Over 180 businesses and organisations sign open letter urging A5 upgrade

Over 180 businesses, organisations, and institutions in the North West have signed an open letter in support of the proposed upgrades to the A5 Western Transport Corridor Road Scheme.

Jointly organised by the Londonderry and Letterkenny Chambers of Commerce, the open letter is signed by business across Derry, Donegal, Strabane, Omagh and the wider North West. The letter has been submitted to the Department for Infrastructure as part of its consultation and call for views on the A5 Supplementary Environmental Information, which closed on Friday 3 March.

In the letter, businesses and organisations have called the A5 a “crucial infrastructure project for the North West” which, once completed, “will deliver stronger and better connectivity for our region.” The letter also stresses the significance of the improvements from a safety perspective, with over 40 deaths having occurred on the road since the upgrades were first announced in 2006.

After submitting the open letter to the Department for Infrastructure, Londonderry Chamber Chief Executive Anna Doherty and Letterkenny Chamber Chief Executive Toni Forrester said in a joint statement:

“The A5 is a crucial road network for the North West, connecting our region as far up as Donegal with Belfast, Dublin, and the rest of the island of Ireland. These upgrades were initially announced over 15 years ago so it is well beyond time that they get underway and are implemented as quickly as possible.

“After multiple appeals, delays, and public inquiries, the people of West Tyrone and the wider North West deserve a road network which is up to date and up to modern road safety standards. Tragically, this road has been incredibly dangerous over the past three decades, with over 70 deaths since 1998 on the A5. While these upgrades will be crucial for our economic fortunes and will go some way to help address long-standing, historic regional imbalances, it will more fundamentally seek to address serious safety concerns and prevent further loss of life in communities which have been so tragically and so deeply impacted by these deaths in recent years.

“We are not surprised at the number of organisations who have put their names to this open letter. This is a matter of real, genuine concern for thousands of people in this part of our island. It is vital that the Department for Infrastructure, as well as the Irish Government, work swiftly to deliver these upgrades once the latest public inquiry is concluded and begin upgrading this significant road network for the North West.”

Mediation NI unveils plans for growth under new leadership

The organisation will take forward an ambitious five-year plan under the leadership of new Managing Director Enda Young

Mediation Northern Ireland has outlined ambitious plans to grow the organisation under the leadership of its new Managing Director, Enda Young.

The organisation has led on peacebuilding and conflict resolution in the region for more than 30 years, delivering services that support organisations experiencing conflict, change and both internal and external disputes.

Under the leadership of Enda Young, Mediation NI will expand its workforce and team of associates over the next three years, as well as develop more services aimed at resolving conflict and disputes in the workplace.

The organisation will also invest in its online training offering, enabling it to provide mediation training to audiences beyond Northern Ireland.

At its strategy launch in its newly named headquarters, Mediation House today, Managing Director, Enda Young said:

“The power of talking and mediating between two parties, is always the best way to resolve conflict. That message is no more keenly felt than here in Northern Ireland where this week we have witnessed the power of negotiation in action as a deal on the Protocol was struck. That is mediation, negotiation and conflict resolution in action.

“Before being appointed Managing Director, I worked with Mediation NI for many years and have witnessed first-hand the difference it has made through its contribution to peace building and conflict resolution in our society.

“For the organisation to grow, it must evolve and I’m proud of our team and Board for endorsing this ambitious new plan for growth.”

Mediation NI Chair, Dr Catherine Turner said:

“Our renewed vision is to work towards a society that handles conflict better and Enda’s appointment, combined with our new strategy, is key to achieving this.

“It has brought a renewed sense of purpose and direction for our organisation and the plans he has for the future of Mediation NI will strengthen its position and reputation as a leader in mediation services and training.”

Over three-quarters of councillors in Northern Ireland subjected to abuse or intimidation, new survey reveals

NILGA President Cllr Martin Kearney

Over three-quarters of local councillors in Northern Ireland (76%) have experienced abuse in their role, while a further 52% have said they have been intimidated by members of the public and ‘trolls’, new figures reveal.

