Economy has said the Apprenticeship Action Plan is expected to be published shortly, following final approvals and alignment with the Skills and Careers Action Plans to enhance apprenticeship opportunities and workforce development.

  • The Northern Ireland Executive Investment Strategy is currently in final draft form and expected to go to the Executive for approval soon. The strategy aims to stabilise and transform infrastructure investment over the next 30 years.

  • The Department for the Economy will publish a consultation later this year on options for addressing the challenges and costs that biomethane producers face when connecting to the gas network.

  • The Minister for Education has confirmed that officials are now working with education partners to develop guidance for the use of AI in schools, with plans to roll this out in the 2025/26 academic year.

  • The Minister for Infrastructure has confirmed that a new road maintenance strategy is in development. Officials are currently working on this initiative and plan to have a draft ready in the coming weeks.

  • Redevelopment of the NI Assembly website will begin in September 2025 following completion of the procurement process and contract award in late August.

  • Permanent Secretaries are meeting today to discuss the specific implications of the High Court's A5 ruling for other Executive departments.

Republic of Ireland

  • Sinn Féin has introduced a bill to end the geo-blocking of RTÉ content and the exclusion of Northern Ireland audiences from its services and competitions.

  • The Taoiseach has said a proposed tourism tax could generate up to €41 million to help fund a major revamp of Dublin city, though no timeline has been set for an introduction.

  • The 2026 Budget will include an expansionary package featuring a permanent VAT rate reduction for small businesses; commitments to permanently reduce childcare costs, education and healthcare expenses; improving children's disability services; and providing €15 million annual funding for post offices through 2030 to prevent widespread closures.

  • The revised Housing for All plan has been delayed, with Taoiseach Micheál Martin saying it will now follow the finalisation of the National Development Plan, expected in late July.

Other Stories this week

  • Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins MLA has launched a public consultation on a proposed grant scheme to help reservoir managers cover initial supervision and inspection costs when the Reservoirs Act (NI) 2015 is implemented.

  • Finance Minister John O’Dowd MLA has launched a consultation on the law on divorce and the dissolution of marriage and civil partnerships.

  • Ministers Gordon Lyons, Andrew Muir, and Liz Kimmins have launched a public consultation on ‘Shaping Sustainable Places’, a £150m regeneration programme for place-based infrastructure projects.

  • Invest Northern Ireland supported 1,334 businesses in 2024/25, helping generate over £630m in economic investment and 3,020 new jobs, with 93% of investments coming from local companies and 59% located outside Belfast.

  • Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins MLA has launched a 12-week consultation on the draft Transport Strategy 2035, with the strategy aiming to create more sustainable, connected, and inclusive transport systems.

  • A High Court ruling has blocked the A5 upgrade, citing Stormont’s failure to show how the project aligns with climate laws.

  • Northern Ireland’s construction sector is forecast to grow by 75% by 2026, driven by strong public investment in housing, healthcare, and education, according to industry intelligence from CIS.

  • Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA welcomed new regional balance research, emphasising the need for empowered local governance and adequate resources to address economic disparities across Northern Ireland: LINK

  • The Water, Sustainable Drainage and Flood Management Bill was introduced this week to the Assembly. The Bill’s aims include enhancing NI Water's processes and promoting environmentally friendly water management solutions.

  • Darragh McCarthy, founder and CEO of global financial services firm FinTrU, has been elected to the role of President of Belfast Chamber, replacing Gavin Annon following the completion of his two-year tenure as President.

Upcoming key political and business events 

  • 1 July Belfast City Council Meeting, City Hall.

  • 1 July Derry Chamber Golf Day.

  • 5 July NI Assembly rises for summer recess.

  • 8 July IoD Directors Quarterly Update, Online.

  • 22 July House of Commons rises for summer recess.

Consultations

Dr David McCann, Strategic Political Analyst: 'NI and President Trump - Engage or Pull Back?'

The summer is upon us. As we enter July, one country will dominate the headlines even more than it usually does: the United States of America. Celebrating its 249th birthday on July 4th this year, the return of Donald Trump as President has brought a growing number of economic and foreign policy issues, meaning this Independence Day will cause just as much reflection as it will celebration in the corridors of power in the UK and Ireland.

In Northern Ireland, our relationship with the United States is more integrated than in many other parts of Europe. In economic terms, the USA is our top foreign direct investor. In areas such as cybersecurity and the creative industries, we are a top destination for many American investors seeking to establish a foothold in the UK and the European Union. Walk around Belfast, and you can see the number of American-owned businesses whose logos are on top of many of the buildings in our city centre.

The relationship between Northern Ireland and the USA extends beyond a purely economic connection; there are also substantive political ties that bind us together. American politicians, such as Senator George Mitchell and former President Bill Clinton, have all made significant contributions to our peace process. The degree of American attention on Northern Ireland during the Brexit process and the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement is a testament to the depth of feeling that exists across the Atlantic Ocean.

Engage or Pull Back?

We have all of these fundamentals going for us, including the economic links and the emotional connection. The key question is how do we maximise this opportunity, and how should our local politicians navigate American politics in the age of Trump?

