Joseph Mc Cartney #Think32

As a member of the Planning Committee, I am delighted that the Planning Appeals Commission has ruled against the demolition of Hilden Mill and in favour of its retention. This is extremely welcome news. It is a positive outcome for our built heritage, and Hilden.

Sunny day out, chippy secured

Trump: "Who knows better about surprise than Japan? Why didn't you tell me about Pearl Harbor?"

𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗜𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 🇺🇸🤝🇬🇧 Ulster Unionist Leader Jon Burrows MLA has hailed his recent trip to Washington DC, describing it as a vital opportunity to champion Northern Ireland on the world stage. Representing both Northern Ireland and the Party in the US capital, Burrows emphasised the importance of maintaining a strong presence internationally, arguing that “if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.” Jon Burrows MLA said: “It has been the privilege to represent Northern Ireland and the Ulster Unionist Party in Washington, the capital of the world’s largest economy. In an increasingly uncertain world, one truth still holds: if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu. My focus throughout this visit was to champion Northern Ireland’s interests promoting our skilled workforce, showcasing our world class tourism and hospitality, and making the case for why Northern Ireland remains a strategic partner in defence, innovation, and transatlantic cooperation. From highlighting our UNESCO sites and global golf reputation to underlining the importance of the Union in areas such as energy infrastructure and security, every engagement was an opportunity to put Northern Ireland forward with confidence. “The big events grab the headlines from the White House Shamrock Reception to witnessing the powerful debut of Where Eagles Fly in front of the President and congressional leaders but much of the real work happens in the quieter rooms. At roundtables with British American Business, Invest NI, the NI Chamber, FSB members, and major companies like Galgorm and AstraZeneca, I set out why Northern Ireland is uniquely positioned for investment: our talent, our location, and our ambition. I was also honoured to visit Arlington Cemetery to pay my respects, remembering the shared sacrifice of our closest ally and the service of my own grandfather who stood alongside US troops during the Second World War. And at the NI Bureau breakfast, seeing local products showcased so proudly reaffirmed the strength of Team NI working tirelessly behind the scenes. “Ultimately, turning up matters. Showing up in Washington ensures Northern Ireland’s voice is heard, our interests protected, and our potential recognised. That is what leadership demands staying connected to home, standing up for our place in the world, and never missing an opportunity to promote the people and businesses that make Northern Ireland exceptional. Whether engaging with global decision makers or helping resolve a constituency issue from thousands of miles away, I will always prioritise what is right for Northern Ireland. We are a beautiful place to live, a fantastic place to work, and home to some of the most hospitable people you will ever meet. It’s time we talked more about what we’re getting right.”

𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗜𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 🇺🇸🤝🇬🇧 Ulster Unionist Leader Jon Burrows MLA has hailed his recent trip to Washington DC, describing it as a vital opportunity to champion Northern Ireland on the world stage. Representing both Northern Ireland and the Party in the US capital, Burrows emphasised the importance of maintaining a strong presence internationally, arguing that “if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.” Jon Burrows MLA said: “It has been the privilege to represent Northern Ireland and the Ulster Unionist Party in Washington, the capital of the world’s largest economy. In an increasingly uncertain world, one truth still holds: if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu. My focus throughout this visit was to champion Northern Ireland’s interests promoting our skilled workforce, showcasing our world class tourism and hospitality, and making the case for why Northern Ireland remains a strategic partner in defence, innovation, and transatlantic cooperation. From highlighting our UNESCO sites and global golf reputation to underlining the importance of the Union in areas such as energy infrastructure and security, every engagement was an opportunity to put Northern Ireland forward with confidence. “The big events grab the headlines from the White House Shamrock Reception to witnessing the powerful debut of Where Eagles Fly in front of the President and congressional leaders but much of the real work happens in the quieter rooms. At roundtables with British American Business, Invest NI, the NI Chamber, FSB members, and major companies like Galgorm and AstraZeneca, I set out why Northern Ireland is uniquely positioned for investment: our talent, our location, and our ambition. I was also honoured to visit Arlington Cemetery to pay my respects, remembering the shared sacrifice of our closest ally and the service of my own grandfather who stood alongside US troops during the Second World War. And at the NI Bureau breakfast, seeing local products showcased so proudly reaffirmed the strength of Team NI working tirelessly behind the scenes. “Ultimately, turning up matters. Showing up in Washington ensures Northern Ireland’s voice is heard, our interests protected, and our potential recognised. That is what leadership demands staying connected to home, standing up for our place in the world, and never missing an opportunity to promote the people and businesses that make Northern Ireland exceptional. Whether engaging with global decision makers or helping resolve a constituency issue from thousands of miles away, I will always prioritise what is right for Northern Ireland. We are a beautiful place to live, a fantastic place to work, and home to some of the most hospitable people you will ever meet. It’s time we talked more about what we’re getting right.”