Plans to unlock £90m opportunity unveiled

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured launching the ICC Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Hall 5 year Business Plan are Ellvena Graham, Chair of Tourism NI, Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast, Cllr Paul Doherty, Rob McConnell, Chief Executive, ICC Belfast, Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald, Steve Daniels, Chair, ICC Belfast, and Rachel McGuicken, Deputy CEO, Visit Belfast.
Photo credit: Ricky Parker Photography

ICC Belfast lays out economic prize from doubling international convention business

National and International conferences and conventions in Belfast are set to unlock over £90million in economic impact over the next five years.

Today (15 September 2025) the Belfast City Council-owned company behind ICC Belfast, Waterfront Hall and Ulster Hall, unveiled a new Five-Year Business Plan for the organisation. It aims to double the number of large-scale business events hosted in Belfast by 2030, and grow the venues’ live entertainment offering.

Launching the plan, CEO Rob McConnell, who has been in post since February 2025, told civic, business and tourism leaders that Northern Ireland’s only purpose-built International Convention Centre is a vital economic asset with potential to benefit the city and the region. 

“There is a world of incredible business, industry and scientific events going on at ICC Belfast that many people in Northern Ireland will never be aware of, from sectors as diverse as pioneering cancer pharmacy to space exploration and cyber security, to scaffolding, eco-construction and Irish dancing.  These events bring hundreds and thousands of people to the city at a time, making them a vital source of income for our local economy.”

Mr McConnell highlighted that the revenue from each event reaches far beyond the direct value of a venue booking, saying:

“The direct revenue from booking our venue is just the tip of the iceberg.  For example, a 1000 person conference at ICC Belfast brings over £1-£1.25million into the city, supporting hotels, restaurants and bars, taxis, airports and tourist attractions in Belfast and further afield.  This venue has the capability and capacity to host events for up to 5000 delegates.”

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald, said:

“In the past year, conferences and conventions delivered an estimated £37 million for our economy.  The ICC Belfast, Waterfront Hall, and Ulster Hall have made a significant contribution to this.  These venues are uniquely positioned to attract international visitors. They make a huge contribution to our tourism sector, especially business tourism, which in turn supports our local businesses; our bars and restaurants, our shops and services.

 “Earlier this year we published a new 10-Year Tourism Vision & Action Plan for the North.  It sets an ambitious goal, to exceed £2 billion in expenditure from overnight visitors by 2035. I’m confident that today’s plan will help move this dial.”

Since becoming CEO at ICC Belfast Waterfront Hall and Ulster Hall, Rob McConnell, who has three decades of commercial experience in the cyber and tech sector, has focused on driving innovation in performance sales, marketing and business development.

Presenting the Five Year Business Plan, which was developed in partnership with Belfast City Council and the Board, Mr McConnell outlined a detailed go-to-market strategy aimed at delivering a 5-year economic impact of £90.5million by 2030 from conference and convention business. He stated that it’s a highly competitive marketplace but one in which ICC Belfast is set to excel.  He said,

“ICC Belfast competes for business against venues in Glasgow, Liverpool, Birmingham, Paris, Vienna and Amsterdam and many more. We’re landing some really impressive big events, we are delivering world-class events, but I see opportunities for us to do a lot more.

“ICC Belfast is consistently winning national and International industry awards as the best convention centre, the best venue and the most innovative and high-tech venue.  Belfast’s convention centre is punching above its weight in a sector that’s bursting with potential. Our new five year business plan is about taking a more strategic and commercial approach in order to fully unlock this economic potential for this city.

“We’re working very closely with Visit Belfast, Tourism NI and the Department for the Economy because selling the venue is tightly interwoven with selling the destination.  There’s an opportunity for everyone in “Northern Ireland plc” to speak positively about our exhibition and convention centre, whatever sector they work in. People can be confident that ICC Belfast can deliver: we have the feedback and the awards to prove it.”

Mr McConnell said that the effects of the pandemic are still impacting the business events sector globally and he explained that he’s focused on building back the pipeline of new business.

