Workers Party Newry

29/05/2026

Workers Party Calls on Minister to Stop Proposed 450 Staff Redundancies at the University of Ulster
The decision by the management of the University of Ulster to cut 450 posts will decimate the university and will have a major impact on staff and students. It will be staff and students who will suffer the consequences of yet another short-sighted action by those charged with the responsibility of protecting and safeguarding jobs and student numbers.

As a student at the University of Ulster, every day I experience the skills and dedication of the staff. It is due to their knowledge and commitment that the university has earned the highly regarded international reputation that management are so proud to boast about in their advertising and marketing materials, and in their frequent attendance at international conferences where no expense is spared.

According to the BBC, a spokesperson for the university said: “Ulster University has sought to hold off on making redundancies while continuing to work with the Department for the Economy …It has recently been made clear to us that a sustainable funding model is not going to be forthcoming and, regretfully, we must now act to reduce our costs.”

A spokesperson for the Department for the Economy said finances are “extremely challenging”, as they urged the government in Westminster to deliver a “sustainable funding model”. Meanwhile the Minister, Sinn Féin’s Caoimhe Archibald, as usual, blamed the British for lack of monies, a predictable response.

In our response to John O’Dowd’s proposed 2026-29 Budget, the Workers Party identified over £500 million in potential annual revenue or savings that could be brought to the public purse through the removal of commercial and domestic rates reliefs and removal of completely unnecessary consultancy fees.

Of course, more money for Stormont will have no effect on most people if the extra money goes to the private sector. The Workers Party is in the fight for a society where the producers of value are in democratic control of the social surplus which currently, in the form of profit, goes into the bank accounts and lifestyles of the people who own our jobs and manage our institutions.

The Workers Party stands in solidarity with the staff and students who will be forced to fight for the survival of an education system that puts the education of current and future students first. The decimation of the University will have a particularly devastating impact on working class students, who should think carefully about who they support and vote for in future elections.

29/05/2026

Mid Ulster WP Rep joins 3,000 protesting government’s ongoing failure to deal with the blue green algae pollution
Several thousand people attended a protest at Ardboe calling for urgent environmental action to safeguard Lough Neagh

By Stanley Campbell. This story was published in Nothern ireland World , 18th May 2026

Mid Ulster Workers' Party representative Hugh Scullion, along with his wife Madeline, took part in the protest which was attended by around 3,000 people to protest about the government’s failure to deal with the blue green algae pollution.

Former MP and civil rights campaigner Bernadette McAliskey addressed the event, which had received support from TV presenter and naturalist Chris Packham.

Mr Scullion said Lough Neagh supplied 40% of Northern Ireland’s drinking water and was once a major source of employment to the fishing industry especially Lough Neagh eels.

He continued: "The pollution is believed to be caused by an excess of nutrients from domestic, agricultural waste and major food processing. Raising temperature of the water due to climate change and sand dredging are also believed to a contributing factor.

"There has also been an invasion of Zebra Mussels. Nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen are found in agricultural fertiliser, which can be washed off land and into water Local people know the source of the problems, but the government seem more intent on protecting the polluters than the lough. Minister Andrew Muir claims this issue is his priority but warned that there are no quick fixes.

“Nicholas Ashley-Cooper Earl, of Shaftesbury who owns the bed and soil of Lough Neagh since the 19th century, after the Chichester family seized control in the 17th century is prepared to sell it too the government. But the Workers Party is of the view that the owner of the bed and soil should be made to foot the bill for the clean up.”

Mr Scullion asked why should the public purse pay for the pollution of the lough and the subsequent clean up?

"It should be brought back into public ownership, after the current owners take the necessary measures to deal with the pollution and the consequences it has had on local livelihoods in the fishing industry,” he went on. Mr Scullion finished by saying action needs to be taken at once to tackle the problem as it is an ongoing and fundamental problem.

"The best solution would be public ownership who could responsibly manage the lough and secure its future,” he added.

https://workersparty.net/Workers-Party-Hugh-Lough-Neagh-protest

08/05/2026

07/05/2026

What a great day for workers party comrades celebrating International workers day in Belfast 🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩

07/05/2026

01/04/2026

GRANT DEMANDS ACCOUNTABILITY OVER SECRET £10K COUNCIL CHRISTMAS HAMPERS

Newry and Armagh Workers Party representative Nicola Grant has called the actions of the Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon Council irresponsible and inappropriate in giving Christmas hampers to the great, the good, and those in highly paid employment across Northern Ireland and further afield.