A new survey by the Northern Ireland Local Government Association has revealed the levels and extent of abuse and intimidation of local councillors in Northern Ireland for the first time. All 462 councillors were surveyed with a response rate of one fifth (84), showing the extent of the impact of this problem on elected representatives. Two-thirds of respondents (66%) said that they had been abused or intimidated on social media while 53% said it had occurred in person. Reported incidents ranged from damage to personal property, the erection of threatening posters, abusive graffiti, and death threats.

Concerningly, 65% of respondents also said their families and relatives had been affected by this abuse or intimidation, while 35% said they had been directly subjected to similar abuse for the actions of councillors. 82% of respondents also said they have invested in or taken new security measures to protect themselves. This includes the installation of CCTV cameras, reinforcing doors at home, avoiding constituent house calls alone, and enhancing home security systems.

The survey, the findings of which were revealed at the 2023 Local Government Conference in Omagh, has a number of recommendations including the creation of a central hub to signpost councillors to advice and support services as well as the establishment of a cross-party forum for councillors and MLAs to consider how legislation can be developed and strengthened in Northern Ireland to improve the safety of all elected representatives.

The 2023 Local Government Conference took place last Thursday in the Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh. Led by NILGA and Solace NI, and sponsored by the Small Business Research Initiative, this year’s conference focused on responding to future challenges and securing the sustainability of the local government sector in Northern Ireland.

Speaking after the publication of the report, NILGA President Cllr Martin Kearney said:

“The findings of our survey are deeply concerning and point to a worrying normalisation of the abuse of elected representatives in Northern Ireland. While disagreement and debate are healthy in any functioning democracy, it’s important that this is legitimate and proper and does not become abusive, aggressive, or violent.

“Abuse and intimidation of elected representatives is never justified, regardless of their decisions, viewpoints, or political stances. This survey lays bare the levels and extent to which councillors in Northern Ireland are subjected to unfair and unwarranted abuse on a daily basis. In the 21st Century, social media is a vital form of communication between elected representatives and local constituents. However, more and more councillors are being put off engaging on social media due to the unacceptable and unsafe levels of abuse they are being subjected to.

“It is clear that there needs to be tougher legislation and punishments to discourage online trolls and abusers, who feel emboldened by anonymity and being behind a screen, from harassing elected councillors. Responses to this survey are clear that much more work needs to be done between councils, statutory agencies, and other levels of government to ensure that councillors and other elected representatives are sufficiently protected while carrying out their roles and to ensure that potential candidates are not put off representing their local areas.

“NILGA will be working with the PSNI, the Department of Justice, our MLAs, local wellbeing providers and experts, and colleagues across the local government sector to create a safer environment for all councillors and to deter abusers from harassing and intimidating elected representatives.”

WE'RE HIRING: Client Manager, Public Affairs and Strategic Communications at Brown O'Connor Communications

New Role

Client Manager, Public Affairs and Strategic Communications – Brown O’Connor Communications

About Brown O’Connor Communications

Brown O’Connor Communications is one of Ireland’s most trusted and respected communications advisory firms.

Specialist in Public Affairs, Corporate Media Relations, Issues Management & Crisis Communications, the agency was awarded the CIPR Best Public Affairs Campaign 2022/2023 and was named the Chartered Institute of Public Relations Northern Ireland Consultancy of the Year (Small) 2021/2022

We have a track record for managing and delivering complex communications programmes for some of the UK and Ireland’s leading businesses, professional services, charities, trade bodies, interest groups and public-sector organisations.

We help our clients gain impact and outcomes through specialist insight and influence with editors, government ministers and corporate decision makers. 

We are trusted advisors based on our:

Extensive experience working for high-profile, public facing organisations and delivering our services on a range of sensitive issues.

Credibility through the people who make up our team and the approach they take.

Clients who provide endorsement on the reliability and professionalism of our work.

Our Location

Our central office is based in Belfast City Centre managing clients based in Northern Ireland, London, Dublin and the US.

Our Specialist Areas

We are highly regarded for our specialist Public Affairs and Corporate and Strategic Communications services which includes Crisis Communications, Property and Planning Communications, Litigation Communications, Event Management, Political Monitoring and Communication Strategy Development. 