“In the last couple of years, we saw a bounce-back when cancelled events were rebooked, however, industry-wide, the number of events is still not back to pre-pandemic levels. Our major focus now is to get our bookings in shape for the years ahead. In this sector, the lead-times are long: we’re talking to conference planners about events in 2028 and as far away as 2032, so it will take patience to bear fruit. I’m pleased to say that our new sales and marketing approach is already showing green shoots.”

Speaking at the launch of the five year plan, Ellvena Graham OBE, Chair of Tourism Northern Ireland, said:

“The ICC Belfast provides us with world-class facilities, which gives Northern Ireland the platform it needs to attract major significant economic benefit.

“I welcome its new five-year business plan - it is ambitious, rooted in partnership, and vital to positioning Northern Ireland as a competitive and attractive destination on the global stage.

“The aims and clear vision it has put forward will undoubtedly bring huge economic benefits to Northern Ireland over the next five years and will continue to showcase the region as a must-see and competitive destination for attracting visitors.”

Turning to the live entertainment side of the business, the Five Year Business Plan is focused on developing new initiatives and deepening the social value from the iconic Waterfront Hall and the historic Ulster Hall.

Rob McConnell continued, “Our goal is to grow the economic impact of our entertainment events to approximately £90m in the next five years.

“We’re starting to create and curate our own home-grown events, supporting local businesses and event suppliers and we’ve recently introduced VIP pre-sale and concert experiences.

“More importantly, we want everyone in every part of the community here to see their place in our venues – we can and we should make them available for the whole community and for much more than just a rare special occasion.

“We’re using our impact to support mental health, dementia and food poverty, and we put on community family pantomime performances. We’ve opened up the venues for use by upcoming grassroots musicians and community organisations, with plans for accessible gigs already in the pipeline, and we’re making dedicated efforts to welcome and support neurodiverse audiences, ensuring our spaces are as inclusive as possible. We’re also deeply committed to driving event sustainability and local sourcing through our hospitality partners. 

“These iconic venues have played host to big events, cultural highlights and historic moments that have shaped people’s lives.  Looking to the next five years, there is so much more we can do with all of our venues and, with the support of our board and Belfast City Council, I’m excited to drive this business forward.” 

Welcoming the five-year business plan, Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Paul Doherty, said:

“Belfast City Council is proud to have invested into ICC Belfast, developing it into a world-class conference centre which now ranks among the top 1% venues of its kind in the world.

“Together with our city partners, the ICC Belfast team have worked hard to secure major events which, in turn, support jobs and innovation in our retail, hospitality and tourism sectors, as well as promoting Belfast internationally as a great place to come and do business.

“This is a really exciting plan for the next five years, reflecting our own ambitions to grow our city further and attract more major events and conferences here.

“I’m also pleased to hear about initiatives underway to increase sustainability, support our arts sector and boost engagement with diverse audiences, all of which will further cement the value of both the Waterfront Hall and Ulster Hall venues to our city.”

Ireland’s leading AI Conference returns this October

(L-R) Rebecca Walsh, Matrix NI; Suzi Murtagh, Allstate; Tom Gray, Strategic Advisor for Kainos; Michaela Black, AICC; Ryan Ballantine, Options Technology. 

AICON will look at how artificial intelligence is reshaping key industries and society now and in future

AICON is back for its seventh year, reaffirming its position as the largest and most influential AI conference in Ireland.

As AI is increasingly adopted in all aspects of life, the two-day conference will draw together technologists with business leaders and researchers, to show how getting to grips with AI can help businesses achieve further success and growth.

AICON Belfast 2025 will return on Thursday 2 and Friday 3 October 2025, with events taking place across two of the city’s most iconic venues.

Day one, hosted at Titanic Belfast, will set the stage with high-profile keynotes, panel discussions, and networking opportunities showcasing how AI is reshaping industries and society.

Dr. Stephen Spinelli Jr., President of Babson College, will deliver the keynote address, highlighting how entrepreneurship education can restore stability in a turbulent world. He will explore how artificial intelligence can amplify Entrepreneurial Thought & Action®, driving solutions at scale.

The conference will once again feature its signature ‘twin-track’ format, with two programmes running in parallel: AI Now and AI Next.

AI Now will explore the latest advancements in artificial intelligence, with a strong focus on practical takeaways. Sessions will provide actionable insights and best practices for adopting AI in a safe, transparent and accountable way.

