Person

Emma Little-Pengelly

Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland

DUP blocks Michelle O'Neill from economic summit over Drumcree dispute

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly will not join Michelle O'Neill in joint engagements

Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill has been blocked by the Democratic Unionist Party from attending an economic summit with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham over the Drumcree Orange Order parade dispute. The DUP confirmed that Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly will not participate in joint engagements with O'Neill and that permission will not be granted for the first minister to attend the National Economic Council in Glasgow solo.

30 Oct 2026

World

Irish Traveller nomadic life 'at risk' as Northern Ireland sites dwindle, group warns

The nomadic way of life for Irish Travellers in Northern Ireland is under threat, a community support group has said, as the number of dedicated halting sites has fallen sharply over the past two decades and conditions on remaining sites are condemned as inadequate. The Northern Ireland Housing Executive, which oversees Traveller accommodation, has published a draft five-year strategy and insists it is committed to preserving Traveller culture. However, the Craigavon Travellers Support Committee has accused Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly of calling the police on roadside families during the summer rather than finding them suitable accommodation.

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