Belfast News Letter

News Letter editorial for Thursday, October 1, 2026:

The Sinn Féin vice president and the party’s president Mary Lou McDonald met residents on the Garvaghy Road in Portadown.

Glentoran hero Paul Leeman insists the manager who can deliver silverware success at The Oval will “be remembered forever” – but knows the job comes with “massive pressure”.

Friends of Rescue says its animals are safe after the shelter was blown down in strong winds, but the Londonderry-based organisation is now seeking someone to build a secure replacement

Belfast Council is staying tight-lipped over whether Belfast City Hall could still be lit up in support of an abortion campaign at a later date.

At the beginning of August, I stayed away from the centre of my own city.

The luxurious Co Down home of disgraced Jeffrey Donaldson is on the market for £650,000.

More than 1,000 consumers in England and Wales have joined a group action legal claim against Binance and its founder Changpeng Zhao.

Justin Devenny believes this extended international window can help Northern Ireland continue their development.

Elevare plans to support landlords across the country.

Ballymena United manager Oran Kearney has provided injury updates on a host of his stars with the Sky Blues chief admitting “we’re down to the bare bones” – but remains content with his squad size and giving youth an opportunity.

Barchester Healthcare was named the Operator of the Year for Innovative Kitchen Design.

Unionist and loyalist leaders told crowds near the Garvaghy Road in Portadown that the right of Orangemen to complete their parade is enshrined in law – and is the PSNI's problem to solve.

Jon Boutcher said he would continue to seek a way to facilitate an Orange Order march down the predominantly nationalist Garvaghy Road in Portadown.

A TUV politician has hit out at critics by posting a second fake photo of a large rally supporting Orangemen in the Garvaghy Road stand-off, stating: “Maybe they'll believe this too.”

The UK company says its commercial, sales, technical support and customer service operations will continue from Belfast as production moves to GB and European sites

Carrick Rangers manager Stephen Baxter has revealed Mikey Place is set to miss “possibly nine months to a year” after suffering a torn ACL earlier this month – an update he admits is “the worst nightmare”.

First Derivative announces £15.3m investment and 100 new jobs in AI and fintech

The bank is expected to recruit around 350 employees during its first year, according to Invest NI chief executive Kieran Donoghue

With student budgets under more pressure than ever, Boojum is stepping in with Haul in One to give one student a serious Freshers boost

Johnston Financial Solutions named Northern Irish Broker of the Year 2026

Coleraine’s Christmas lights switch-on will have something new to offer this year, with the first-ever Causeway Twilight Speciality Market bringing festive shopping, entertainment and family-friendly activities to the town centre.

Funding awards of £5,000 - £20,000 available for NI designer makers through the Rosy James Memorial Trust

Belfast has one of the highest smoking rates in Northern Ireland, with the latest ONS survey data suggesting that around 17% of residents aged 16 and over are regular smokers.

A new study reveals that Instagram and Facebook are the apps that collect the most user data.

On Sunday 27th September, 2026 the West Tyrone Branch of the Regimental Association of the Royal Irish Regiment CGC, West Tyrone Branch hosted what could be a final parade and service of remembrance in St.

Fertility experts are encouraging those trying for a baby to consider their drinking habits.

A letter from Trevor Ringland:

Think Storage (Lisburn) named Independent Store of the Year at the FEDESSA Industry Awards 2026

FULL LIST OF SHOWS HERE:

Professional services group Gateley marked a decade of growth and support for Belfast's business community at a special event held at The Merchant Hotel.

A fresh appeal for information has been issued on the 36th anniversary of the murder of Co Tyrone bookmaker Dessie Fox.

Jamie Donley admits he is not a natural striker but the 21-year-old believes playing in the role for Northern Ireland is aiding his development.

AN agricultural contractor who took part in a protest about the price of fuel has pleaded guilty to a charge of 'obstructing free passage' on a road.

Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University to deliver new iPHARMA project aimed at helping businesses develop, manufacture and bring innovative medicines to market

The Northern Ireland Secretary has been meeting with the Orange Order and Garvaghy residents at Hillsborough Castle.

There are already 26,000 pensioners in Northern Ireland in relative poverty – and Andy Burnham plans to remove the triple lock protection on state pensions could have "a profound impact” on the financial security of older people, a watchdog has warned.

A&L Goodbody’s latest recruits have completed its Belfast trainee programme, with four joining corporate, one property and four litigation as the firm strengthens its Northern Ireland practice

Bremar Tiles has acquired an 11,000 sq ft showroom at Kilcronagh Business Park as director Niall Kilpatrick prepares to take the family firm into its next chapter

The leader of the PSNI has said that “upholding of the Parades Commission determination does not come at any cost”.

Northern Ireland hero Stuart Dallas insists Isaac Price continues to play an “underrated” role in Michael O’Neill’s side – and has backed the West Brom attacker to end his international goal drought in the near future.

After goal glory in Georgia for Shea Charles came that crunching clash of the captains against Hungary.

Edith May Trimble, who was born on September 19, 1921, recently celebrated her 105th birthday in Woodgrove Care Home in Lisburn.

Staff working in Causeway Hospital’s Emergency Department will start using body-worn cameras from Thursday, October 1.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has agreed to confer the Freedom of the Borough on St John Ambulance (NI).

Northern Ireland legend David Healy believes Shea Charles can use his record-breaking move to Fulham as “a stepping stone to something bigger” with the midfielder continuing to impress at both club and international level.

Deirdre Hargey has been branded “unfit” to sit on the Policing Board over her involvement in the Garvaghy Road protest at the weekend.

A man is to stand trial accused of a pipe bomb attack on the Belfast Islamic Centre, a judge ordered today.

Christmas may still be months away, but Sainsbury's current wine deal could be a good excuse to start building a festive drinks stash early.

This 20-litre Ryanair-friendly cabin bag is now just £7.64, with shoppers praising its suitcase sleeve for making airport travel easier.