A feature of the AI Now track includes a keynote panel AI Across the Globe – Transforming Industry with AI will feature Ruth McGuiness, Kainos, Lyndsay Shields, Danske Bank UK, and Rachel Bland, NHBC, exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping industries worldwide.

AI Next will look to the future of artificial intelligence, offering visionary perspectives on its potential to transform both society and the economy. This track will explore the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead as AI continues to evolve.

Among the highlights is a fireside chat, Reimagining Business: AI, Leadership, and the Future of Organisational Transformation, featuring Gareth Workman, Kainos, and Dr Stephen McKeown, Allstate. Drawing on McKeown’s experience driving digital transformation at Allstate, the session will examine how AI is reshaping business models, workforce dynamics, and leadership.

Speaking ahead of the conference Gareth Workman Chief AI Officer at Kainos said:

“AI is no longer optional – it’s becoming the foundation of how value is created and how society expects to engage. At Kainos, we believe the opportunity lies not just in adopting AI, but in shaping an AI-native future that is trusted, responsible, and human-centric.

“Conferences like AICON are vital because they bring together industry, academia, and government to share lessons, confront challenges, and unlock new opportunities. By working together, we can ensure AI delivers real value – transforming what matters most for businesses, people, and society.”

On Friday 3 October, the conference will move to W5 Belfast. Hosted by the AI Collaboration Centre (AICC), this day will offer a deeper dive into academic breakthroughs, cross-sector collaboration, and emerging technologies driving progress across healthcare, fintech, manufacturing, and beyond.

Michaela Black, Principal Investigator at AICC added:

“AICON 2025 is about looking beyond the hype to see where artificial intelligence is truly taking us. For Northern Ireland, it’s an opportunity to show how a small region can punch above its weight on the global stage, not just adopting AI, but shaping how it’s used responsibly and for the benefit of society.

“The Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre exists to bridge industry, academia, research and government and AICON is where those worlds come together to imagine the future and start building it today. We’re especially proud to be hosting Day 2 of the event on 3rd October at W5 Belfast, where we’ll showcase cutting-edge research, real-world use cases and the collaborative spirit driving AI forward in Northern Ireland.”

AICON Belfast 2025 is hosted by Kainos, and supported by Matrix, Allstate, Options Technology, Deloitte, Software NI, and the Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre (AICC).

For further information or registration details, please visit: https://ai-con.ai/.

From Strongest to Struggling: The State of Play at Stormont

By David McCann, Strategic Political Analyst at Brown O’Connor Public Affairs

The summer is nearly over. MLAs and Ministers will be getting ready for a new Assembly term. Already, we are seeing signs of the political fights and debates that are set to come up between now and Christmas.

How will the dispute over the Nutrient Action Programme be resolved? Will we see progress on the A5 and Casement Park? What will become of the anti-poverty strategy?

Executive Performance

The troublesome issues do not end in the policy sphere, as public perceptions of the Executive are low. Just 35% of people surveyed in the recent LucidTalk poll have a favourable attitude towards the performance of the Executive, which is down three points from the previous survey. The crisis of confidence in government delivery is not unique to the Starmer government; it is also impacting Stormont.

With 11 bills set to continue their progression through the Assembly in the next term, dealing with key issues such as the Mother and Baby Inquiry and Redress Scheme, the Fiscal Council and dilapidation of buildings, the Executive needs more bills on the books and fewer motions on the floor.

Sinn Féin

Each of the four Executive parties has different challenges to deal with over the coming months, and some are more profound than others. Sinn Féin is in the strongest position of all the Executive parties – Michelle O’Neill remains popular with nationalist voters, and the party, with a 26% rating, would be easily returned as the largest party. In fact, on these numbers, the party would hold their 27 seats and be in with a shout of potentially making gains in South Down and Upper Bann.

However, one thing the party needs to keep an eye on is the growing grumbling within sections of Nationalism about the purpose of the power-sharing institutions and whether they can ever work effectively. With three of Sinn Féin’s signature issues facing headwinds, they will need to be wary that they do not get tagged as a party that cannot deliver on key promises.

