James McCarthy

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Political Reporter at Belfast Live

Political Reporter @BelfastLive @DailyMirrorNI | DMs open RTs ≠ endorsements | Views are my own etc [email protected]

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Articles

'UK's top food critic' in 'phony' row as he makes up to £1,500 per visit to popular restaurants

6 days ago | belfastlive.co.uk | James McCarthy |Lisa Letcher

A food influencer has caused quite the stir in after he posted a series of positive reviews on various top dining spots, reportedly earning up to £1,500 for each visit without making it clear if he was compensated.
New BBC TV licence rules explained - what it means for you as price increases

1 week ago | belfastlive.co.uk | James McCarthy |Frankie Collins

UK households have been hit with a rise in TV licence fees, with costs set to rise by £5 to £174.50 per year from Tuesday, April 1st. This increase, which is in line with the current Royal charter governing BBC's funding, comes at a time when living costs and energy prices are soaring, adding further financial strain on consumers. Amid ongoing debates about the sustainability of the BBC's funding model, significant changes could soon impact users of streaming services like Netflix and Disney+.
Daniel O'Donnell shares joy at becoming a grandad for the fourth time

1 week ago | belfastlive.co.uk | James McCarthy |Shauna Bannon Ward

Daniel O'Donnell and his wife Majella are delighted as they announce the birth of their fourth grandchild. Majella's son Michael and his partner Sarah, based in Australia, are celebrating the arrival of their firstborn — a baby boy. Speaking about the excitement back home in Ireland, the country music legend revealed that although they're eager to cuddle the new family member, it won't be long until they meet.
EastEnders Jacqueline Jossa and Dan Osborne 'have a lot to fight for' but friends say 'it's unlikely'

1 week ago | belfastlive.co.uk | Mitya Underwood |James McCarthy |Janine Yaqoob

Jacqueline Jossa and Dan Osborne have set tongues wagging about a possible reunion after they were spotted enjoying what seemed to be a blissful family holiday, causing quite a stir among their circle of friends. The couple, parents to Ella, 10, and Mia, six, both shared snaps from their sunny getaway on social media last week, igniting speculation that they might be attempting to mend their relationship.
15 stories that you might have missed this week while enjoying the sunshine

1 week ago | belfastlive.co.uk | James McCarthy

While most of us have been making the most of the sunny spell by lounging in parks, dusting off the BBQ and pretending that we don’t need a jacket, there has been plenty going on in Northern Ireland that might have slipped under your radar. It has been one of those weeks where the good weather lures you outside, and suddenly the Belfast Live app notifications don’t seem quite as important as an ice cream or a nice cold pint in a beer garden.
MLA shares arrival of baby boy as she hails hospital staff

1 week ago | belfastlive.co.uk | James McCarthy

Alliance MLA Kate Nicholl has announced that she gave birth to a baby boy last week. The South Belfast MLA welcomed her new baby, Dara, at the Royal Maternity Hospital on April 4. Posting a photo on social media of her husband, Fergal Sharkey, with the newborn and their two other children, Cian and Étaín, Kate thanked the staff at the hospital for their care. "This day last week our beautiful baby boy Dara came into the world," she said.
MLA calls on Education Minister to explore 'SEN first' strategy

1 week ago | belfastlive.co.uk | James McCarthy

An MLA is calling on the Education Minister to implement an "SEN first" approach when It comes to school admissions. Sinn Féin 's Danny Baker was speaking after parents of primary school age children received the outcomes of their application in recent days.
Lack of child protection guidelines for MLAs a "significant oversight"

1 week ago | belfastlive.co.uk | James McCarthy

The Northern Ireland Children's Commissioner has described the lack of child protection guidelines for MLA s as a "significant oversight." This comes after the Assembly Commission confirmed that there are currently no specific guidelines in place for MLAs who offer work experience to children and young people under the age of 18, Following inquiries from Belfast Live, the Assembly Commission stated that a document providing safeguarding guidance for MLAs is due to be published this month.
Live updates as 54 firefighters rush to latest wildfire

1 week ago | belfastlive.co.uk | James McCarthy

Firefighters are currently tackling a large gorse fire in Co Derry this evening. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that they have been called to a large blaze on Corrick Road, Draperstown. This latest inferno comes as the fire service earlier issued advice to the public on how to prevent wildfires this weekend. A NIFRS spokesperson said: "NIFRS are currently in attendance at a large gorse fire at Corrick road, Draperstown.
Fire Service issues 10 pieces of advice as NI wildfires continue

2 weeks ago | belfastlive.co.uk | James McCarthy

Wildfires are continuing to spread across Northern Ireland following a number of large blazes in recent days. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service are continuing to tackle a number of blazes in Co Tyrone and Co Armagh this evening. This comes after major gorse fires across the region in recent days, including in the Mournes and Belfast Hills.