Foster and McGuinness welcome Ireland's RWC 2023 bid through to next stage

First Minister, Rt. Hon. Arlene Foster MLA, and deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness MLA have welcomed the announcement from World Rugby that Ireland’s Rugby World Cup 2023 bid is through to the final Candidate Phase of the Host Selection process.

World Rugby has confirmed France, Ireland and South Africa as Rugby World Cup 2023 host candidates.

First Minister, Arlene Foster said: “The Northern Ireland Executive is a strong supporter of the 2023 Rugby World Cup and it is excellent news we are now through to the next phase of the process. The potential to host the Rugby World Cup 2023 presents a fantastic opportunity to showcase our excellent rugby talent, magnificent facilities and legendary hospitality to rugby fans across the world. Northern Ireland has what it takes to host world class events and the Executive will continue to work hard to bring this great sporting event here in 2023.”

The deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, said: “I congratulate all of those involved in helping  reach the next  phase in hosting RWC 2023. South Africa and France are formidable opponents, however, I believe the partnership between sport organisations, Government and local businesses can provide a winning combination in ensuring a successful event. I am certain everyone here will get behind the Ireland bid and look forward next year when the final decision on who will host RWC 2023 is made in November 2017.”

Economy Minister, Simon Hamilton MLA added: “It is tremendous news we are through to the Candidate Phase  of hosting The Rugby World Cup. The Rugby World Cup 2015 was the most commercially successful event to date and with large numbers of travelling fans and spectators the opportunity to host RWC 2023 would provide a major boost for local businesses, the tourism industry and the Northern Ireland economy as a whole.”

Notes to editors
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McIlveen enjoys day in the North West

Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Michelle McIlveen has enjoyed a day in the North West.



The Minister started with a visit to the Northern Ireland International Ploughing Championships at Aghanloo near Limavady. There she met representatives of the Northern Ireland Ploughing Association (NIPA), as well as officials, competitors and businesses participating in the event.



Miss McIlveen congratulated everyone involved: “The Northern Ireland Ploughing Championships are now in their 73rd year and attract competitors of the highest calibre. It is quite a sight to see exponents of this difficult art at work and the crowd clearly enjoyed the high degree of skill on show.



"Of course, with so many people coming to enjoy the ploughing, the event also provides an excellent showcase for a wide range of rural and agricultural businesses, particularly those producing and dealing in farm machinery.



“I very much enjoyed the opportunity to tour the stands and meet farmers, traders, competitors and visitors at what is NIPA’s blue riband event.”



 From the ploughing championships, the Minister then travelled along the North Coast to the Giant’s Causeway for the 2016 Northern Ireland Potato Festival.



She said: “2016 is officially Northern Ireland’s Year of Food and Drink and there is no doubt that our farmers and producers deliver high quality, unique, signature ingredients and products that represent the Province and which are some of the finest available anywhere.



 "The NI Potato Festival showcases one of our staple crops. With the help of The Mighty Spud and the excellent range of participating local producers, the festival underlines just how tasty and versatile the potato continues to be.



 "This is the fourth year of the event and what more fitting and spectacular setting than the Giant’s Causeway, one of Northern Ireland’s top tourist attractions, to showcase our award winning produce to the many local visitors and visitors from further afield.”



Miss McIlveen concluded: “The buzz at both of these events is fantastic and they are, along with the array of summertime agricultural shows and events, yet another example of the superb offering available in our rural areas across Northern Ireland.”



Notes to editors:

1.    The Northern Ireland International Ploughing Championships are organised by NIPA in conjunction with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council. More information is available at http://www.niploughing.com

2.    More information on the Northern Ireland Potato Festival is available at https://www.facebook.com/nipotatofestival

3.    Follow us on Twitter @daera_ni http://twitter.com/daera_ni

4.    All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office on 028 9052 4619 or email DAERA Press Office: pressoffice.group@daera-ni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07623 974 383 and your call will be returned.

Justice Minister attends the National Police Memorial Day service

Justice Minister, Claire Sugden today attended the National Police Memorial Day service in St Paul’s Cathedral paying tribute to officers who have died in service. 

 

His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, patron of the event, attended the service along with representatives from police services across the United Kingdom, members of the Northern Ireland policing family, a number of former police chiefs, as well as police representatives from 18 other countries. 

 

Claire Sugden said:  “It is an honour to attend the National Police Memorial Day service to pay tribute to the sacrifice of police officers from across the United Kingdom who have died while serving and protecting their local communities. Today will be especially poignant for the families, friends and colleagues of those who have died and my thoughts are with them all.  

 

“I was touched to hear the personal stories of some of the officers honoured today.  In particular, I commend the bravery and service of the officers of the Royal Ulster Constabulary and the Police Service of Northern Ireland.    

 

“I would like to express my gratitude to all police officers for their dedication and commitment. Northern Ireland can justifiably be proud of the courage and professionalism of its police officers, often in the face of challenging and hazardous circumstances."

 

Continuing the Minister said: "This is a significant day in our calendar when we can stand with those who mourn and remember.  My thoughts and prayers are with all those in the policing family who have lost a loved one throughout the years.”

 

More information on this year’s event is available online at: http://www.nationalpolicememorialday.org/programme.htm

 

Foster and McGuinness welcome Twaddell/Crumlin Road Agreement

First Minister, the Rt Hon Arlene Foster MLA and the deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness MLA today welcomed the local agreement bringing an end to difficulties surrounding parades and protests in the Twaddell/Crumlin Road area.

The First Minister Rt Hon Arlene Foster MLA said: "The agreement reached between three Orange Order lodges in North Belfast and Ardoyne residents representatives comes about following engagement in a local dialogue process.
 
"The understanding they have reached is a welcome development and is a significant step given this has been an initiative between the Orange and local residents.
 
"I said at the start of the summer that we all have a responsibility to show leadership and to continue to seek resolutions to contentious issues through discussion and to ensure any difficulties are identified and resolved peacefully.  By doing so we become stronger as a community and a country.
 
"I thank all those involved.  We want to build a future that is respectful, inclusive and vibrant.  Northern Ireland can have a very bright future built on respect and celebration of diversity." 
 
The deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness MLA said: "An agreement that has the full support of the three lodges and the Crumlin Ardoyne Residents Association is something I welcome and support.
 
"I commend the Rev. Harold Good and Jim Roddy who have worked positively and considerately with everyone in the local community to reach this agreement.
 
"We must resolve disagreements regarding parades, identity, culture and tradition through dialogue so that difference is celebrated and respected. 
 
"The next phase of our political and peace processes must be the development of a real reconciliation process. 
 
"As leaders we will work with Executive colleagues to ensure tolerance, equality and mutual respect are key tenets of our new shared future."
 
Notes to Editors:
 
Media enquiries to TEO press office on 028 9037 8283. Out of office hours, please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.