Aircoach Invest £3 million in New Passenger Fleet Ahead of Summer Travel Season

Launching the new Aircoach fleet are (left to right) Kim Swan from Aircoach, Anna Doherty from Derry Chamber and Odhran Dunne from Visit Derry.

Popular passenger transport company Aircoach has unveiled a state-of-the-art fleet of ten new coaches for passengers travelling to both Belfast International and Dublin airports from Derry/Londonderry and between Belfast, Dublin Airport and Dublin City Centre.

An investment of £3 million in the new fleet comes as the approaching summer season will see thousands of visitors travel between North and South and to Ireland’s two main airports on the company’s 705X service.

The new luxury coaches will bring a number of improved features and upgrades, including:

• Onboard Toilets: A standout feature and ultimate convenience for passengers on long journeys.

• Reclining Seats: Providing extra comfort for a restful journey

• High Speed Wifi: Ensuing passengers stay connected

• Brand-New Coaches: Brand new and state-of-the-art vehicles equipped for best performance and passenger comfort.

Launching the new Aircoach fleet are (left to right) Peter Lynch, Kim Swan and Colin Large from Aircoach.

The new fleet will provide seamless transportation options for commuters, students, holiday-makers and visitors, offering an efficient and reliable service from the North West region to Belfast International Airport, Dublin Airport and Dublin City Centre, including direct routes from Belfast to Dublin Airport and City Centre (O’Connell Street).

In addition to the new fleet, Aircoach is introducing a new Young Person Fare offering even greater value on this popular route. Families can enjoy a 10% discount, with significant savings also available for group bookings.

All ticket options and best fares are available online at aircoach.ie.

Kim Swan, Managing Director of Aircoach said:

"We are thrilled to launch these new passenger coaches, designed to meet the evolving needs of our customers.

“As the holiday season approaches and people begin to make travel plans, we are excited to introduce this state-of-the-art new fleet where comfort and convenience go hand in hand.

“The investment reflects our commitment to delivering the best travel experience possible for our customers and in particular for those travellers making longer journeys.”

The new fleet comes into operation on 3rd June 2025. 

Regular departures and competitive ticket pricing cater to all travel needs. A full timetable and booking options can be found at aircoach.ie.

One of the new Aircoach passenger coaches.

Northern Ireland's Local Council Mayors, Chairs and Deputies 2025/26

Councils across Northern Ireland have now announced their Mayors, Chairs and Deputies for 2025/26.

Sinn Féin continues to demonstrate its local government strength, securing four Mayoral or Chair positions across Northern Ireland’s councils, including Derry and Strabane, Causeway Coast and Glens, Newry Mourne and Down, and Fermanagh and Omagh District Councils. The DUP has also demonstrated its strong presence across the region with three Mayoral or Chair roles including the influential position of Belfast’s Lord Mayor, as well as three Deputy roles.

The Alliance Party continues to build on its positive electoral performances by taking the Ards and North Down Mayoral post, along with strong representation in four Deputy roles. The SDLP, while not holding any top positions this year, continues to maintain a foothold with two Deputy roles, including Deputy Mayor of Belfast City Council.

The UUP now hold two mayoralties on Antrim and Newtownabbey and Mid and East Antrim District Councils, a marked improvement from securing one top role last year.

The two largest Executive parties however have dominated local council selections, with Sinn Féin and the DUP sharing an impressive seven mayoralties or chairs between them.

Please see below a full list of the incoming First Citizens for the next 12 months:

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council

Mayor – Leah Kirkpatrick (UUP)

Deputy Mayor – Julie Gilmour (Alliance)

Ards and North Down Borough Council

Mayor – Gillian McCollum (Alliance)

Deputy Mayor – Vicky Moore (Alliance)

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council

Mayor – Stephen Moutray (DUP)

Deputy Mayor – Jessica Johnston (Alliance)

Belfast City Council

Mayor – Tracy Kelly (DUP)

Deputy Mayor – Paul Doherty (SDLP)

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council

Mayor – Oliver McMullan (Sinn Féin)

Deputy Mayor – Richard Stewart (Alliance)

Derry and Strabane District Council

Mayor – Ruairí McHugh (Sinn Féin)

Deputy Mayor – Niree McMorris (DUP)

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council

Chair - Barry McElduff (Sinn Féin)

Vice-Chair - Shirley Hawkes (DUP)