Our Clients

Our consultants work across a range of areas including legal, commercial, financial, financial technology, industrial, manufacturing, public inquiries, regulators, commissions, non-departmental public bodies and the third sector.

Our client includes global professional services companies such as Allstate, Eversheds Sutherland, Baker Tilly Mooney Moore, huge brands such as Domino’s Pizza, Primark, Amazon, GLL and the Disasters Emergency Committee and important organisations such as the HM Treasury FinTech Envoy for NI, the Electoral Commission, Northern Ireland Screen, Bar Council NI and Hospitality Ulster.

Our Approach and Company Culture

The success of Brown O’Connor Communications is based on the performance of its people.

Our rigorous approach delivers positive outcomes for our clients, and we go out of our way to ensure success.

We deliver excellence in all that we do and our team is accountable and responsible for all activity they undertake.

What we offer

  • 22 Days Annual Leave and 11 Public Holidays

  • Paid Annual CIPR Membership

  • An exciting and dynamic working environment in a city centre-based office

  • Regular team social events

  • Training opportunities

  • Mobile Phone allowance

  • Flexible working 1 day per week (Friday)

THE ROLE: CLIENT MANAGER

  • Experience: Min 3+ years

  • Area: Public Affairs & Strategic Communications

  • Salary: Highly Competitive

  • Based: Adelaide Street, Belfast City Centre  

The Person

Brown O’Connor Communications is seeking a talented and ambitious Client Manager to join the team.

This is an exciting and demanding role within a leading consultancy and requires a resilient individual with demonstrable client management and leadership ability.

You may be already working in public affairs or corporate communications in an agency; as an in-house communications manager; in politics; or as journalist.

You will have a deep professional interest in business, the media and politics and have a detailed understanding of the role that media relations, public affairs, and stakeholder relations plays.

Client Manager Role Specification

Strategic Counsel

  • Proven client handling skills with experience in managing large accounts, providing proactive strategic advice and great ideas.

  • Ability to manage a high level of client interaction and be able to design and implement strategies.

Day to Day Delivery

  • Proven ability to work in a fast paced, often pressurised, outcome orientated environment.

  • Manage political lobbying campaigns securing policy change, legislative change and the smooth running of political engagement programmes.

  • Manage public awareness campaigns integrating various methods to create significant public interest.

  • Write strong editorial content on behalf of clients including press releases, opinion/platform pieces and blogs and ensure coverage across a range of media outlets.

  • Manage an entire range of suppliers such as photographers, graphic designers, videographers, economists and sectoral experts integral to the successful delivery of client activity campaigns.

  • Be able to create engaging social media content across multiple platforms.

  • Forward plan to ensure smooth running of client campaigns on time, and within budget.

New Business Development

  • Take a leading role in new business development and organic growth opportunities alongside company directors and be comfortable in pitching and proposal development.

  • Supporting successful tender writing from start to submission.

  • Experience in identifying and converting new business opportunities.

People Management

  • Line management duties with wider members of team.

  • Understanding the requirement to work with efficiency and profitably.

  • Manage team members on client accounts to ensure work is carried out successfully and within allocated budgets.

  • Work as a team player with Brown O’Connor colleagues to ensure success across client accounts.

  • Deliver outcomes for clients and work to raise their profile in the media and with key stakeholders in a positive way.

Criteria

  • 3+ years working in the areas of Public Affairs and/or Corporate or Strategic Communications or within a communications environment (Agency experience preferred).

  • Third Level Degree or equivalent in the preferred areas of Communications, Law, Politics, Business, Social Science or Humanities.  

  • Possess strong writing and editing skills with ability to write attention-grabbing media material, client correspondence and reports.

  • An excellent communicator both written and oral.

  • Commercially and politically aware.

  • Outstanding organisational skills and ability to manage multiple projects at the same time.

  • Strong initiative, leadership skills and work ethic.

  • Ability to hustle to make things happen.

  • Willingness to work evenings and weekends as required by client and other activity. 

  • ·Clean driving licence and access to a car.