DUP

For the DUP, there is little upside in this poll, even though some of their ministers and MLAs have received some praise for their performances. At 17%, the party would likely lose a number of seats, particularly in constituencies where it holds more than one MLA. They face the prospect of returning to seat numbers that they have not seen since 1998, when they elected 20 MLAs. In a few weeks, the party will gather for its annual conference, marking the second year of the Gavin Robinson era.

Why does it matter for Unionist voters to stick with the DUP in 2027? The party needs to move the conversation away from the Irish Sea Border towards other issues that can motivate pro-union voters back toward the party.

Alliance Party

Unusually for the past number of years, Alliance is also under pressure. From 2013 to 2022, the party experienced a consistent rise, scoring significant wins and moving from 5th to 3rd place. In this poll, Alliance faces the prospect of losing some Assembly seats for the first time since 1998, albeit not in significant numbers, but enough to say the surge is over.

The party benefited for years from a mantra that attracted voters who were disillusioned with Stormont and wanted something better. Now that Alliance has two ministers at the Executive table, they need to demonstrate that better outcomes are achievable. Andrew Muir is standing his ground on Lough Neagh, but if his plan is blocked, what is Alliance’s plan B? Do they stay in or walk away?

UUP

The UUP continued to struggle at 11%, behind the TUV, with the prominence of holding the Health Ministry doing nothing to improve their fortunes, and the knowledge that their leader might not be around for much longer. The UUP’s conference in October will be a key event to watch, as it will reveal the party's direction ahead of the 2027 Assembly Election.

They say the only poll that matters is on election day, but all the parties will be taking stock from this one. As a new Assembly term begins and party conferences get underway, they will all be using this poll to decide their footing in the months ahead.

Over 150 young people turn out for cross community youth sports camp hosted by Cricket Ireland in Belfas

Chair of Cricket Ireland Brian MacNeice alongside Junior Ministers Aisling Reilly and Pam Cameron

More than 150 young people from across Belfast, the North West, and Donegal came together today at the Cricket Connects Camp, hosted by Cricket Ireland at the Civil Service Cricket Club, Stormont.

The one-day event saw participants from a wide range of sporting backgrounds — including GAA, hockey, and rugby — take part in fun, inclusive activities designed to promote physical activity, teamwork, and community connection. For many, it was their first time trying cricket, alongside opportunities to experience other sports such as hockey and GAA.

The Camp was attended by Junior Ministers Aisling Reilly and Pam Cameron, who met participants, coaches, and organisers, and enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere of the day.

The Cricket Connects Camp forms part of Cricket Ireland’s ongoing commitment to growing grassroots participation and working in partnership with other sporting bodies to break down barriers and create shared opportunities for young people to engage with physical activity.

Chair of Cricket Ireland Chair Brian MacNeice said:

“Cricket is one of the most welcoming sports in Ireland and we have a long, proud history of working collaboratively with other sporting bodies and community groups to encourage kids to get involved in physical activities.

“As a sport, cricket is for everyone, but while today’s camp offered a chance for many local kids to try cricket for the first time, it also allowed them to experience each other’s sports in a fun and supportive setting.

“Looking around us, what is obvious to me is the power of sport as a means to bring people together, promote inclusiveness and strengthen community bonds, particularly among the next generation.

“What is also evident is that the Belfast community has a wonderful shared community space here at NICSSA and cricket is honoured to be a key part of this multi-sport precinct. We are committed to support plans for future improvements here, and look forward to ensuring the local community can enjoy a diverse range of sports right in the heart of the Stormont Estate.

“This event was a true team effort to put together. We would like to thank Sport NI and the NI Government for their support, NICSSA for providing this fantastic venue and our sports industry partners for their enthusiasm and commitment. We also couldn’t have done it without the many cricket community volunteers, community partners and sponsors who ensured this year’s event went ahead in style.”

Junior Minister Aisling Reilly said:

“It is fantastic to see so many young people involved in this Cricket Ireland event and enjoying all the physical and mental benefits of taking part in sports. Through sports, children learn to be competitive, to strive to succeed and how to cope with the ups and downs of winning and losing . Today’s ‘Cricket Connects Camp’ is a great example of how sports can unite young people from different backgrounds and from across this island to a team and build new friendships.”  