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council

TBC

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council

Mayor - Jackson Minford (UUP)

Deputy Mayor - Tyler Hoey (DUP)

Mid Ulster District Council

Chair - Frances Burton (DUP)

Deputy Chair - Denise Johnson (SDLP)

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council

Chair - Philip Campbell (Sinn Féin)

Deputy Chair - Geraldine Kearns (Sinn Féin)

Major business lobby takes to Westminster to press economic case for Northern Ireland as business costs bite

Trade NI, the alliance of Hospitality Ulster, Retail NI and Manufacturing NI spearhead a major business delegation at Westminster to press the case for reduced regulatory burden on businesses and a more favourable economic environment for Northern Ireland.

Supported by DWF, the event saw the major lobby super group, Trade NI, seize the critical opportunity to push for investment, support, and solutions to the challenges facing the region.

The event comes at a time when changes in National Insurance Contributions have increased costs for businesses; exorbitant hospitality VAT continues to place strain on profitability, and greater investment in skills is required to keep Northern Ireland competitive. Other challenges also remain, particularly around the apprenticeship levy and the wider UK migration regime not meeting the needs of the local economy.

The Trade NI delegation and guests were also hosted by the US Embassy in London at a reception.

Speaking jointly, the representatives of Trade NI, Colin Neill (Hospitality Ulster), Stephen Kelly (Manufacturing NI) and Glyn Roberts (Retail NI) said:  

“Whilst it is easy to get caught up in the relentless news about tariffs and trade deals we must retain our focus on Northern Ireland and how we can collectively increase productivity, reduce the regulatory burden on businesses; increase the skills base; address VAT issues and deliver greater outputs. We can only do that if we have effective economic levers in place – some of which are within the gift of decision makers in Parliament and Whitehall.” 

“Our Westminster lobby event was a vital opportunity to be able to discuss the key concerns of the business community with national political decision makers and help them understand the priorities needed for Northern Ireland, and to promote Northern Ireland as a great place to locate or start a business.”

“Of course we are not immune or insulated from what is going on internationally, we need to keep showcasing our region and how it is primed for new opportunities to grow and prosper. We have some of the best talent, best services, and best products available on the global stage, but greater responsiveness is needed if we are to meet our economic potential.” 

Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP:
“The Prime Minister's recent announcements on new trade deals with the US, India, and the EU, are great news for businesses and consumers in NI, opening up further opportunities for Northern Ireland exporters and providing them with access to two of the world's largest economies.”

GLL marks 10 years in Belfast with largest ever sports foundation intake

(L-R) Gareth Kirk, Regional Director, North & Northern Ireland, GLL; Phil Donnay, Deputy CEO, GLL; Shirely McCay; Dr Michael McKillop; Noah Kelly; Jamillah Toriola; Jacqui Pope, Head of Service, Belfast, GLL; Aidan Walsh; and Tony Wallace, Regional Director, GLL Sport Foundation Lead

GLL, the charitable social enterprise that operates Belfast’s 16 leisure centres under its Better brand in partnership with Belfast City Council, has marked the 10th anniversary of its arrival in Belfast with a ceremony reflecting on its decade in the city and honouring the 158 GLL Sport Foundation recipients for 2025 in Belfast, the largest ever intake for the foundation in the city, amounting to over £115,000 of investment.

These figures also make Belfast the largest of the 78 areas in the UK supported by the GLL Sport Foundation, which is the biggest independent athlete support fund in the UK. Over 1,200 Belfast athletes have been supported by the GLL Sport Foundation since 2015, equating to over £700,000 in financial contribution. 57% of athletes supported by the foundation are aged under 21, 23% are under the age of 16, and 38 sports are supported including Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Sports.

While the programme is fully inclusive of all sports, the foundation has supported notable local sporting success stories such as international hockey player Shirley McCay, Ireland’s most capped sportswoman in any sporting code, multiple Paralympics gold medallist Dr Michael McKillop, and Olympian boxer sibling duo Michaela and Aidan Walsh.

Speakers at the event hosted by broadcaster Pete Snodden included Lord Mayor of Belfast, Cllr Micky Murray, Belfast City Council Chief Executive John Walsh, foundation ambassadors Shirley McCay, Dr Michael McKillop, Aidan and Michaela Walsh, David Tumilty of the Public Health Agency, and GLL representatives Gareth Kirk, Jacqui Pope, and Tony Wallace. Lady Mary Peters was also honoured at the event in recognition of the partnership work the Mary Peters Trust has undertaken in the past decade with the GLL Sport Foundation in the support of local athletes.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, said:

“The health and wellbeing of our citizens is an important priority for Belfast City Council and is at the heart of our city strategy.