Grant stated: "Councillors were unaware of these gifts costing the council over £10,000 and no one knows who made the decision.

"As rates are rising for businesses and residents, and people are struggling to make ends meet on a daily basis, to hear the council has sent gifts to those earning hundreds of thousands of pounds per year, is yet another slap in the face for rate payers.

"Many people in the council catchment area are will have had to go into debt to provide even the essentials for Christmas so their families could have a Christmas dinner and a gift.

"This shameful and exstravagant expenditure on the part of the council is outrageous and those who made the decision must be held accountable."

The Workers Party representative continued:
"There now must be an audit of all councils to learn if other councils across Northern Ireland have been engaged in similar activities, there must be clear instructions to all councils to stop these activities. She added if the Northern Ireland Secretary of State and the head of the civil service received such gifts why it was not at once reported as inappropriate and action taken to ensure there would be no further waste of ratepayer's money."

Nicola Grant concluded by asking are those who run our public sector totally oblivious to the cost of living crisis that ratepayers face and struggles they have living from pay day to pay day to feed and buy clothes from their children, “or do they just not care” this is gut wrenching news about such a cavalier attitude some council officials have towards the public sector purse.

01/04/2026

🇮🇪*Easter 2026 – From 1916 to Today*🚩

This Easter Sunday, 5th April 2026, join the *Workers’ Party* as we march in remembrance — and in determination to build a better future.

🕑 Assemble 2:30pm | 🚶 Parade at 3:00pm | 📍 Beechmount Avenue

Led by the Terence Perry Accordion Band, we remember the men and women of 1916 and all those who gave their lives trying to achieve a Socialist Republic — a republic founded on equality, public ownership, and the power of the working class.

In a time of inequality, division, and exploitation, we reaffirm our commitment to the ideals of James Connolly — for workers’ rights, collective workers’ control, and a society built on equality, democracy, and solidarity.

The promise of 1916 remains unfulfilled. Across Ireland, wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few while workers face rising costs, insecure jobs, and a housing crisis. The need for socialism has never been clearer.

We march not only to remember — but to organise, to resist, and to build working class power.

Wreaths will be carried in memory of our comrades. To organise one for a loved one, please contact Billy Holden or John Lynn.

The event will be chaired by Brian Lynch with guest speakers.

*Organise. Agitate. Build Socialism.*

"Stick on an Easter Lily"

#1916

01/03/2026

Delighted to see the start of construction of the new public swimming pool in Cloughreagh, one of the many in construction around Newry. A great benefit for the residents.

Disclaimer
Apologies I have been informed this is Just the current state of our roads. 😫

27/02/2026

WORKERS' PARTY CONDEMNS INTIMIDATION CAMPAIGN IN CLOUGH

​Colm Mullan, the Workers’ Party representative for Downpatrick, has issued a forceful condemnation of a threatening leaflet recently distributed in Clough, labelling the material as an expression of racist and sectarian hatred.

Mr. Mullan emphasised that the explicit threats of physical violence directed at both individuals and property demand an immediate, unified response from political, religious, and community leaders.

He stated that the primary intent of the correspondence was to intimidate new residents and to illegitimately dictate who is permitted to live within the area.

​According to Mr. Mullan, the individuals behind this campaign wrongly believe they possess the right to displace residents from their homes through fear and coercion. In a particularly bold move, the authors of the leaflet attempted to leverage the name of a local councillor to gain a veneer of legitimacy. However, that councillor has since denied any involvement or prior knowledge of the letter and has joined in the strong condemnation of its contents.

​Mr. Mullan further asserted that there is no place in a modern society for threats against life or property based on an individual's religion, culture, ethnic background, or personal beliefs. He warned that extreme right-wing elements are active across Northern Ireland with the sole objective of sowing division and spreading the dual poisons of sectarianism and racism.

​The Workers’ Party representative insists that these threats must be classified and investigated as hate crimes. He argued that the community must send a clear message: it is the people distributing this vile and hateful literature, not the residents they target, who are unwelcome in society.

Highlighting his party's long-standing history of opposing all forms of discrimination—including sectarianism, racism, misogyny, and sexism—Mr. Mullan reaffirmed their commitment to standing with those currently living in fear.

​In a final call to action, he urged the police to investigate this matter as a priority and to ensure the perpetrators are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. He concluded by reminding the public that a house is a fundamental human right and a home, rather than a piece of tribal territory to be claimed or contested.