I've got a regional flight from City Airport with Aer Lingus coming up. I've got a 7kg baggage allowance but my case is slightly bigger than the dimensions they give. I don't fancy booking hold luggage for it since I don't need a full 20kg and was thinking about just risking taking my small case on board. Does anyone know if they're strict on luggage? Is it worth my while risking it or will I just book it on and save myself £9?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/clyveyz90y3o

An £800,000 Stormont report aimed at addressing disputes over flags and bonfires has not been implemented almost three years since it was published.

The report by the Commission on Flags, Identity, Culture and Tradition (FICT) was released in December 2021.

A working group set up to look at its proposals has not met in more than two years.

The Executive Office said the FICT report will be considered as part of a review of its community relations strategy.

Professor Dominic Bryan, co-chair of the flags commission wearing a black blazer and blue shirt and glasses, bushes and red brick house in background Image caption, Professor Dominic Bryan, co-chair of the flags commission

Professor Dominic Bryan, co-chair of the commission, said he was "disappointed that it hasn't moved faster".

"There are some areas where we had agreement across all the political parties, such as on bonfires, where there really could be advances made," he said.

The Queen's University Belfast academic said he was hopeful the report would not be left "on a shelf".

"We put a lot of resources into it, people put a lot of time and effort into it," he said.

"Having got a cross-party agreement on things, I really think it's worth holding onto and taking forward."

Stormont's Executive Office set up FICT in 2016 in an effort to tackle disagreements over a range of identity and cultural issues such as flags and bonfires.

When the report was released, the Executive Office said a working group - involving junior ministers, advisers and officials - would "continue to meet" to consider it.

The working group met once in January 2022 before Northern Ireland's power-sharing government collapsed later that year.

It has not been reconvened since the Northern Ireland Executive was restored in February after a two-year hiatus.

Alliance Party assembly member Paula Bradshaw, chair of the Executive Office scrutiny committee, expressed concern at the lack of progress.

She has submitted a private member's bill which seeks to implement some of the FICT proposals on flags.

"While absolute consensus was not reached on every issue during the FICT process, there was absolute consensus the status quo is unacceptable," she added.

What was in the FICT report? The commission was formed under the Fresh Start Agreement.

Its 15-member panel, which involved political and non-political appointees, consulted with many stakeholders and community groups.

It had been due to report in December 2017 - 18 months after it was set up.

But its work was affected by the collapse of devolution in January 2017.

Its findings were finally presented to the Stormont executive in July 2020, but were not published until December 2021.

The papers runs to 168 pages and contains 17 chapters looking at a range of areas including identity, flags, bonfires, murals, memorials in public spaces.

On flags, the commission said it had not reached agreement on whether changes should be made to legislation on placing flags on lampposts and other street furniture.

But it said there was "widespread agreement" on the elements of a possible "code of practice", such as keeping flags away from interfaces.

On bonfires, the commission recommended that only wood should be burnt and the gathering of materials should be limited to the six weeks before the pyre is lit.

Restrictive covenants In the absence of consensus at Stormont, the regulation of flags appears to be happening elsewhere.

Property lawyer Philip Armstrong said flags were being prohibited from new housing developments through what are known as "restrictive covenants".

These legal rules contained in property deeds can cover a wide range of areas.

But Mr Armstrong said they were now "routinely" being used in relation to flags.

"I would say that in most new-build properties, we are seeing restrictive covenants which are prohibiting the exhibition or display of flags or banners or emblems," he said.

"I think that's a sign that developers particularly realise that for the future attractiveness of the development and properties for sale, an absence of those political emblems can be a real advantage."

Philip Armstrong in black blazer and white shirt, smiling in a corridor with doors and chairs in background Image caption, Philip Armstrong said covenants are "routinely" being used to restrict the display of flags

'Inform broader thinking' Stormont’s Executive Office is the joint department of First Minister Michelle O'Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly.

In a statement a spokeswoman said: "The recommendations of the FICT report are under consideration as part of the current review of the T:BUC (Together: Building a United Community) strategy.

"This will ensure the cross cutting and wide-reaching impacts of the issues covered within FICT inform broader thinking on good relations."

I was just sitting in the house thinking about Halloween this evening. It's turned into a bit of a spiel and I'm sorry for that

But

It's a well known fact about the origin of Halloween in Ireland.