“We have invested £105 million in creating outstanding leisure facilities including Lisnasharragh, Andersonstown, Brook, Avoniel, Olympia and Templemore Baths. These investments have been truly transformative – not only in terms of physical buildings and facilities, but also the lives of our citizens accessing them.

“I am delighted to celebrate 10 years of successful partnership with GLL, who have been a trusted partner in community health and wellbeing, and an organisation who share our values. From helping people to keep fit and look after their mental health, through to supporting our sporting stars of the future through the GLL Sport Foundation.”

Gareth Kirk, Senior Regional Director, GLL, said:

“In 2015, we entered into an ambitious partnership with Belfast City Council to transform leisure services in Belfast. We celebrate a decade of partnership working and we are pleased to have dramatically changed the leisure landscape across the city by improving facilities, income, staffing levels, culture and community investment. As a charitable social enterprise, the partnership is based on our operating model of providing accessible, affordable leisure services for local people.

“With 16 leisure centres now operational we are creating a more active, sustainable and healthier city. We have also created sport and physical activity facilities that will greatly benefit our local athletes to support their wider training as well as provide options to relax and recover from their busy training and competition schedules.

“This evening is one example of how this success can positively support our local community here in Belfast. This is the largest GLL Sport Foundation programme in the UK, and we plan to continue to expand the programme in the years ahead and ensure that Belfast is regarded as a city where opportunities for sporting excellence are high on the agenda.”

Shirley McCay, former Ireland international hockey player and GLL Sport Foundation ambassador, said:

“The support of the GLL Sport Foundation was invaluable throughout my career, giving me both the time and facilities to train to a serious and consistent level that I would have otherwise had to fund myself. To see the next generation of Belfast athletes, a larger number than ever, here tonight benefitting from that support is not only heartening, but exciting for the future of sport in the city.

“That Belfast is the area within the GLL Sport Foundation with the largest number of athletes shows the potential that exists within this city across any number of sports. The support provided by the GLL Sport Foundation will give these young athletes the best possible platform to realise their potential and make their mark in Belfast and beyond.”

How do you solve a problem like the Northern Ireland economy?

By David McCann, Strategic Political Analyst, Brown O’Connor Public Affairs

With less than 2 per cent of the UK’s overall Gross Domestic Product, it is easy for us to be at the back of the queue when it comes to ideas about how to improve our local economy. A narrative that our economic story is one of just stagnation and subsidies does not help in trying to improve our lot.

However, we have the potential to truly build a vibrant and growing economy that can provide opportunities for all of those who want to live here. There is a real chance that, with the right policies and powers placed back in our hands, we can make emigration something that we read about in the history books.

The most positive aspect of this story is that we already have a roadmap for improving the Northern Ireland economy. In 2022, the Fiscal Commission published a report examining the issue of further fiscal devolution for Northern Ireland. The report highlighted the potential benefits that could result from further devolution of tax-raising powers in areas such as Income tax. Currently, less than £1 in every £20 of revenue in Northern Ireland is raised through rates.

Competitive Out There

There are critics of devolving more powers, particularly in the fiscal space, back to Northern Ireland. Arguments surrounding a lack of political maturity and the instability of Stormont are prevalent. However, we know the current economic set-up is not working and that simply doing the same thing over again is the definition of economic insanity. The world is not waiting for Northern Ireland, and neither are those with whom we are competing for investment.

Quite often, we hear the argument that Westminster does not often hear the voices of people in Northern Ireland when it makes decisions. If this is the case, then surely part of the answer is to give more powers back to the Executive, allowing local ministers to work with local sectors across our society to deliver long-lasting improvements for our economy.

Multi-Year Budgets…

When this Labour government came to office, it pledged to improve the working relationship between the UK and devolved governments. Now that it has established its new Council of the Nations and Regions, it has a real opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to a more fundamental rethink of how devolution operates across the UK, particularly in Northern Ireland. A good place to start would be progressing ahead with multi-year budgets for the devolved regions, so that local ministers can plan with certainty for the future.

