Belfast News Letter

News Letter editorial on Tuesday September 22 2026

Passengers and airlines “deserve better” an aviation industry body has said, as air traffic controllers came under fire after a second issue within two weeks caused flight disruption.

Glens of Antrim Potatoes Ltd has entered administration, with the company ceasing to trade and all but a small number of its 95 employees made redundant.

Pedro Acosta and KTM celebrated history at the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Austria with the Spaniard claiming his maiden MotoGP victory on the manufacturer’s home circuit.

More than 1,000 shoppers have bought this 24L Lossga travel backpack in the last month, and it's currently 43% off at £15.98.

Blue Lights actor Frank Blake has praised the show as “so special”, saying it presents Belfast in a “genuine human” way.

Blue Lights star Sian Brooke said her role in the crime drama has “given me a greater respect and understanding” for police officers.

Blue Lights star Nathan Braniff said it will be “exciting” to see Richard Dormer return to the crime drama for its upcoming series, adding: “I think people are going to freak out when they see the episode.”

At attack on a 18-year-old youth in Kilkeel in which he suffered injuries to his face, head and arms is being investigated as a possible hate crime, police have said.

A letter from Michael Deasy:

Sinn Fein is set to deliver a “crystal clear” message to the Parades Commission against a proposal for the first Orange Order parade along the Garvaghy Road.

Jon Burrows has said the justice minister sounded “tone deaf” by stressing the need for dignity for prisoners.

A sceptical reviewer was won over by Sentier’s 12-day fragrance calendar – but the limited number of days remains a drawback.

Michael O’Neill insists Northern Ireland “just have to get on with it” amidst various challenges provided by an extended Nations League fixture window – which he feels only benefits bigger nations.

Families of Omagh bombing victims will be “disappointed” the Irish Government has not allowed Garda officers or state officials to give evidence in Belfast about the 1998 atrocity, a public inquiry has heard.

Teachers in Northern Ireland will start a campaign of industrial action after the failure of negotiations to produce a satisfactory solution to long running concerns over excessive workload.

An impassioned Naomi Long has rejected any questioning of her integrity during a debate on the runaway prisoner Gary Anderson, and revealed that she has now ordered an “independent review” into the whole affair.

The Stormont Executive is “fighting the right fight” to secure further funding from London before agreeing its annual budget, Michelle O’Neill has said.

Navantia UK welcomes latest recruits as investment and Royal Fleet Auxiliary programme drive activity at Harland & Wolff

The vice-chairman of Pride of Lagan Valley Flute Band says band members are still “lost for words” after playing outside the gates of Buckingham Palace in London.

The justice minister has said she is not willing to send “pretty much defenceless prison officers into areas where they might be shot”.

A tree surgeon charged with incitement to hatred for allegedly helping to place a replica mosque on top of a loyalist bonfire was an unwitting “fool abroad”, the High Court heard today.

Unionists have insisted that any decision on a fresh Drumcree parade must be made objectively using the law - and not on the basis of pressure from other residents groups across NI.

Ireland women’s captain Erin King wants a positive WXV Global Series response from the pain of losing a 31-12 lead on Sunday in defeat by 40-36 against USA.

A convicted murderer who is currently on-the-run has a record of bad behaviour behind bars.

DUP and Alliance MLAs have called for fuel tax to be cut as prices continue to surge.

Republican Colm Murphy “sat like a spider at the centre of the web” in the plot to bomb Omagh in 1998, a public inquiry has been told.

Stormont Justice Minister Naomi Long has been accused of misleading the Assembly in a statement last week over a murderer who remains at large.

A letter from R G McDowell:

From Haphazard to Bung here are the answers you’ve been looking for

A temporary contingency plan could see no babies born in the maternity department at Daisy Hill Hospital, the Southern Health and Social Care Trust has said.

The UK’s ‘cheating cat’ capital has been revealed – with Cambridge home to the highest number of ‘furrlandering’ felines.

The TUV leader said he has not been approached over potential unionist co-operation at next year’s Assembly election.

Ulster and Ireland rugby legend Rory Best and a team of 21 business leaders have certainly went the extra mile after completing a nine-day walking challenge across the island of Ireland.

Glenavon – the Championship team everyone wants to beat this season – celebrated a win over the team Michael O’Connor felt his players had to beat on Saturday.

An Englishman allegedly carried out an attack on Belfast’s iconic Big Fish sculpture which inflicted more than £10,000 worth of damage, a court heard today.

A quarter of motorists are driving cars with an urgent dashboard warning light illuminated, despite the potential dangers.

Newtownards-based Lyttle Leaves and Larne’s Clearer Water among seven suppliers honoured at Elevate27 conference

Papas Minerals’ Spiced Winterberry Cordial takes top award at prestigious Irish food and drink awards

The DUP’s annual conference took place over the weekend, at the La Mon Hotel in Belfast.

Ballymena Business Centre is celebrating the success of two major projects, funded by The Gallaher Trust, which have collectively supported 359 local businesses and entrepreneurs.

More than 100 guests have gathered at Roe Valley Resort to celebrate the official opening of Leaping Hound.

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A Dunseverick woman has been named National Entrepreneur of the Year 2026 at the National Entrepreneur Awards, organised by Entrepreneurs Circle.

The dead rabbit founder Jack McGarry will share his hospitality journey with students as part of Ulster University’s Culinary Salon series

Belfast Giants produced a dominant home performance to beat Dundee Stars 8-1 in a game that was delayed by 90 minutes due to travel issues for the Stars.

Husband-and-wife owners Stevie and Cristina Higginson move The Square Bistro to 26 Market Square after an emotional goodbye to their former home of two decades

Brits are unsure how best to look after their orchids.

Airlines have demanded urgent action after a second air traffic control issue in less than two weeks caused further flight disruption.

A letter from Stevan Patterson: