Communities Minister Gordon Lyons will be referred to the standards commissioner following events surrounding a fire at Larne Leisure Centre amid ongoing civil unrest in Northern Ireland.
The referral follows social media posts made by Lyons before the fire, in which he disclosed that the leisure centre had been used to accommodate individuals relocated from Ballymena following disturbances in that town, located approximately 30 minutes away.
Matthew O’Toole, leader of the opposition in the Northern Ireland Assembly, announced his intention to refer the minister to the commissioner, stating that the minister’s actions “cannot be ignored” and that “lives are at stake.”
On Wednesday, Lyons expressed concern about the decision-making process, stating, “As a local MLA for the area, neither I nor my DUP Council colleagues were made aware of or consulted on this decision until late this afternoon.”
The minister confirmed that authorities had relocated the individuals, saying, “It has now been confirmed to us by the PSNI and Council that all these individuals are in the care of the Housing Executive and have been moved out of Larne.”
Lyons acknowledged the right to protest while condemning violence: “Protesting is, of course, a legitimate right, but violence is not, and I would encourage everyone to remain peaceful.”
The fire occurred on Wednesday night following vandalism at the facility during the third consecutive night of disorder in Northern Ireland. Masked individuals broke windows at the Co. Antrim leisure centre and set fires outside the building, which subsequently spread inside.
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council confirmed that the facility had been designated as an emergency rest centre for those requiring urgent accommodation following the Ballymena disturbances. The council stated that the families had been safely relocated to alternative locations before the attack.
Emergency services, including police and firefighters, worked through Wednesday night to control the blaze and secure the area.
Following the incident, Lyons condemned the destruction, emphasizing its impact on the local community: “The violence and disorder witnessed on our streets over recent nights serves no purpose. Wanton destruction, such as the attack on Larne Leisure Centre, is an attack on all residents who use the facility.”
He added, “There is absolutely no excuse for what has taken place in Larne, and it must be condemned.”
O’Toole, an SDLP MLA, criticized the minister’s handling of the situation, noting Lyons’ responsibility for the Housing Executive. The opposition leader confirmed plans to refer Lyons to the standards commissioner on Thursday and to “explore all other options for accountability.”
The Larne incident coincided with a third consecutive night of public disorder in Ballymena. The unrest began around Clonavon Terrace on Monday night, following a peaceful protest organized in support of a family whose daughter was allegedly the victim of a sexual assault in the area.
Two teenage boys, who required a Romanian interpreter during court proceedings, have been charged in connection with the alleged assault that sparked the initial protests.
The DUP has been contacted for comment regarding the ongoing situation and the planned referral of their minister to the standards commissioner.
About the author
Anfield Evacuated Minutes Before Liverpool and Athletic Bilbao Match
Liverpool's Anfield Main Stand was evacuated prior to their scheduled friendly match against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday. The fixture was set to kick off at 5:00 p.m., with a second match between the same teams planned for 8:00 p.m. Spectators were directed to leave the stadium immediately after an alarm activation, as they were taking their seats. Officials have not yet disclosed the reason for the evacuation. Spectators leaving the stadium The matches represent Liverpool's preparation for the new Premier League season, featuring a combination of first-team players and academy prospects across two separate games against the Spanish club. The squad for the opening fixture includes Darwin Nunez, Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Kostas Tsimikas, and Andy Robertson among the senior players selected. These friendlies mark Liverpool's return to Anfield following the tragic death of Diogo Jota. The […]
THOUSANDS Storm London Streets as Lionesses Victory Parade Takes Over Central London!