The local economic challenges are well known, particularly in the areas of skills. A recent Northern Ireland Audit Office report highlights the detrimental impact that skills shortages are having on our local economy. Part of this broader devolution conversation must focus on the need for greater investment in our skills base and how we utilise our education system to ensure that we have the talent to fill the jobs of the future.

Underpinning all of this has to be a recognition of the need for flexibility. If Keir Starmer is to turn around the UK economy, he must acknowledge that achieving this requires few “one-size-fits-all” approaches. From immigration to the costs of doing business, each region of the UK has distinct needs.

His legacy, if he wants to seize it, could be the Prime Minister who turbo-charged devolution into the future. This would allow Belfast, Edinburgh, and Cardiff to “take back control” of the levers and powers they can use locally to improve living standards and remove blockages to growth.

Are there any risks associated with Northern Ireland embarking on this course? Undoubtedly, there are. Yet we often look at the Republic of Ireland and marvel at its success. We may want to ask ourselves how they achieve it. Flexibility in their economy, a focus on skills, and pro-growth policies are key factors. This is on our doorstep, and it is also what many businesses in Northern Ireland are competing with.

New ‘Language Launchpad’ Initiative Aims to Strengthen Early Years Communication Development Across Northern Ireland

(L-R) Lorraine Coulter, South Eastern Trust, Ruth Sedgewick, Head of RCSLT NI, Minister for Education, Paul Givan MLA, Mabel Scullion, Help Kids Talk.

The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) NI has launched Language Launchpad, an expert-led toolkit to help families and early years professionals support children’s speech, language and communication.

This new initiative comes in response to RCSLT NI’s 2024 research, which revealed a growing need for communication support among 0–5-year-olds. If not addressed, this could significantly impact children’s emotional wellbeing, behaviour, ability to play and form friendships, social relationships and future academic achievements.

Parents and early years professionals reported a sharp rise in both the number and complexity of speech and language needs, with nearly half of parents surveyed (49%) saying they don’t know where to access support or training.

In response to this gap, the Language Launchpad project has driven a significant increase in the uptake of Help Kids Talk training. Over 150 organisations, including health and education bodies, community groups, colleges and universities, have taken part.

As a result, parents, carers and practitioners have reported greater confidence in supporting children’s speech, language and communication development, with many planning to implement new strategies and approaches.

Funded by the Department of Education, in line with the SEN Reform Agenda and built on the successful Help Kids Talk programme, Language Launchpad offers bitesize video lessons, printable tip sheets, and practical tools co-designed with parents, childcare staff and educators.

The resources are free, easy to use, and designed to give every child the best possible start in life.

Ruth Sedgewick, Head of RCSLT NI said:

“Speech, language and communication are every child’s right and the foundation for learning, wellbeing and lifelong success. Language Launchpad is a practical solution, giving families and early years providers the free, expert tools they’ve been asking for. With the Department of Education’s support, we’re putting early intervention into action and improving outcomes for children across Northern Ireland.”

Education Minister Paul Givan said:

“The Language Launchpad project is an excellent example of what can be achieved in a short period of time with determination, expertise and the right support. Since commissioning the project in September 2024, much-needed evidence on training and support needs has been gathered, uptake of the Help Kids Talk training package has been increased and these valuable resources have been produced. This project has provided an early intervention exemplar enabling children not only to develop their speech, language and communication but also equipping adults in their lives to continually improve their ability to support them.’

I am pleased to see the funding which I was able to provide as part of the £25m package of measures for Early Learning and Childcare in 2024/25 and in line with the SEN Reform Agenda utilised to target the needs highlighted by this research. I congratulate the Royal College and the staff at Help Kids Talk for all of their efforts.”

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt added:

“It is inspiring to see what can be achieved through cross departmental and cross sectoral working and the sharing of knowledge and resources.

“We now have a free evidence-based training resource for parents and organisations working with our children and young people who have speech, language and communication needs. I want to thank RCSLT NI and Help Kids Talk for their work on this. They have achieved a very valuable resource which will undoubtedly make a difference where it counts.”

Chris Quinn, NI Commissioner for Children and Young People said:

“Language Launchpad represents an important step in supporting our youngest children and developing speech, language and communication skills that they need to thrive.

“The foundation that we lay in these crucial early stages have a lifetime impact, the consequences of undiagnosed language difficulties can be profound. Affecting not only academic achievement but also social relationships, mental health and opportunities in later life. Language Launchpad is about working towards a system where no child is left behind.”