Desirable Criteria

Experience in working in a similar communications role in the Republic of Ireland.

How to Apply

To apply in strict confidence, please send your detailed CV, covering email and the completed response to the set question below, by email, to Brown O’Connor Communications at hello@brownoconnor.com by 5pm Monday 3rd April 2023.

QUESTION: Please outline, with examples, how you meet the Criteria as outlined in the Job Specification (Word Limit 300).

Please state your name and ‘Brown O’Connor Client Manager 2023’ in the subject line.

Application Process

  • Initial shortlisting

  • Two stage interview

NI musicians raise over £8,700 in Belfast fundraiser for DEC Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal as charities warn of risk to vulnerable people

A musical fundraiser that brought together over 50 ukulele players in Belfast has raised over £8,700 for the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal.

The fundraiser, which contributes to the £1.4 million now raised in Northern Ireland, comes as DEC charities warn of the increased risk facing older people and those with disabilities in the aftermath of the earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria on Monday 6 February.

Late on 20 February, a further 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck near Antakya, Turkey and was felt strongly across the Hatay province and areas of north-west Syria, with reports that more buildings have collapsed.

DEC charities and their local partners will continue to help people in Turkey and north-west Syria, and with the support of donations and fundraisers across the UK, will scale up their work to provide support now and in the months ahead.

Donations to the DEC Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal reached £95 million on Tuesday (21 February), including £5 million matched by the UK Government through the UK Aid Match scheme. 

As part of this, the Belfast Ukulele Jam brought together over 40 of its ukulele players, who were joined by members of other ukulele groups from across NI, to hold a musical fundraiser in Belfast’s Corn Market area (Arthur Square) on Saturday 11 February.

The group entertained shoppers and passersby with many well-known hits, including favourites from The Beatles, Elvis, and Queen. Musicians travelled from as far as Newcastle, Co Down for the event and managed to raise over £8,700 for the appeal, which launched on Thursday 9 February to raise funds to support the people of Turkey and Syria following the earthquake.

It’s now known that the earthquake killed at least 44,000 people, with the figure expected to rise. In Turkey (now known as Türkiye) alone, more than 100,000 people were injured and over 47,000 buildings were destroyed or damaged, according to the UN. In Syria people displaced by the war who were already living in tents have hosted people whose homes have been destroyed. 

More than two weeks on from the earthquake, DEC charities, which include the British Red Cross, Christian Aid, Concern Worldwide, Save the Children and Tearfund in Northern Ireland, have warned that older people and those with disabilities and health conditions are particularly vulnerable.

The earthquake will have exacerbated the everyday challenges these individuals face such as mobility issues, living on their own, social isolation and having specific medical and nutritional needs. The cold winter weather both countries are currently experiencing is also expected to hit older people and those with disabilities hard and worsen pre-existing medical conditions. 

Maria McCloskey from the Belfast Ukulele Jam said:

“We are pleased to have contributed in some small way to the incredible efforts right across the UK to support the DEC Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal. We have been overwhelmed by the response of the public to our fundraiser to help the people of Turkey and Syria. It is encouraging to see evidence of aid delivery in the affected areas emerging, and we are glad the money donated in Belfast via our fundraiser can play a small part in supporting this.”

Rosamond Bennett, Chief Executive of Christian Aid Ireland said:

“It is heartening to see so many people in Northern Ireland come together to raise awareness and generate donations for the DEC Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal. The situation is particularly dire in northwest Syria where there were already 4 million people in need of aid following 12 years of conflict. We thank the Belfast Ukulele Jam for coming together quickly to hold a fundraiser, and to each and every person who donated to it and contributed to the £1.4 million raised in Northern Ireland so far.”

Brown O’Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead – Ireland Wednesday 22 February 2023

  • The Government has announced a further cost of living package that sees €470m allocated to social protection measures and an extension on the 9% VAT rate on gas and electricity.

  • Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald TD has criticised the Government’s cost of living crisis measures, saying she cannot understand how the Government's cost of living package provides nothing for renters.

  • The EU’s chief Brexit negotiator Maroš Šefčovič has said that the finish line is in sight for a Northern Ireland Protocol deal but that does not mean a deal is done.

  • Co-leaders of the Social Democratics Roisin Shortall TD and Catherin Murphy TD are due shortly to make a significant announcement that RTE News understands to be related to leadership of the party.

  • Foreign Affairs Minister and Tánaiste Micheál Martin TD has said he was hopeful of a deal on the Northern Ireland Protocol this week.

  • The Association of Irish Local Government has warned that the Draft Planning and Development Bill 2022 risks diminishing Irish democracy.

  • The CEO of Fáilte Ireland Paul Kelly has said the tourism sector needs to be mindful of value for money as the sector faces the removal of the special VAT rate of 9%.

  • The Commission for the Regulation of Utilities has announced that the moratorium on electricity and gas domestic disconnections will be extended until the end of March for all customers.

  • Executive Board member of the European Central Bank, Isabel Schnabel, has said that investors are risking underestimating the persistence of inflation and the response needed to bring it under control.

  • The Citizens’ Assembly on liberalising drug laws will hold its first meeting in April of this year.

  • The latest Sunday Times/Behaviour and Attitudes Opinion Poll sees support for Fine Gael rise by four points but Sinn Féin remains the most popular party.

  • Today, People Before Profit’s Eviction Ban Bill 2022 has passed its second stage debate and will now proceed to the committee stage.

  • Today, the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill will reach its second stage.

 

Other Stories this week

  • The number of people seeking international protection in Ireland has increased by 186% in the past year.

  • Ireland’s Central Bank governor Gabriel Makhlouf has defended the Ireland’s economic growth against accusations that it is an artificial product of big US companies taking advantage of the country’s low taxes.

  • The CSO has reported the value of cross-border trade increase by 30% in 2022. The data showed a sharp increase across the board in the value of goods both imported and exported by the Republic of Ireland.

  • Female members of the Oireachtas will meet the Cean Comhairle later today to discuss the physical, verbal, and online threats they have received in the course of their work.

  • The Government has established a multi-stakeholder working group to coordinate efforts to combat the spread of misinformation on the internet.  

 

Upcoming key political and business events

  • 23 February Dublin Chamber of Commerce AGM Dinner, Royal Convention Centre, Dublin.

  • 23 February Investment Firms Outlook 2023, The Marker Hotel, Dublin.

  • 24 February Business Post Global Irish Diaspora Awards, the Waldorf Hilton, London.

  • 24 February CIPD Ireland HR Awards, The Round Room at the Mansion House, Dublin.

 

Consultations

Eversheds Sutherland appoints Ian McFarland as Employment Partner

Joanne Hyde (Partner and Head of Employment and Labour), Alan Connell (Managing Partner) and Ian McFarland (Employment Partner).

Ireland’s largest and most established, all island, global law firm, Eversheds Sutherland, has appointed Ian McFarland as Employment Partner in its Belfast office.

Ian brings over 12 years’ experience advising and representing clients on all aspects of employment law. He was previously an Employment Partner at Elliott Duffy Garrett and has expertise in issues as varied as industrial and fair employment tribunals, redundancy, employee relations and management issues, disciplinary and grievance processes, discrimination, TUPE, and insolvency.

This latest senior appointment for the firm comes at a time of sustained growth in the Northern Ireland market for Eversheds Sutherland and further cements its position as the largest and most established, full service, global law firm on the island of Ireland. Eversheds Sutherland’s Belfast office, located at Montgomery House in Belfast city centre, is expanding across its full-service offering, including employment, litigation and dispute resolution, commercial law, real estate and property, construction, financial services, and banking.

Speaking upon his appointment, Ian McFarland, Employment Partner, Eversheds Sutherland said:

“I am very pleased to be joining Eversheds Sutherland as a new Employment Partner. The firm, as a locally based practice with global reach and expertise, is extremely well-placed to support local businesses in Northern Ireland in all respects, whether they are seeking to protect their operations, or to expand and grow in new markets.

