UUP Confirms Nesbitt To Step Down As Leader

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UUP Confirms Nesbitt To Step Down As Leader

Ulster Unionist Party Announces Leadership Change in 2026 as Mike Nesbitt to step down

The Ulster Unionist Party spokesperson today confirmed that Mike Nesbitt MLA will step down as Party Leader.  

UUP Leader Mike Nesbitt is to step down to allow a new leader to have a run into the 2027 set of elections.

This marks a pivotal moment as the Party builds on strong foundations and accelerates towards a bold, forward-looking vision for the 2027 elections.

The party will now seek a new leader to take them forward to the forthcoming council and NI Assembly elections.

Since returning in 2024, Mike Nesbitt has led from the front as Minister of Health, reinforcing the UUP’s reputation for responsible, effective governance. 

He has also delivered key internal reforms, restored financial stability, modernised Party rules, and strengthened policy and communications teams – leaving the Party resilient, and ready for the future.

Mike’s earlier leadership saw notable electoral successes, including strong local and European results in 2014, two MPs elected in 2015, and increased Assembly representation in 2016.

He explained his decision not to stand for a fifth time. Mike Nesbitt said: “The next five-year mandate stretches to May 2032, the month I hope to celebrate my 75th birthday.

“That’s a commitment to full-time politics I just do not feel I can make. And I would not be comfortably seeking a vote knowing that privately I was intending to retire during the mandate.

“I retook the leadership to do a short-term job of getting the Party match fit for the forthcoming election campaign.

“That job is now done so the time is right to select the politician who will lead us into the May 2027 polls promoting our brand of confident, responsible unionism.”

Party Officers will shortly outline the leadership selection process, ensuring an inclusive, engaging and seamless transition.

Party Chair, Lord Elliott of Ballinamallard, said: “We are deeply grateful to Mike for his decades of service and unwavering dedication to improving our society.

“As we enter 2026, we look forward to building on the strong platform he has created.

“Our next Leader will champion forward-looking Unionism, safeguarding Northern Ireland’s place in the UK while promoting prosperity, reconciliation, and a shared future for all.”

Newcastle Antisocial Drivers Face Police Action

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Newcastle Antisocial Drivers Face Police Action

Newcastle residents welcome police action on antisocial drivers in Donard Park

The long-running saga of antisocial driving in Newcastle may be coming to an end.

Police officers in Newcastle are calling on local drivers to show consideration for residents and put the brakes on anti-social driving in the area. 

Mournes Neighbourhood Sergeant Gracey said: “Newcastle police have received a number of reports of antisocial driving in the Donard Park area, as well as the town itself, over the recent holiday period and this may be the straw that breaks the camel’s back and the culprit drivers are rooted out.

“This includes reports of cars being driven badly, revving loudly and generally, being a nuisance and causing a disturbance to local residents.

Some of the vehicles that attended the anti-social behaviour car event at the Donard Park in Newcastle last year.

“We want to assure local residents and business owners that we take such incidents very seriously.

“Those involved in this type of activity need to show consideration for local residents and think seriously about the consequences of their actions.

“There are repercussions of anti-social driving, including warning notices being issued, fixed penalty notices, cars being seized and court appearances. 

“We’re aware of the negative impact this type of activity can have on the local community and would appeal to anyone affected to report anti-social activity immediately to ensure a prompt response. 

“We have been involved in many multi-agency meetings to try and address this ongoing issue and patrols will continue in the area, where resources allow, to deter further activity of this nature.

“We continue to encourage anyone with information that could lead to the detection and prosecution of offenders to contact us on the non-emergency number 101.”

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Hazzard To Address Newcastle Speedsters

Big Splash For Strangford New Year’s Day Swim

Jim Masson
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Big Splash For Strangford New Year’s Day Swim

Lots of hardy swimmers turned up for the New Year’s Day swim at Strangford Harbour

Today, new year’s day 2026, saw a large contingent of eager beavers take to the water in the harbour at Strangford for a swim from the ferry landing jetty across the harbour to the main quay.

Conditions were seasonally cold but at least for the many spectators cheering on their family members and friends the weather was just about alright.