Junior Minister Pam Cameron said: 

“I was delighted to be able to attend today’s Cricket Connects Camp and to meet with the young people taking part in the activities.

“We want to see a better shared future for everyone, and sport is such a powerful medium for bringing young people across Northern Ireland together and laying the foundations to build long-lasting friendships.

“I want to congratulate Cricket Ireland on hosting the event and their ongoing work in encouraging grassroots participation and helping to get more children involved in sport.”

Minister for the Economy visits NWRC to meet with students receiving exam results

Students celebrate outside NWRC as they collect their examination results.

Northern Ireland’s Minister for the Economy Dr Caoimhe Archibald has spent the morning at North West Regional College’s Strand Road campus celebrating with students receiving their exam results.

During the visit, Dr Archibald met with students who have just completed BTEC Level 3 qualifications at NWRC, Higher Education students, part time students, and alumni of the college who have gone on to graduate.

The Minister also met with the college’s senior management team to discuss the upcoming academic year and the introduction of new further and higher education courses at NWRC.

The Minister said: “I was delighted to be able to visit the North West Regional College to speak with, and congratulate students and staff on such an important day. It was encouraging to hear about the variety of courses available at NWRC and I would encourage students hoping to pursue their academic studies or begin a skills based or vocational career to speak to NWRC advisors about the options available. I wish everyone my very best wishes for their future studies.”

NWRC students celebrate their BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma examination results with the Minister for the Economy Dr. Caoimhe Archibald.

Leo Murphy, Principal and Chief Executive of NWRC, said: “The Minister received a warm welcome at NWRC today during an important event celebrating the achievements of our students.

“Our Level 3 Extended Diploma students have just completed examinations equivalent to three A-Levels. Some of these students will be staying on to pursue Higher Education courses at NWRC, while others are progressing to university.

“It’s been a hugely successful year at NWRC. Students who choose the college after GCSEs or A-Levels do so because of our longstanding reputation for preparing learners for the world of work. Our vocational courses offer a unique blend of academic study and real-world experience through work placements, giving students the opportunity to develop essential skills for their careers.

Leo Murphy, principal and chief executive of NWRC, congratulates BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma students with Louise Watson, Department for the Economy.

“Keeping up with industry trends, NWRC has expanded its already extensive portfolio of courses to include qualifications in Cyber Security, Higher-Level Apprenticeships, and Gaming, Animation, and VFX Skills.

“NWRC is proud to offer a diverse, inclusive, and safe environment for learning, with a wide range of staff available to provide help and support. We send our best wishes to all students receiving their examination results and look forward to welcoming our new cohort in September.”

Allwyn celebrates first lucky National Lottery retailer to ‘Share the Win’ in Northern Ireland

Steve Harrison, owner of Nisa in Bellevue Street and first Northern Ireland winner of ‘Share the Win’

• Belfast store owner named Northern Ireland’s first winner, scooping £10,000 for selling ‘high tier’ winning Scratchcard in his store

Allwyn, operator of The National Lottery, is celebrating the first lucky independent National Lottery retailer in Northern Ireland to scoop a prize in its ‘Share the Win’ initiative.  

Steven Harrison, owner of Nisa in Bellevue Street, Belfast, bagged the fantastic £10,000 ‘gold tier’ award. He sold a top prize National Lottery Scratchcard to a lucky player at his store, who will pocket £20,000 every month for five years. Steven becomes the first National Lottery retailer in Northern Ireland to take home a prize in the new ‘Share the Win’ rewards incentive from Allwyn and is now the proud owner of his new ‘Millionaire Made Here’ plaque and display.

The scheme, which launched in November 2024, awards retailers who sell high tier (£50,000 or more) winning National Lottery tickets – like EuroMillions, Lotto, and Thunderball, or National Lottery Scratchcards in their store.  

Allwyn's Director of Commercial Partnerships and Retail Sales, Alison Acquaye-Acford, said:

“Massive congratulations to Steven! I’m absolutely thrilled to be celebrating his £10,000 win and first ‘Share the Win’ store in Northern Ireland. Allwyn has awarded £269,000 in total to National Lottery ‘Share the Win’ retailers all over the UK, including Steven, so we’re extending that winning feeling and good fortune further than ever before. It’s wonderful that retailers are helping us to raise around £30 million every week for National Lottery-funded projects, while being in with a chance of winning huge prizes simply by selling tickets.”  