“The current environment is extremely challenging for employers; strong and trustworthy legal advice is more important than ever as companies seek to navigate these issues. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, employers have faced new and swiftly developing issues, including the rise in home and hybrid working and the difficulty in recruiting and retaining talent. More locally, the ongoing political uncertainty in Northern Ireland continues to impact businesses and legislative reform. As we enter 2023, I am looking forward to working closely with all my colleagues across the wider Eversheds Sutherland network to deliver positive results for our clients and to help Northern Irish businesses adapt, develop, and seize new opportunities notwithstanding the challenging circumstances.”

Alan Connell, Managing Partner, Eversheds Sutherland Ireland, added:

“I am delighted to welcome Ian to Eversheds Sutherland, and to be bolstering our employment offering in Northern Ireland. Ian’s appointment is the latest step in our strategic growth in the Northern Ireland market and another strong addition to our senior leadership team in Belfast. The coming year is likely to be another challenging and uncertain year for businesses, as they continue to grapple with supply chain issues, talent shortages, rising inflation and an increasingly complex regulatory environment. Ian’s employment expertise and skill in the local market will be crucial as we look to provide strong and reliable legal advice to not only meet, but to stay ahead of, our clients’ needs, as they contend with the many headwinds out there.”

Career pathways to be showcased to parents and pupils at employment exhibition

The Your Child: Their Future ‘Pathways to Employment’ exhibition returns on Wednesday 1 March, 5pm - 8pm at the Balmoral Hotel, Belfast

Your Child Their Future’s Sarah McKeag (centre) with daughter Harley, aged 12 (left) and son Rafferty, aged 15 (right).

Parents and pupils from across Northern Ireland are invited to learn about the career opportunities of today and of the future as the Your Child: Their Future exhibition returns to Belfast.

Taking place at the Balmoral Hotel, Belfast on the evening of Wednesday 1 March, the Your Child: Their Future Pathways to Employment fair will bring local employers, training providers and educational institutions together in one room to meet with teenagers and their parents and guardians as they consider their next steps.

Created by employers Allstate NI, EY and EverQuote, the exhibition will be an informative evening aimed at educating parents on the world of work, the trajectory of local industry, and the potential career routes it presents for their children.

An informal evening that’s free for all to attend, it will provide access to over 15 exhibitors including Catalyst, PwC, Parenting NI and Bring IT On. 

Parents are encouraged to attend with or without their children to meet with employers and talk to organisations that offer apprenticeships, work experience and volunteering.

They will receive guidance on the careers that exist in today’s society, the pathways into a successful career, and the skills, qualifications and subject areas that will support their children to achieve it.

Alan Ruddock, Engineering Manager at EverQuote and Your Child Their Future organiser, said:

“We are excited to be hosting another Your Child: Their Future exhibition to showcase the pathways into employment that exist in Northern Ireland. In business, we know that young people are the future of our organisations yet as parents, it can be tricky to guide and support your child towards an enjoyable and rewarding career. Young people preparing to leave school have never had so many opportunities, however it can be difficult to make sense of the options out there.”

“Next month, we hope to help families navigate this time by inviting them along for a tea or coffee and a chat with leading employers, universities, and training programmes. This is about finding out what’s out there and we feel that bringing everyone into the one room is the best way to do so.”

For more information or to register your attendance for the Your Child: Their Future Pathways to Employment Exhibition on Wednesday 1 March, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pathways-to-employment-exhibition-your-child-their-future-tickets-525437526787

BAFTA win for Northern Ireland short film An Irish Goodbye

Northern Ireland Screen funded short film, An Irish Goodbye, written and directed by Tom Berkeley and Ross White has won the BAFTA for Best British Short Film at tonight’s BAFTA awards ceremony in London.  

An Irish Goodbye is also nominated for an Academy Award in the live action short category. The Oscars will be held on Sunday 12th March, at Ovation Hollywood.

This heart-warming short film has been captivating audiences around the world having already screened at over 60 film festivals across 6 continents. 