It is certainly a real cure for a hangover if you were out celebrating the Hogmanay is style. But it was great to see people of all ages taking part and enjoying the craic.

(l-r) Monica Magee with visitors from New Zealand, Max and Damian Cahir, and her husband Mal. Max did the swim braving the icy waters.

And it’s a small world! Damien Cahir now lives in New Zealand but when he was a teenager he used to work during the summer holidays in the early eighties in a chip shop I used to run in Ardglass – his summer job then was to peel the potatoes and chip them. It is summer in the antipodes at the moment, but at least he will have a memory of his son completing the harbour swim safely… and there were no sharks about !

View 30 images from the Swim on Down News Facebook

Sea swimming has become very popular. The RNLI were present at the swim today, and there were two rescue skiffs rowed by the Strangford Coastal Rowing Club, so so all safety precautions were observed.

If you are considering taking up sea swimming, check out the RNLI website first for safety guidance and keep an eye on the tides and the weather forecast.

Check out the Facebook reel from the swim HERE

Downpatrick Nurses Do Swims For NI Hospice

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Downpatrick Nurses Do Swims For NI Hospice

Nurses from Downpatrick have bravely taken 12 winter dips for NI Hospice

South Eastern Trust’s Downpatrick District Nursing Team made a splash at Kilclief beach as they took part in the 12 Dips of Christmas challenge to support the Northern Ireland Hospice.

Braving less than balmy waters, the Team took the plunge at the Kilclief beach, as they were joined by friends and family in support of their hearty challenge which saw over an incredible £1,000 raised for the NI Hospice.

Downpatrick District Nurse Cathy Gracey explained that she along with the Team decided to raise money for the NI Hospice as their “Palliative Care Team help support palliative and end of life patients in our community.

“We completed our ’12 Dips’ on Christmas Eve at Kilclief Beach and it was great to have our family and friends support us.

“We would like to thank everyone who has supported us and sent their donations,” said Cathy.

Downpatrick nurses who did 12 winter dips at Kilclief beach for NI Hospice raising £1000.

Nesbitt Says 1000 Tested Health Apps Available

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Nesbitt Says 1000 Tested Health Apps Available

Over 1,000 health apps available to support well-being this winter

Gone are the days when your grannie spooned a tablespoon of cod liver oil down your throat as the be-all and end-all of health issues.

Technology has moved on and now today the Health Minister Mike Nesbitt is encouraging people to use the Health and Social Care (HSC) App Library this Festive period.

Changed times: you can now improve your well-being by checking out over 1000 tested and approved health apps. (Ai generated./im Masson/DownNews©.)

There are over 1,000 HSC endorsed apps that can provide trusted information and guidance across various areas, including mental health, healthy ageing, general well-being and how to stay well this winter.

The apps can be downloaded on your smartphone or tablet and accessed anywhere, at any time.

The Health Minister said: “It is really important that we all look after ourselves and each other over the holiday period.

“Winter can be a difficult time and can present additional challenges in managing health conditions, particularly those affected by the cold weather, loneliness and stress.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has said that there are over 1000 health apps available fopr people to use this winter which may help ease pressure on local hospitals.

“I encourage everyone to go to the HSC App library, where there are a wide range of safe and trusted apps, for both adults and children, which can help to support the management of a variety of conditions.

“This winter, HSC services are under severe additional pressure. You can play your part and take small steps to improve your physical and mental wellbeing.

“The HSC approved apps are a great way to look after yourself, there really is something for everyone.”

Dr Paul Rice, Chief Digital Information Officer in the Department of Health, said: “Digital tools give people information at their fingertips, helping them understand their conditions better, which can help them take greater control of their health and take steps to find tailored solutions and practice preventative habits.

“The HSC Apps library is a great resource for the public with a wide selection of trusted apps providing information and tips to help manage their health. 

“Whether it’s coping with additional stress during the festive season, motional apps to encourage us to keep active during the colder months, or tips to help stop smoking, you can be assured an app from the apps library will provide good quality, easy to understand information at your fingertips.”

The HSC App library is managed by Digital Health and Care Northern Ireland (DHCNI) in partnership with ORCHA (Organisation for Review of Care and Health Apps).