The choices often presented to politicians when dealing with Trump are as follows: engage or pull back.

In Northern Ireland, our Executive has dipped their toes into each of these options depending on which party you are dealing with. For the DUP and UUP, engagement has been the order of the day. For Sinn Féin and Alliance, pulling back has been their preferred option until now.

However, another course is in front of us if we are prepared to take it, and that is to reposition ourselves. This is the Mark Carney approach, which takes a pragmatic approach to engaging with the United States to improve the economic relationship where possible, while also deepening our ties with other allies around the world, such as the European Union.  

Walk and Chew Gum…

Trumpian politics often offers binary solutions to complex problems. Still, the world is not like that, and Northern Ireland should not pretend that either being all in with Trump or pretending he does not exist are the only options open to us. We can walk and chew gum at the same time. Our Executive should engage when it is to our benefit, speak out when necessary and always play the long game.

Northern Ireland can recognise the many economic and political links it has with the United States, while also seeking new opportunities as the global order shifts around us. Countries like Canada are figuring out what this means for them in the long term, and we should not be behind the door in identifying opportunities for ourselves.

Big Anniversary…The Biggest.

The world is changing, and the United States' role will also change. Northern Ireland does not need to fear this or be a loser in this process. We can rise to the challenge of change. As we approach the 250th anniversary of American independence, we can celebrate the deep connections we have with the United States and explore ways to strengthen connections with other parts of the world.

New Documentary ‘The Negotiator’ by Trevor Birney set for gala screening in Belfast

Documentary which examines the life of the architect of the Good Friday Agreement, Senator George Mitchell, features Bill Clinton, Nancy Pelosi, Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern

‘The Negotiator’ the new feature documentary on Senator George Mitchell, from Fine Point Films, directed by Trevor Birney (No Stone Unturned; Quinn Country, Cyndi Lauper: Let the Canary Sing, Kneecap) is set for its gala screening in Belfast as part of the opening of the Docs Ireland 2025 film festival.

The Negotiator, developed in association with Queen’s University, follows journalist and filmmaker Trevor Birney as he profiles US Senator George Mitchell, whose role in the Good Friday Agreement thirty years ago, changed the lives of an entire generation in Northern Ireland.

This timely, contemporary and deeply personal film poses provocative questions about positive United States engagement with the wider world and how Senator Mitchell - with his inexhaustible patience - turned the apparently impossible into the possible.

Filmed in Maine, Washington DC and Northern Ireland, the film explores Mitchell’s journey from a working-class boy in Maine to one of America’s most respected political negotiators. The documentary was produced by Stephen Douds and Andrew Tully.

Contributors to the documentary include former United States President Bill Clinton who said on Senator Mitchell:

“He was an incredibly gifted, brilliant, ferociously determined man from a quite straightforward and simple background. He had this uncanny ability to make us all want to be straight with each other, not continue to waste time and posture.”   

Former Speaker of the US Congress, Nancy Pelosi said on Senator Mitchell:

“I wanted him to run for President…I think he would have been a great President of the United States.  He has a beautiful vision for our country …it was so apparent that he would be so great.”       

Frank Ryan, a US-based lawyer with whom Senator Mitchell worked in the US says of Senator Mitchell’s skillset in negotiations:

“He’s probably more relevant today than he’s ever been. He was saying these things and writing these things about collaboration and unity, compromise for many years. What he was saying then is probably more important in the United States and around the world than it’s ever been.”

Producer of the BAFTA winning, Kneecap and Emmy-nominated founder of Fine Point Films, Trevor Birney, Director of The Negotiator said on the making of the documentary:

“Many of us primarily view Senator Mitchell as the architect of the Good Friday Agreement but know little about the man himself, despite his prominent career as a lawyer, business leader and politician in the US before ever setting foot in Belfast.”

“As a journalist, I covered the protracted negotiations that led to the Good Friday Agreement and was in the Kings Hall on the day of the referendum, reporting on the momentous days that followed.”

“Almost 30 years on, it felt right to examine the process that led to Senator Mitchell chairing talks with political opposites in what felt like an intractable situation. What has become clear in that time is that he is a unique individual, there have not been many like him since 1998.”

“We now live in a world riven with conflict and those with the skill and ability to bring about enduring political settlements in places experiencing ongoing problems are few and far between. The documentary shows just how special Senator Mitchell is and is a record of the immense contribution that he made here. We could use a few more like him right now.”

Michele Devlin, Docs Ireland added:

“We are thrilled to have the gala screening of The Negotiator as part of Docs Ireland this year. It is such an important, archive rich film about this place, made by brilliant local talent who are amongst some of our most internationally acclaimed filmmakers.”  

“Trevor Birney and Fine Point Films have long been supporters of Docs Ireland and it’s brilliant we can feature this film which examines the transformational impact Senator Mitchell had on the peace process.” 

Broadcaster Miriam O’Callaghan will host a post screening in-person interview with Senator Mitchell and Director, Trevor Birney. Over 350 guests are expected to attend the screening at Cineworld in Belfast this evening.