Filmed entirely on location in Northern Ireland and set against the backdrop of a working farm, An Irish Goodbye is a black comedy following the reunion of estranged brothers Turlough and Lorcan following the untimely death of their mother. Under the watchful eye of odd-ball parish priest Father O’Shea, the brothers’ pained reunion is worsened by the fact Turlough must now make new care arrangements for Lorcan, who has Down Syndrome. A robust and dedicated farmer, Lorcan’s dream of continuing to work the land he grew up on is thwarted when Turlough decides he’s sending him to live with their aunt on the other side of Ireland. But when the brothers discover an unfulfilled bucket list belonging to their late mother, Lorcan senses an opportunity: he’ll only agree to leave the farm once he and Turlough have themselves completed every single wish on their mother’s list…all one hundred of them.

The film stars Seamus O’Hara (The Northman, Game of Thrones), James Martin (Marcella, Ups and Downs), Paddy Jenkins (Hunger) and Michelle Fairley (Game of Thrones, Fortitude).

Reacting to the BAFTA win, Sir David Sterling, Chairman of Northern Ireland Screen said:

“Everyone at Northern Ireland Screen is delighted for the entire team behind An Irish Goodbye. A BAFTA win is a tremendous endorsement for Ross and Tom to receive from industry, especially at this early stage in their careers and is testament to the incredible work both on camera and behind the scenes from local creatives and crew. “

“Awards matter not only for individual development but for sectoral development too and this BAFTA win along with the Oscar nomination puts out a strong message that Northern Ireland is bursting with talent. We wish the team the best of luck as they head to LA for the Oscars next month.”

Brown O'Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 20 February 2023

Forward Look      

  • Please find attached a one-page brief ahead of the Local Government Elections on Thursday 18 May which are now 90 days away.

  • Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton Harris MP and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak MP are in Belfast today to meet with the five main political parties. It comes as reports suggest that a deal on the Northern Ireland Protocol could be sealed by early next week.

  • Prime Minister Rishi Sunak MP will meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen over the weekend, with speculation that the meeting will end the dispute over the Protocol.

  • Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed she is resigning as Scotland’s First Minister after more than eight years in the role. Nominations to replace her will close on Friday.

  • The Irish Labour Party will table a motion at its conference next month to formalise its presence in Northern Ireland.

  • Parliament will return from recess on Monday.

  • All House of Commons Stages of The Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill will take place on Wednesday.

  • The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee will continue their inquiry on the effect of paramilitary and organised crime on society in Northern Ireland on Wednesday.

  • A private meeting of the House of Lords Subcommittee on the Northern Ireland Protocol regarding the provision of medicines will be held on Wednesday.

  • Ballots to Fine Gael party members on a motion regarding the establishment of branches in Northern Ireland close on 28 February.

  • The Department for the Economy published the Energy Strategy 2022 Action Plan report to achieve net-zero by 2050. It can be viewed here: LINK

  • Four teaching unions in Northern Ireland will participate in a half-day strike on Tuesday over pay.

  • The Insider Media Dealmaker Awards will take place on 2 March at the Europa Hotel. The nominees can be viewed here: LINK

  • Ibec is to host a peacemaker’s event to mark the 25th Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement on Thursday. Speakers will include Alistair Campbell and Bertie Ahern.

  • The 2023 Local Government Conference will take place on Thursday at the Sliverbirch Hotel in Omagh.

 

Other Stories this week

  • The Assembly failed to elect a Speaker after it was re-called for the sixth time since the election to approve regulations to implement Daithi’s law.

  • Recent statistics from the Central Statistics Office showed that Cross-Border trade rose by 30% in 2022.  

  • House prices in Northern Ireland fell for the first time in 3 years during the final quarter of 2022.

  • According to the latest labour market statistics Northern Ireland’s employment rate increased by 3.1% in the final quarter of 2022.

 

Upcoming key political and business events

  • 23 February, Local Government Conference, Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh.

  • 02 March, Women in Business Awards 2023, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Belfast.

  • 04 March, Alliance Party Conference, Stormont Hotel, Belfast.

  • 09 March, All-Ireland Sustainability Summit, Europa Hotel, Belfast.

  • 15 March, Chancellor’s Spring Statement.

  • 24 March, SDLP Party Conference, St Columb’s Hall, Derry.

 

Consultations