A key element of the co-design of Language Launchpad was a survey completed by over 1,000 individuals (parents, healthcare professionals and early years providers) in December 2024.

The findings revealed that:

• 91% of those working with children and young people and 96% of speech and language therapists reported a rise in the number of children presenting with speech, language and communication needs.

• 98% of early years practitioners noted an increase in the complexity of speech, language and communication needs.

• Only 42% of early years practitioners felt that children entering their settings were ready to engage with the curriculum.

• Among parents surveyed, 45% expressed concerns about their child’s communication development, yet just 33% felt adequately supported by professionals. 

The final Language Launchpad resources are available from 6 May 2025 via the Help Kids Talk website: https://helpkidstalk.co.uk/

Business leaders launch applications for Fellowship Programme

(L-R) Karen Gilgunn, Mencap NI, Darragh McCarthy, FinTrU, Derek Hynes, NIE Networks, Phillip Brett, MLA, Róisín Finnegan, Independent Business Consultant.

Businesses in Northern Ireland are supporting an initiative to give leaders from politics, business and civic society a unique opportunity to develop the skills needed to address the leadership challenges of today.

The Centre for Democracy and Peace has opened applications for its Fellowship Programme 2025-26 to address real-world challenges and equip Fellows with practical skills in complex decision-making, design thinking, and collaboration, which are essential for navigating today’s economic, political, and social landscape.

Now in its fifth year, and with almost 100 alumni, the Fellowship Programme offers immersive residential sessions in Oxford and Dublin and allows participants to gain experience in world-class thinking and global best practice.

Supported by leading organisations including Camlin Group, Fujitsu NI, FinTrU, NIE Networks, Ulster Carpets, the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Irish American Partnership, and Allstate NI, the Fellowship reflects a shared commitment to investing in the sustainable peace and prosperity of Northern Ireland.

The programme is guided by an accomplished advisory board of senior business leaders who bring strategic insight, operational expertise, and a deep understanding of leadership in complex environments.

Together, they help shape a Fellowship experience grounded in real-world societal challenges, equipping participants with the adaptive thinking, collaborative mindset, and systems leadership needed to drive innovation, strengthen organisational resilience, and support long-term economic development.

By investing in the Fellowship, leading businesses are playing an active role in developing leaders capable of navigating complexity, generating innovation, and driving meaningful change across Northern Ireland.

Phillip Brett MLA, Northern Ireland Assembly Economy Committee Chair, and Programme Alumnus said:

“The Fellowship’s focus on systems thinking and entrepreneurial leadership aligns closely with key economic priorities, including the skills agenda. It offers unique value to Northern Ireland by supporting the development of confident, collaborative, and forward-thinking leaders. 

“Taking part in the Fellowship was a truly transformative experience. It challenged my thinking, expanded my networks across all sectors, and strengthened my ability to lead with purpose. I would encourage anyone committed to building a better future for Northern Ireland to apply.”

Darragh McCarthy, Chair, Fellowship Advisory Board, added:

“The Fellowship is not just an investment in individual leaders, it’s an investment in the future of Northern Ireland’s business, civic, and political success. By bringing together ambitious leaders from across all sectors, the programme creates conditions for innovation, trust, and long-term collaboration.

“I look forward with great anticipation to seeing the unique talents and perspectives the future group of Fellows will bring, and how they will shape one another as leaders and our society."

Applications for the 2025/26 Fellowship Programme are now open and will close on Thursday 5 June.

To apply or learn more, visit https://fellowship.democracyandpeace.org or contact fellowship@democracyandpeace.org.

CGI Presents Project Shield To MLAs At Stormont

Members of the CGI Team (L-R): Martin Jebb, Michelle Sherrard, Paul Addison and Stuart Gunning

Innovative technology enhances enforcement of non-molestation orders and helps safeguard vulnerable individuals

Belfast, Northern Ireland, 29 April 2025 – CGI (TSX: GIB.A) (NYSE: GIB) one of the largest independent IT and business consulting services firms in the world, and key stakeholders from the justice sector recently gathered at the Northern Ireland Assembly for a critical discussion on the benefits provided by Project Shield, an initiative aimed at improving the enforcement of non-molestation orders using existing Police National Database (PND) technology.

