Andrew Madden

4 days ago | belfasttelegraph.co.uk | Andrew Madden

Former DUP MP Paisley sets up new business to provide expert advice to firmsControversial ex-politician back in the public eye with launch of own management consultancyIan Paisley (Picture: Martin McKeown)Former DUP MP Ian Paisley has started a management consultancy business, according to newly-filed company records. He lost his seat in North Antrim to TUV leader Jim Allister in last July’s General Election.

4 days ago | belfasttelegraph.co.uk | Andrew Madden

The owners of two businesses destroyed during racist rioting in Belfast last summer have hit out at a “deeply insulting” offer of £4,000 in financial support from the council. Bash Café owner Mohammed Idris and business partners Mohammed Bashir and Abdelkader Al Alloush, who run Sham Supermarket, have been waiting for almost 10 months for Belfast City Council’s promised “programme of financial assistance”.

5 days ago | belfasttelegraph.co.uk | Andrew Madden

New details reveal how taxpayers have funded trips to places such as Morocco, Japan and Iceland. The Belfast Telegraph previously revealed that more than £200,000 was spent on travel for Executive ministers over this period. However, the latest data also includes bills for sending officials overseas for business, conferences and training. Figures uncovered by TUV MLA Timothy Gaston reveal that the Department for the Economy (DfE) forked out the most – some £109,741 since February 2024.

5 days ago | belfasttelegraph.co.uk | Andrew Madden

One MLA said he was astonished after it emerged taxpayers have funded trips to places such as Morocco, Japan and Iceland. TUV representative Timothy Gaston questioned if it was value for money at a time when key services are facing budget cuts. The Belfast Telegraph previously revealed that more than £200,000 was spent on travel for Executive ministers over this period. However, the latest data also includes bills for sending officials overseas for business, conferences and training.

5 days ago | belfasttelegraph.co.uk | Andrew Madden

Some 36% of listed buildings here are in a poor or very poor condition, while a third are lying vacant, according to a recent survey. Listed buildings are those deemed to be of special historical or architectural interest. Once a building is listed, it is offered a degree of legal protection. Any significant changes to such buildings can only happen with consent from the local council.