The library provides a single source of health apps which are continuously assessed by ORCHA against standards and regulations in clinical and professional assurance, data and privacy and usability and accessibility.

They are available to download 24 hours a day across 365 days of the year.

You can search for key terms here: 

apps4healthcareni.hscni.net/en-GB 

or browse through all of the apps here: 

dhcni.hscni.net/hsc-apps-library/

LIFELINE, Northern Ireland’s crisis response helpline for people experiencing distress or despair, is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year. The number is 0808 808 8000.

Galbraith Addresses Downpatrick Road Safety

Jim Masson
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Galbraith Addresses Downpatrick Road Safety

Cllr Conor Galbraith (SDLP) calls for urgent action on road safety traffic issues around Downpatrick

Driving is never easy in winter but it is made more dangerous when key road safety functions are not working.

Cllr Conor Galbraith (SDLP) has called for immediate action to address growing road safety concerns, after reports of missing and incorrect signage, faulty traffic lights, and poor lighting on key routes.

The Councillor said residents have highlighted signs missing from traffic islands, traffic lights out on Christmas eve, and main road signs either missing or turned the wrong way. This creates confusion and increases the risk of accidents.

Downpatrick SDLP Councillor Conor Galbraith checks out the broken signage on the roundbout at the Ardglass Road beside the Downe Hospital that is obscuring the direction sign. (Photos: Jim Masson/DownNews©).

“The signs at the roundabout at the Downe Hospital at the start of the Ardglass Road appear to have been damaged by the wind,” said Conor Galbraith, “and they should be easily fixed by Roads Service. Even the sides of the roundabout could do with a lick of paint as the white paint is now hardly distinguishable.”

He added that “there has already been one incident of a car hitting an island not properly marked on the Flying Horse Road, underlining the seriousness of the problem.

“And there is also another on the lower end of the Saul Road that drivers need to be aware of where the sign indicator has been turned 90 degrees.”

He added: “On the Teconnaught Road, there were at least three defective road lane indicators and “on a busy stretch of road… this need attention quickly before an accident happens.”

The Quoile Bridge on the Killyleagh Road does not have any lighting or a footpath for pedestrians and is dangerous to cross on a dark night.
The Flying Horse Road in Downpatrick. Another lane indicator sign missing presenting a hazard to road users.

“These are basic safety measures. When signs are missing or pointing the wrong way, it puts drivers at risk.”

He also raised concerns about the lack of lighting along the Quoile Bridge, where there are no pedestrian footpaths.

“This stretch is dangerous in the dark. We need proper lighting installed before someone is seriously hurt.

“And also, we need the installation of more deer warning signs in the area following a deer being found dead on the main road this morning. They can be a danger to vehicles.”

Cllr Galbraith has written to the relevant authorities requesting urgent inspections and a clear timetable for repairs.

A red deer was killed on the Belfast Road (today) just before the Inch Road turnoff near Downpatrick. There are an increasing number of deer in the area.
A lane indicator on the Teconnaught Road hat has been turned 90 degrees and is virtually ineffective.
Leaving Teconnaught to Ballynahinch, a lane sign indicator is dislodged.
Lower Saul Road in Downpatrick – a lane sign indicator has been turned 90 degrees and is basically ineffective.
A side view on the Saul Road.

Downpatrick Neuro Café To Help Parents Cope

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Downpatrick Neuro Café To Help Parents Cope

Neuro Café supports parents and carers of children with autism and ADHD in the Downpatrick area

A Neuro Café is coming to Downpatrick in February 2026.

The South Eastern Trust Health Development Service in partnership with the Primary Care MDT Social Work Service along with FFP Down CIC and the Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership (CYPSP) are hosting a ‘Neuro Café’ in the Downpatrick area.

The Neuro Café is coming to Downpatrick. It helps parents and carers understand people with autism and ADHD. (Ai generated Jim Masson©).

The ‘Neuro Café’ will take place on Friday 28 February 2026 from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon in the South Eastern Regional College, Downpatrick Campus, Market Street, Downpatrick, BT30 6ND.

The Café is designed to provide valuable information and support for parents and carers of children with Autism and ADHD, as well as those awaiting assessment.