The event highlighted the need for a national database to ensure real-time access to protective orders, strengthen inter-agency coordination, and improve safeguarding for victims of domestic abuse.

Delivering the keynote address, Martin Jebb, Director, Policing & Public Safety Sector at CGI in the UK, detailed the transformational impact of Project Shield in improving the management and enforcement of non-molestation orders. Developed in partnership with North Yorkshire Police, HM Courts & Tribunals Service, and Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS), Project Shield has revolutionised information-sharing capabilities, giving police officers real-time access to crucial safeguarding data. It uses a combination of improved, more frequent information flow, process optimisation and technology to ensure that non-molestation orders are correctly marked and made visible in a timely fashion for all who need to be aware.

“Currently, police officers often lack the information needed to immediately act on protective orders,” explained Jebb. “Without a national database, enforcement can be slow, inconsistent, and ineffective—placing victims at risk and making it harder to hold perpetrators accountable. Project Shield has changed this situation by integrating these orders into the Police National Database, ensuring officers nationwide can access critical information instantly.”

“This initiative has already demonstrated its effectiveness, allowing officers to intervene swiftly when breaches occur, offering a level of protection that simply wasn’t possible before. It is imperative that we build on this success and establish a national, standardised system to close existing gaps in victim protection.”

Michelle Sherrard, Director, Consulting Services for Northern Ireland at CGI, reinforced the company’s commitment to delivering technology-driven solutions that enhance public safety and improve justice system efficiency. 

“Victims of domestic abuse should not have to shoulder the responsibility of ensuring their own protective measures are enforced. The justice system must work for them, not against them. Too often, survivors are forced to carry physical copies of court orders and provide proof of their own protection, which is simply unacceptable in today's digital age.”

“Project Shield has proven that the right technology can reduce these barriers, providing law enforcement with the tools to act swiftly and decisively. By modernising outdated processes and ensuring immediate access to protective measures, we can significantly improve the safeguarding framework. CGI is proud to play a pivotal role in this effort, working closely with justice agencies to drive forward innovation in public safety,” she added.

Discussions at the event underscored the urgent need for a national database to store and manage civil protection orders. A standardised digital system would enhance enforcement, improve inter-agency coordination, and provide stronger, more immediate protection for victims.

CGI continues to work with governments and justice agencies to develop innovative technology solutions that enhance public safety. The company is also delivering the Department of Justice’s Themis Programme, which aims to modernise IT systems across Northern Ireland’s civil, family, and criminal courts, improving efficiency and accessibility in the justice system.

Anna Haugh’s Big Irish Food Tour is coming to BBC Two

The celebrity chef returns home for a new series with special guests including Katherine Ryan, Laura Whitmore, Shayne Ward and Diarmuid Gavin.

In this 15-part series, starting on Monday 5 May on BBC Two, Anna Haugh travels around the island of Ireland, exploring all that is unique, and new, about Irish cuisine and culture.

From Ballycastle in County Antrim to Cork city, Anna is joined by celebrity guests including Katherine Ryan, Dennis Taylor, Ed Byrne, Shayne Ward, Laura Whitmore and Vanessa Feltz, who share their own Irish food memories and don their aprons to help her prepare a special meal.

On this culinary journey around the island Anna and her guests meet local food producers and sample an array of local ingredients and flavours.

Anna says: “Irish food is my passion and it’s a passion that took me from Dublin to London to pursue my dreams.

“Throughout this series, viewers can look forward to lots of delicious, inspiring food ingredients, wonderful recipes and great chats with my celebrity guests and food producers.”

In the first episode, Katherine Ryan joins Anna in the city of Cork – the ‘foodie capital of Ireland’ - where memories of her grandmother’s ‘over-boiled and under-seasoned’ dinners have left the comedian with a bad impression of Irish food.

In episode two snooker legend Dennis Taylor returns to the snooker hall in County Tyrone where it all began and after a spot of fishing, Anna and Dennis do some outdoor cooking with one of the area’s most unique delicacies - the Lough Neagh eel.

Later in the series, in her native Dublin, Anna meets actor Eilish O'Carroll from Mrs Brown's Boys in an area of the city where traditional markets mix with global street food, and in County Antrim she visits a Ballycastle farm with garden designer Diarmuid Gavin.

The pair are put to work during potato planting season, and Anna later creates a goat hotpot for Diarmuid using these local spuds. 