Thousands of supporters are expected to gather in central London on Tuesday for an open-top bus celebration following England's European Championship victory. The Lionesses secured their title defense through a penalty shootout victory against Spain in Basel, Switzerland, on Sunday. The celebration will feature the team and head coach Sarina Wiegman traveling along the Mall near Buckingham Palace shortly after midday, with fans lining the route. A trophy ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial will follow, hosted by former England player Alex Scott. The Football Association is organizing the free event and has advised attendees to plan carefully due to expected high attendance levels. FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham expressed pride in the team's achievement, stating the celebration would allow fans to "be part of history" and create lasting memories. Celebrations began Monday afternoon when the team arrived at Southend […]
PM Calls Emergency Cabinet Meeting as Gaza Crisis Reaches Breaking Point
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has scheduled an urgent Cabinet meeting for Tuesday afternoon to address the ongoing situation in Gaza and outline potential pathways toward peace. The meeting will bring together senior ministers during the summer parliamentary recess. During his recent meeting with US President Donald Trump in Scotland, Starmer discussed collaborative plans he is developing with France and Germany aimed at establishing lasting peace in the region. Downing Street confirmed these discussions took place at Trump's Turnberry golf course. The Prime Minister faces increasing pressure from parliamentarians to immediately recognize Palestinian statehood. Over 250 cross-party MPs have signed a letter urging the government to take this step, representing an increase from 221 signatures recorded on Friday. A spokesperson for the Prime Minister stated that this week's focus centers on creating "a pathway to peace to ensure immediate relief […]
Trump Opens Secret New Golf Course Before Air Force One Departure!
US President Donald Trump will inaugurate a new golf course at his Aberdeenshire resort on Tuesday, marking the conclusion of his five-day Scottish visit. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the second 18-hole course at Trump International Scotland in Menie will precede his departure to the United States aboard Air Force One. Trump has participated in multiple golf rounds during his stay in Scotland, playing at his Turnberry resort in Ayrshire on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. The Turnberry location also served as the venue for bilateral discussions between Trump and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on Monday, followed by an extended press conference. Donald Trump and Keir Starmer During the press conference, Trump addressed various topics, including his relationship with Scotland. The Republican leader expressed his affection for the country, stating he possessed "great love" for Scotland and desired to see the […]
US Companies Face ‘Absolute Nightmare’ as Trump’s Trade Wall Hits!
President Donald Trump has implemented comprehensive tariff increases on imports since returning to office, beginning with Chinese goods and expanding to products from nearly all countries globally. The emerging economic landscape reflects the construction of extensive tariff barriers not seen in the United States for over a century. Since April, most imported goods face taxes of at least 10%. Additional tariff increases are scheduled to begin on August 1st, following the conclusion of temporary pauses on some planned levies. Trump has communicated planned tariffs to various countries through official letters and established agreements with major trading partners, including the European Union and Japan. These "frameworks" contain unresolved issues while implementing previously unprecedented levy structures. Current import taxes range from 10% to 50% based on country of origin, representing a significant increase from the average tariff rate of less than 2.5% […]
Cross-Country Killer Shoots Four Dead in Manhattan Massacre!
A 27-year-old Nevada resident has been identified as the suspect in a Manhattan office building shooting that left four people dead and multiple others injured on Monday evening. Shane Devon Tamura allegedly entered 345 Park Avenue in midtown Manhattan armed with an M4 rifle and opened fire in the lobby and on the 33rd floor before taking his own life. Shooter Shane Tamura entering the building with a rifle New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed that Tamura had recently driven across the country from Nevada to New York. Law enforcement partners in Las Vegas reported that Tamura had a documented mental health history, though his motives remain under investigation. Among the victims was Officer Didarul Islam, 36, who was working security at the building. The other three victims have not been publicly identified. One additional person was hospitalized in […]
Related
Anfield Evacuated Minutes Before Liverpool and Athletic Bilbao Match
Liverpool's Anfield Main Stand was evacuated prior to their scheduled friendly match against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday. The fixture was set to kick off at 5:00 p.m., with a second match between the same teams planned for 8:00 p.m. Spectators were directed to leave the stadium immediately after an alarm activation, as they were taking their seats. Officials have not yet disclosed the reason for the evacuation. Spectators leaving the stadium The matches represent Liverpool's preparation for the new Premier League season, featuring a combination of first-team players and academy prospects across two separate games against the Spanish club. The squad for the opening fixture includes Darwin Nunez, Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Kostas Tsimikas, and Andy Robertson among the senior players selected. These friendlies mark Liverpool's return to Anfield following the tragic death of Diogo Jota. The […]