Glyn Roberts, Chief Executive Officer, Retail NI said:

“Congratulations to Steven for having one of the luckiest stories in the province. Retail is the backbone of our high streets across Northern Ireland, so it’s brilliant to hear how Allwyn is rewarding hard-working National Lottery retailers. At what is already a challenging and uncertain time for independent retailers, the revenue, commission, and footfall derived from selling The National Lottery is even more crucial. With the economic pressures facing our high streets, we should be doing all we can to protect and promote The National Lottery so that it can continue supporting retailers like Steven that serve their local communities each and every day.”

Steven Harrison said:

“I’m delighted to benefit from the win of one of our customers – it’s really good for business! We provide a service for the local community and can now promote ourselves as lucky – which further increases footfall instore. Our winnings will also allow us to go on a family holiday to our favourite place, Tenerife.” 

Share the Win is open to all National Lottery retailers where the winning ticketholder is happy to share details of their win. The retailer’s Share the Win prize is linked to the amount won by the playing customer.  

The three ‘Share the Win’ prize tiers for retailers are: 

• Gold tier - wins of £1 million or more will net lucky retailers the top prize of £10,000.

• Silver tier - wins of between £250,000 up to £1m will be worth £5,000 to shop owners.

• Bronze tier - wins of between £50,000 up to £250,000 will see retailers pocket £2,000.

With more Share the Win awards due in the coming months, National Lottery retailers can head to the National Lottery Retailer Hub – https://tnlpartners.co.uk – to ensure they're opted-in and don't miss out on this exciting opportunity. 

Meet Northern Ireland’s Changemakers: New Fellowship Cohort Announced

Matthew O'Neill, Institute of International and European Affairs; Zachary Hutchinson, Centre for Democracy and Peace; Anna McClung, Department of Justice; James Redmond, Department for Infrastructure; Sarah Carlisle, Queen's University Belfast. 

Twenty-eight leaders from across Northern Ireland have been named as the newest cohort in the Centre for Democracy and Peace’s Fellowship Programme.

Selected from a record number of applicants, this fifth cohort brings together individuals already making an impact in politics, business, the public sector, and civic society. Among them are politicians, entrepreneurs, senior civil servants, business leaders, cultural advocates, and community organisers.

With representation from five political parties and a wide range of sectors, the group reflects the diversity and ambition shaping Northern Ireland’s present and future. Over the next seven months, the Class of 2026 will take part in a transformative experience designed to strengthen their leadership, forge new connections, and explore the challenges and opportunities facing society today.

Now in its fifth year, the Fellowship is supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, as well as leading employers including Camlin Group, FinTrU, Fujitsu NI, NIE Networks, Ulster Carpets, Allstate NI, and the Irish American Partnership.

Darragh McCarthy, Chair of the Fellowship Advisory Board, said:

“This year’s Fellows bring a remarkable breadth of experience and perspective. The Fellowship offers a unique space to explore ideas, challenge assumptions, and grow as leaders. I’m delighted to welcome this group and look forward to working alongside them in the months ahead.”

The Centre for Democracy and Peace Fellowship Programme Cohort 2025-26 are:

1. Gerard McDonald, SDLP

2. Emma Cairns, UUP

3. Lewis McVitty, UUP

4. Alderman Gareth Wilson, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council, DUP

5. Cllr Micky Murray, Belfast City Council, Alliance Party

6. Cllr Kathleen McGurk, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Sinn Féin

7. Kyle McMullan, Northern Ireland Electricity Networks

8. Claire McBride, Fujitsu

9. Jonathan Rogan, SQC Digital

10. Corrina Grimes, MemoryTell

11. Michael Boyd, MB Consulting and Coaching

12. Anna McClung, Department of Justice

13. Róisín McCreesh, Education Authority NI

14. Meadhbha Monaghan, Patient and Client Council NI

15. James Redmond, Department for Infrastructure

16. Aoibhinn Treanor, Northern Ireland Assembly

17. Rhyannon Blythe, Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission

18. Sean McQuade, Northern Health and Social Care Trust

19. Eilís Adamson, Public Prosecution Service NI

20. Joanna Braniff, The Rivers Trust

21. Brian Armstrong, Northern Ireland Alternatives

22. Steven Mills, NI Football League

23. Ola Sobieraj, the3million

24. Dr Matthew O'Neill, Institute of International & European Affairs

25. Sarah Carlisle, Queen's Orange Society

26. Lisa McGinley, The MAC Belfast

27. Gillian Hamilton, EastSide Partnership

28. Wendy Blemings, The National Gallery

The Class of 2026 begin their Fellowship journey at Parliament Buildings, Stormont, on Wednesday 3rd September before heading to Worcester College, Oxford, the following week for the first of two programme residentials.

Deputy Lord Mayor joins 450 young athletes at Belfast Summer Sports Day 2025

GLL Senior Regional Director Gareth Kirk; Logan Cathcart (age seven); Eady Molloy (aged ten); and Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast, Cllr Paul Doherty

Over 450 children from 11 different leisure centres across Belfast were joined by Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast, Cllr Paul Doherty, as they came together at the Ozone Complex in Ormeau Park for the annual Better Summer Sports Day. A celebration of sport, fun, and friendship for young people, the Belfast Summer Sports Day serves as the highlight of Better’s Summer Schemes, which have been attended by 2,800 children across Belfast this summer.  

Participating children were given the opportunity to try their hands at a range of sporting activities – tennis, netball, basketball, hockey, dodgeball, rugby, cricket, Gaelic football, football, fencing, athletics, sports day games, and tug of war, making new friends from across all parts of the city. Children were represented on the day from Brook, Olympia, Andersonstown, Avoniel, Templemore, Ballysillan, Shankill, Falls, Whiterock, Grove and Lisnasharragh leisure centres. 

The 2025 Better Summer Schemes have seen another record-breaking year, with 2,800 children attending programmes delivered at 13 of Belfast’s 16 Better leisure centres, operated by social enterprise, GLL. The summer scheme has also had a positive local economic impact, with a total of 78 Summer Scheme staff employed to ensure a safe and engaging experience for all participants. 

In addition to the main scheme, specialist camps including a gymnastics-specific camp and Active and Able programmes have supported a further 90 young people to get involved in physical activity this summer. 

Active and Able camps are designed specifically to support children and young people with learning or physical disabilities. Delivered in partnership with Active Youth NI, these inclusive and accessible camps are led by experienced, qualified coaches who ensure every participant can join in safely, actively, and enjoyably. Running across three centres during the summer, each daily session runs from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm, creating a supportive space where disabled young people have equitable access to sport and physical activity. 

Jonathan Michael, Regional Business Manager, GLL said: 

“It’s incredible to see so many young people out enjoying sport today. Our Summer Schemes are all about helping children stay active, build confidence, and form friendships that last beyond the summer. We’re proud of the inclusive and dynamic programme we’ve delivered this year – and days like today are the perfect way to celebrate it. 

“GLL’s mission is centred on expanding access, improving inclusivity, and ensuring that every child, regardless of ability or background, has the chance to enjoy the benefits of sport. The energy and enthusiasm we’ve seen this summer shows just how powerful these programmes can be in shaping positive experiences and building stronger communities.” 

Votes at 16: Northern Ireland's New Electoral Wild Card, By David McCann, Strategic Political Analyst at Brown O’Connor Public Affairs

The British government has announced its commitment to follow through on plans to lower the voting age to 16 years old. This will be the first time since 1970 that the franchise will change at a General Election, when another Labour government lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 years of age.

Northern Ireland is the only one of the devolved regions that does not allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in regional elections. Scotland lowered its voting age in 2014, with Wales following suit in 2021. However, with the announcement last week, that will change as the Secretary of State has the power under the Northern Ireland Act to extend the franchise. It is unlikely this will be ready for the 2027 Assembly Election, meaning it will be 2032 before 16-year-olds get a chance to cast a ballot for their MLAs.