Those attending will have the opportunity to engage with a range of information stalls hosted by representatives from both statutory and community organisations.

The event will also feature an interactive workshop for parents and carers, beginning at 10.30 am, which aims to offer practical advice and strategies to support families navigating these challenges.

Light refreshments will be provided.

Those attending can sign up for workshops on the day. Please attend in good time to avoid disappointment.

For further information on the ‘Neuro Café’ initiative, please contact Niall – (07971) 334 537 or Noelle – (07872) 422 101.

UUP Condemns Border Attacks On Police

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UUP Condemns Border Attacks On Police

Ulster Unionists Condemn Christmas Attacks on Police and Demand Urgent Sentencing Review

The Ulster Unionist Party utterly condemns the assaults on police officers, reported by the PSNI in the Newry, Mourne and Down policing district over the three day Christmas period.

Fourteen officers were assaulted with one officer hospitalised by a disgusting bite injury. This disturbing litany of assaults is becoming all too common a spokesperson said, and will be having a detrimental effect on both the wellbeing and morale of officers as they carry out their duties of protecting the public.

This trend of attacking public servants, like fire fighters, ambulance paramedics and front line hospital emergency staff is “totally unacceptable” and needs to be stopped.

In addition to the reported assaults on police officers yet another police vehicle was rammed, this time in Forkhill, with the vehicle used to ram escaping over the border.

On this occasion the officers were shocked but fortunately unhurt. However, the police vehicle was severely damaged and this will hamper the police  patrolling capacity in the area whilst the specialised damaged vehicle undergoes extensive repairs.

Ulster Unionist Policing Board member, Alan Chambers MLA, said: “Regrettably this trend of assaults on police officers will continue to occur until a review of sentencing guidelines for the judiciary is carried out by the Department of Justice and implemented as a matter of urgency.

“The sentencing guidance for a minor and non-permanent assault on a police officer has a starting point of a community order and a compensation order ranging to the upper limit of an additional fine.

“Such an assault may be considered minor but a punch landing inches away from where suffered could have a life changing outcome.

“Assaults should be judged not by the injury caused but by the very intent that an assault was launched at all. The sentencing guidance for an assault causing a more serious injury recommends a range of custody from two to six months.

“An assault involving gratuitous violence such as kicking or stamping a victim when on the ground, or a motiveless assault is only subject to a recommended custody range of four to six months.

“Is this how we value and protect our police officers? None of these sentencing guidelines offer any deterrent value to make an assailant think twice before assaulting a police officer.

“The police deserve better protection by the courts but these guidelines can curtail the ability of judges to truly evaluate what sentence an assailant deserves.

“I have been campaigning for a different approach to be taken in regards to the increasing and frequent ramming of police vehicles as well as vehicles being driven towards officers whilst outside their police vehicle.”

Alan Chambers added: “In my opinion these attacks that use a vehicle as a weapon should be treated in the same way as the use of a firearm.

“Both weapons deployed against a police officer are designed to kill or injure and should be viewed as attempted murder. Instead the outcome upon arrest of a suspect who has rammed a police vehicle will result in a series of motoring offences that in no way reflect the intent or serious nature of the crime committed.

“I understand from discussing this with senior management in the PSNI that this is due to the high bar set by the Public Prosecution Service in proving attempted murder.

“This is another area that requires urgent review by the Department of Justice. It is only a matter of time before an officer is killed or severely injured by a deliberate act of ramming their vehicle or aiming a vehicle at them while outside their police vehicle.

“I would call on the Justice Minister to address these sentencing issues with urgency.

“They should apply to all front line public servants but especially to police officers who confront violent situations on a daily basis.”

Ballynahinch RFC Win Ulster Senior Cup

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Ballynahinch RFC Win Ulster Senior Cup

Ballynahinch RFC firsts enjoy a win over Instonians to lift the silver

Bank of Ireland Ulster Senior Cup,

Venues: Affidea Stadium, Ravenhill, Belfast, 27th December 2025,

Reports by James Kirk,

Final Score: Instonians 14 19 Ballynahinch RFC.