Bolsonaro Supporters Rally Nationwide as Trump Sanctions Brazil Over Coup Trial
Supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro have demonstrated across major cities protesting the Supreme Court coup trial that could result in lengthy prison sentences for the former leader. Protesters gathered Sunday in Sรฃo Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and other cities, carrying Brazilian and United States flags in apparent reference to President Donald Trump's support for his political ally. Demonstrators displayed banners featuring images of both Bolsonaro and Trump while chanting supportive slogans. Bolsonaro faces accusations of attempting to overturn the 2022 election results after losing to left-wing opponent and current President Luiz Inรกcio Lula da Silva. In January 2023, Bolsonaro supporters stormed Brazil's congress, ransacking chambers and attacking police in scenes reminiscent of the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol by Trump supporters. According to testimony from a Brazilian general, the alleged plotters also planned to assassinate […]
Smithsonian Museum Quietly Removes Trump Impeachment Display Sparking Political Firestorm
The Smithsonian Institution has denied political influence in its decision to remove a display about President Donald Trump's impeachments from the National Museum of American History. The institution stated Saturday that it removed the "temporary" placard for failing to meet museum standards regarding "appearance, location, timeline, and overall presentation." Officials explained the display was inconsistent with other exhibit sections and obstructed views of objects within its case. "We were not asked by any Administration or other government officials to remove content from the exhibit," the Smithsonian said in a statement. The institution, which operates 21 museums and the National Zoo, announced plans to update the impeachment section in coming weeks to "reflect all impeachment proceedings in our nation's history." The Washington Post reported Thursday that the museum removed explicit references to Trump's impeachments last month, leaving the exhibit incorrectly stating […]
FBI Opens Major New Office in New Zealand to Counter China Threat
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has established a standalone office in Wellington, New Zealand, marking a significant expansion of US law enforcement presence in the Asia Pacific region. The move represents both countries' coordinated efforts to address Chinese influence across the region. FBI Director Kash Patel personally traveled to New Zealand to inaugurate the office, emphasizing the "strong relationship" between the FBI and New Zealand's law enforcement and intelligence agencies during Thursday's opening. Speaking in a video shared by the US embassy, Patel highlighted US-New Zealand collaboration on China-related issues as particularly significant. "Some of the most important global issues of our times are the ones that New Zealand and America work on together โ countering the CCP [Chinese Communist Party] in the Indo PACOM theatre, countering the narcotics trade, working together against cyber-intrusions and ransomware operations and, most importantly, […]
NBA Star Gilbert Arenas Arrested For Running Million Dollar Poker Ring From Mansion
Former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas and five co-defendants face federal charges for allegedly operating an illegal gambling enterprise from his Encino, California mansion. The 43-year-old former guard is charged with conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, operating an illegal gambling business, and making false statements to federal investigators. He appeared for arraignment Wednesday afternoon in the United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles, facing a potential maximum sentence of five years in federal prison per count if convicted. Among those arrested Wednesday was 49-year-old Yevgeni Gershman, identified by the US Attorney's Office of the Central District of California as a suspected organized crime figure from Israel. According to the unsealed federal indictment, Arenas and his co-defendants operated the illegal gambling business between September 2021 and July 2022. Arenas rented his Encino mansion to co-conspirators who hosted illegal "Pot […]
Russian Missiles Kill Six Including Child As Trump’s Peace Deadline Expires
At least six people were killed and more than 50 were wounded in a Russian drone and missile attack that hit multiple districts across Kyiv and collapsed an apartment building, Ukrainian officials reported. Among the fatalities was a six-year-old boy. Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv's military administration, warned the death toll could increase, with damage reported at over two dozen locations throughout the capital. The distinctive sound of Russian drones was audible for hours over Kyiv, punctuated by the explosive impact of missile strikes. Despite the ongoing attacks, they have persisted even after US President Donald Trump threatened stronger sanctions against Moscow if Vladimir Putin fails to agree to a ceasefire by August 8. Ukraine's air force reported that Russia launched 309 drones and cruise missiles overnight. While air defense systems intercepted some incoming projectiles, numerous strikes found their targets, […]
Be the first to leave a comment