Context

You may have heard concerns about how this could affect the outcomes of elections. I hate to break it to you, but 16- and 17-year-olds will make up around 2-3% of the entire electorate for future general elections across the UK. This is roughly the same for Northern Ireland – whilst thousands of new voters will have the chance to cast a ballot, it is unlikely that this cohort alone will determine whether Michelle O’Neill remains as First Minister or whether there will be a surge towards any particular party.  Political parties across Northern Ireland will still need to appeal to the traditional voting demographics to win seats at Westminster, the Assembly and Local Government.

The next general election will be the first contest where this age cohort will have the chance to vote. One of the risks of launching this initiative for a general election is that Northern Ireland typically has low turnouts at Westminster Elections. Just 57% of voters in Northern Ireland cast a vote in last July's election, one of the lowest turnouts in the UK. Likewise, in 2019, turnout in Northern Ireland was more than 5 points lower than the UK average. Between now and polling day, work needs to be done to ensure that this reform does not fall victim to broader lower turnout trends that we have witnessed at recent Westminster Elections.

Seats to watch

Whilst the impact is limited, three seats at Westminster are held by margins of 1,500 votes or less: East Londonderry (179 votes), North Antrim (450 votes) and East Antrim (1,306 votes). Two of these three seats are held by the DUP, with the TUV holding the North Antrim seat. It will be fascinating to see if the more “progressive” challengers in East Londonderry (Sinn Féin) and East Antrim (Alliance) can utilise this change to their electoral advantage.

There is an assumption that the younger you are, the more likely you are to lean toward progressive parties. With the success that more populist candidates on the continent and in the USA have had with younger voters, it will be interesting to see if Northern Ireland’s new voters throw any spanners in the electoral works and veer off in a direction that has not been considered.

STV

The real test for this change will come with the Assembly Election. Many of the last seats are decided by just a few hundred votes. In 2022, a number of seats were decided by fewer than 500 votes, and with transfers that can significantly influence the outcome, this cohort of voters has the opportunity to influence some races. Whether they turn out and choose to exercise their vote is the key question for which we do not have an answer.

Allowing 16- and 17-year-olds the opportunity to vote is a positive step that can increase participation but not upend the entire electoral process. However, it cannot be done in isolation. A broader political education piece of work needs to accompany this; otherwise, this bright new day will become a false dawn. Parties that successfully engage with these voters in 2029 have a real opportunity to establish a loyal base of new voters who could remain loyal to them for decades to come.

CGI supports Canada Day celebrations in Belfast

Photo Caption (L-R): Belfast City Councillor Michael Long, Ken Brundle, Honorary Canadian Consul for Northern Ireland; Pete Wilson CGI; Kyla Dittmar, Oui Poutine; Derbhile Kennedy, Director, CGI; Adam Keefe, Head Coach of the Belfast Giants.

CGI a leading global IT and business consulting services firm, supported this year’s Canada Day celebration in Belfast, hosted on Tuesday 1 July at local Canadian food business Oui Poutine.

Held in the city centre, the event was a celebration of Canadian culture, with attendees enjoying Canadian street food. Guests included Ken Brundle, Honorary Canadian Consul for Northern Ireland, Pete Wilson and Derbhile Kennedy, Directors, CGI; Kyla Dittmar, Oui Poutine; Adam Keefe, Head Coach of the Belfast Giants, Belfast City Councillor Michael Long and other members of Northern Ireland’s Canadian community, which now numbers over 12,000.

Chris Shorthouse, Vice President, Client Engagement for Northern Ireland at CGI said:

“As a company with deep Canadian roots and a strong local presence, we were delighted to support this community celebration. CGI is committed to being an active and positive presence in Northern Ireland, and events like this reflect the value of cultural connection, civic pride, and strong local partnerships.” 

CGI, founded in Montréal in 1976, has long believed in strengthening ties with the communities it serves. With established operations in Northern Ireland, the company delivers technology and business consulting services across both the public and private sectors.

 Ken Brundle, Honorary Canadian Consul for Northern Ireland, said:

“The Canada Day celebration was an opportunity to reflect on enduring links between Canada and Northern Ireland. It was great to come together to share and enjoy Canadian food and culture in Belfast and we are grateful for the support of organisations like CGI that help make these community celebrations possible.”

The event highlighted the growing visibility of the Canadian community in Northern Ireland and its contribution to local life and culture.