Claytan Milligan and his team celebrate winning the Bank of Ireland Ulster Senior Cup Final after they defeated Instonians 14-19 at the Affixes Stadium, Ravenhill Park, Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photos By John Dickson/Dickson Digital ©).

A large Ballynahinch travelling support made their way to Affidea stadium confident that they would have some silverware to accompany them back to Ballymacarn Park as the in form second fifteen faced Junior stalwarts Enniskillen in the Junior Cup Final before the first fifteen side featured in the showpiece Senior Cup Final against Instonians.

The seconds went into their final unbeaten so far this season, having blazed a trail through league and picked off some notable scalps in the cup. However they were uncharacteristically sloppy in possession and had no answer to a well drilled Enniskillen side who punished them at every opportunity.

Claytan Milligan receives the Bank of Ireland Ulster Senior Cup from Ulster Branch Junior Vice President Paula Stewart.

They were briefly in the game around the half hour mark when hooker Chris Francis powered over following a period of sustained pressure but failed to take advantage of an Enniskillen yellow and conceded crucial tries either side of the break to give themselves a mountain to climb.

Kyle Gill scored a fine individual try towards the end but Enniskillen had the final word with a sixth try to give the scoreboard a lopsided look.

There is still much to play for this season for this young Ballynahinch side and they will learn plenty from this experience as they seek to defend the Towns Cup and press home their advantage in the league.

Claytan Milligan and his team celebrate winning the Bank of Ireland Ulster Senior Cup Final.

The Senior Cup Final proved to be an excellent advert for club rugby with a physical, closely-contested match giving supporters of both sides plenty to cheer.

Instonians took an early lead with recent ulster call-up Bradley MacNamara showing plenty of pace to take advantage of a favourable bounce and race over the line.

James Humphreys in action during the Bank of Ireland Ulster Senior Cup Final.

Ballynahinch showed all their class across the remainder of the first half as they began to win the physical battle, eventually sucking in the Instonians defence to allow outhalf James Humphreys to score almost unopposed and then taking the lead before the break when Aaron Sexton shredded the cover defence before offloading to Matthew Booth for the try.

Ballynahinch continued to turn the screw in the third quarter with two superb Conor Rankin penalties taking them two scores ahead as they kept their opponents at arms length. However the game came to life with a second Instonian try setting up a grandstand finish.

Ballynahinch used all their big game experience to dominate the closing exchanges and although electric replacement Pierce Crowe had a try denied by a superb cover tackle, Rankin knocked over a last minute penalty to put the game beyond doubt and install the Senior Cup back into the trophy cabinet at Ballymacarn Park.

Zack McCall takes on the Instonian defence.

Ballynahinch Thirds Ousted Out Of Ulster Junior Cup Final

Ballynahinch Thirds 2 14 Enniskillen 48

Quinn Armstrong presses forward during the Ulster Junior Cup Final between Enniskillen and Ballynahinch 3s at the Affixes Stadium.
Kyle Gill breaks clear.
Harry McCormick during the Ulster Junior Cup Final between Enniskillen and Ballynahinch 3s at the Affixes Stadium, Ravenhill Park, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Joe Charles in possession. (Photos by John Dickson/DicksonDigital©).

Shannon Calls For Safer Parking In Crossgar

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Shannon Calls For Safer Parking In Crossgar

Resident Parking at Edenvale and Station Park, Crossgar, needs to be addressed says Jim Shannon MP

Following discussion with local residents in the area, Strangford MP Jim Shannon has called on the PSNI and Road Service to work together to ensure the safe parking and flow of traffic in the area through Crossgar.

Jim Shannon said: “For some time now, inconsiderate parking by those nipping in to local shops and eateries at road junctions and around the roundabout at Crossgar has been an issue for local residents.

“I met with some just before Christmas and they highlighted the safety issues due to no sight lines and the prevention of emergency vehicles being able to access local homes.

“It is clear that local residents are extremely frustrated over the unsafe and inconsiderate parking by people whom they cannot contact to move the car should there be an emergency.

“The result of that frustration is a rise in the temperature and it is clear that Road Service and the PSNI must work together to help ensure that people can safely park and enjoy the area whilst residents can get to and from their homes.

“There is a way of doing this and the way must be found.”

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