Former MP South Down (2010 -2017); Former MLA & Former Minister, former District Councillor & now a Member of the House of Lords & Hon Prof of Practice (QUB)
Downpatrick: The local people focussed on regeneration - BBC News - Absolutely spot on. Mal is right. Downpatrick’s potential lies with cultural heritage assets/St Patrick & it’s people - working together with local Govt, NI Executive & business https://t.co/AIeMpttkrb
Downpatrick: Shot fired as officer is struck by stolen police car - BBC News - Totally unacceptable behaviour. Wishing the injured officer a speedy recovery. Agree with Colin McGrath that a full review of the incident is required. https://t.co/qw25rNLnAt
Best wishes to @patsymcglone on his retirement from the Assembly. Patsy and I were first elected to the Assembly in 2003. A deeply courteous man. He is a hard working constituency representative who put the needs of people first.
There are 2 climate and nature OQs coming up today in the Lords from 11am:
1⃣ @MRitchieSD asking when the 25-year farming roadmap will be published👨🌾; and
2⃣ @EarlRussellLD asking about how demand from data centres could impact our clean power 2030 and net zero 2050 targets⚡️
Down Cathedral: Medieval remains returned to cathedral for reburial - BBC News - Fascinating story of our local heritage on the Hill of Down. Congratulations to QUB historian Brian Sloan https://t.co/0SuYIqmNhw
Hospitality: NI businesses losing out to 'significantly cheaper' bills across the border - BBC News - I will be urging the uK government to lower vat on hospitality businesses https://t.co/2cjLK9cOs9
Nonsense. The St Andrews agreement removed the very deliberate cross community vote for nomination to the First Minister roles. You guys cooked up a deal with the DUP to embed extreme politics and endlessly run the "keep us in, to keep themuns out" election routine 🤷♂️ evidenced today when you both went down the same lobby to vote 🤝
NI MPs to meet with Treasury over 'unique' home heating oil 'challenges' - BBC News - I raised this in the Lords last nt urging the govt to assist oil users in N Ireland at this time of higher prices due to Iran war @MatthewOToole2 https://t.co/sMZ6qknT1r
Jon Sooel - You were a remainer when Cameron was PM, you were a brexiteer under Boris, you said it was shameful that Truss was still in the party but voted for her budget & now that the Tories are languishing in the polls you go to the party leading in the polls.
#bbcqt
Chickenpox vaccine: 'My parents didn't know if I was going to live' - BBC News - I welcome the chickenpox vaccine. HofLords has set up a specialist time limited select committee on childhood vaccinations @mlchealth. https://t.co/RXri7jaxPh
A happy new year to all my friends on X and others. Wishing you health, happiness & prosperity in 2026. Thinking of those who departed including family, friends & colleagues in 2025. May they RIP.
A very happy & joyful Christmas to all my friends on X. As we celebrate Christmas with our families Let us not forget those who have been subject to war, violence & famine this year in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan - I hope that peace and reconciliation will be the feature next year
Government waters down farm inheritance tax plan - BBC News - Welcome News for local farmers as some of them will be taken out of the tax inheritance bracket. More to@be done @UFUHQ https://t.co/NYaLDp5SGz
A wee word for Uaneen - the people of Ardglass wi never forget Uaneen; her late mother Mary; her father Brian and siblings. A beautiful creator and music innovator https://t.co/XHWQMmTWc2