Far from the bright lights of London, Anna explores the rugged landscape of County Mayo with presenter Angela Scanlon and travels to Portrush on the north coast to meet actor Ian McElhinney.

In the seaside town, Ian reminisces about childhood holidays spent enjoying dulse, a local seaweed snack.

Other well-known faces joining Anna on her tour include, presenter Vanessa Feltz, Father Ted actor Pauline McLynn, wildlife broadcaster Liz Bonnin, rugby legend Bundee Aki and The Saturdays popstar Una Healy.

Anna’s journey comes to an end with singer and actor Shayne Ward in County Louth. Shayne is keen to connect with his Irish Traveller heritage and Anna introduces him to one of Ireland's last surviving tinsmiths. They also visit a local farm where Shayne gets his hands dirty picking cabbage.

Anna Haugh’s Big Irish Food Tour was commissioned for BBC Daytime and BBC Northern Ireland as part of the Hot House Initiative with support from Northern Ireland Screen.

The series, made by Below The Radar TV, starts on Monday 5 May and airs weekdays at 6.30pm on BBC Two. The full series is now available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

Election 2027 only a heartbeat away – are higher expectations of political delivery now required?.. Writes David McCann, Strategic Political Analyst at Brown O’Connor Public Affairs

We are more than halfway through the current Assembly mandate. Two years from now, parties will be on the home stretch of the 2027 Assembly Election campaign. The posters will be up on the lampposts, and the parties will make their final push to get their voters out to the polls on Election Day.

After just over three years in office, the Executive parties will be running to defend their record on what they have achieved; however, they are more likely to make a pitch about what they could accomplish with a full five-year mandate instead of the shorter terms Northern Ireland has had to endure due to various collapses in power-sharing since 2017. 

When we get to 2027, what would a good start for the Executive look like? What could they have achieved so voters would notice and acknowledge that Northern Ireland is finally on the right track after years of drift?

Regional Balance

Rebalancing Northern Ireland's economy, particularly in the North-West, will be a real test for Sinn Féin. When he was Economy Minister, Conor Murphy launched a Sub-Regional Economic Plan in late 2024, which sets out a restructuring of Invest NI and the establishment of local economic partnerships that will identify priorities to build the local economy. Now that Caoimhe Archibald, an MLA based in the North-West, has moved to the department earlier this year, there will be scrutiny on whether green shoots of economic development are happening West of the Bann.

Housing

This is a sleeper issue in Northern Ireland politics, but it will be one of the main issues being debated on the hustings during the 2027 election. House prices are already at a 17-year high with little evidence of any slowdown on the horizon. Looking at how this has become a significant issue in the Republic, parties in the Executive will know this issue can cut across various demographics and shift voters.

The Executive will need to introduce the necessary reforms around water infrastructure and planning to help increase the number of homes built across Northern Ireland. This will be a longer-term problem to solve, but by 2027, potential homebuyers and those helping close family members get on the ladder will want to see some signs of things turning around.

Childcare

A significant cost-of-living issue affecting society is childcare. The Education Minister, Paul Givan, has made some moves in this area with the Childcare Subsidy Scheme. Still, there is recognition that this will need to go further over the coming years so that parents feel relief from the rising childcare costs. Producing and then delivering a Childcare Strategy will be an important measure of the delivery of this policy.

Health

Last but certainly not least, healthcare. For the past few years, the public service that we all interact with in some way has been in the headlines for many of the wrong reasons. We all know the story of waiting lists and a need for reform. The Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt, has already spoken about the difficulties his department faces in the current funding environment, which leaves no easy options available to help turn around the many challenges faced by the Health and Social Care system.

By 2027, most voters will view the progress of healthcare through how long people are on a waiting list. This will not be resolved by 2027; to the minister's credit, he is not pretending it will be. However, there will be an expectation from the public that, after three years of devolution, some progress will be achieved.

The Expectations Game

In politics, perception often matters as much as reality. That is to say, public expectations matter a lot in judging success. Voters will be, in the main, happy that Stormont is back and some semblance of normality has returned. Yet, underneath that, the low expectations for delivery and reform continue to hurt the Executive.

This is also not helped by the various external factors buffeting the Executive, from tough spending plans from Westminster to Trump tariffs. By 2027, voters will want a sense that Northern Ireland is back on track, which the Executive needs to demonstrate as it heads into the final laps of this mandate.