I know Halloween has been very americanised but if you look at what happens in Ireland you can still really see the ancient origins of it coming through.

The games played and the links to old traditions, although these are probably all but dead genealogy few generations they are distinctly irish and are not an American bastardised game.

The customs associated with death, love, marriage etc.

The lighting of bonfires and the likes are ancient and common in ireland.

Another common occurance is the "trick" aspect of halloween, this would be rightfully called anti social behaviour in many occasions, throwing of fire works, egging cars and the likes. There has always been pranks played on people at halloween -Halloween has always been known as a boisterous time of the year and people would have always been playing tricks on other people from time immortal

Halloween has always been eagerly awaited by young irish teenagers and people in their early 20s as a night that they would go mad and have a wild night.

I suppose my question is would any unionists / protestants / people who identify as being British have done anything similar or is that only a thing irish / catholics would have done?

Like when I was younger I would have saved for months to buy fireworks, organising bonfires and everyone on our road would meet up and walk around playing tricks on neighbours, when people got older they would have been driving around and causing havoc

But it truly was a night that everyone looked forward to and enjoyed.

despite it being clearly antisocial behaviour and as an older person looking back now I really realise how much of a hindrance and bad it was for ordinary people.

But it really feels like halloween was a right of passage - you had to be out and up to some sort of badness and mischief and I wouldn't have changed it for the world.

But is this solely a nationalist phenomenon?

Do themuns get up to any badness over Halloween? Or do they just do the standard american style Halloween of a simple dress up and do some simple trick or treating?

Do they build bonfires or is that just left to the 12th of July?

It would feel so strange having a childhood that didn't have an element of mischief on Halloween and it would be great to hear other people's experiences of it?

My tax expires today and my MOT is tomorrow, so I have 24 hours of my car not being taxed. I'm late with my MOT because of the backlog but I didn't actually know you can't tax without an MOT as they never fell at the same time before.

I know I'm supposed to declare my car SORN (I won't be driving it except to the MOT) but I read online that you can't drive a SORN car anywhere, even to an MOT. And I know I can't 'un-SORN' it until I get tax, which requires the MOT, so it's a bit of a loop.

So I was just wondering if anyone knows how soon after your tax expiring would you get the automatic fine? I should pass my MOT so can tax the car again either 1-2 days after it expires depending on when the system updates with a valid MOT, but I'd like to avoid the automatic fine if possible.

Alternatively if Google is wrong and you can drive to an MOT centre in a SORN car then I'll just register it as SORN.

Thank you to anyone who can help :)

My dad died on this day 6years ago. Sorry for bumming you out. Halloween has always been way more of my thing than Christmas. A friend of mine, her dad died on Christmas day. She refused to put up decorations or participate in any way until her daughter was born over a decade later. But she found happiness again in the festive season through her own child.

Isn't it class the way kids can do that?

We sat for three hours in a Belfast hospice, staring at dad after he passed. His eyes were half-closed and jaw open, like a zombie. It was the first time I had seen a person, pre-mortician, in that state. I looked at him while fireworks clapped in the background and dry autumn leaves flicked against the hospice window. I couldn't help but see the spookiness in a kitsch way as he lay there. For about 15mins before he died, I held his hand knowing he was about to leave. Dosed up on drivers and unaware of his pain, he looked like a fish out of water. I was convinced his soul had left his body weeks before, but when he suddenly jerked up from his pillow and gasped for air that would not satisfy life, I realised the prolonged suffering he experienced in being trapped. The nurses rocked up to hold him in his last gasp and checked his pulse until it faded. They knew this procedure by heart. I held my mum in fear and sadness and relief while they let it happen.

It might be worth noting here, that as he began his final exit, something indescribable passed from him to me as I held him. It haunted me for years. It was something far bigger than life itself and by fuck, did it take me by storm. I spent years in a strange fugue trying to reconcile with it. I still don't know what it was.

Halloween as a kid - he used to hit the brazil buts with a hammer and light sparklers with a blow torch. Help me with dodgy illegal fireworks. Tell me and my friends sincere ghost stories when nobody sceptical was around. Oh, and how to light farts. If that was an olympic sport, he'd be platinum, gold, silver and bronze with no competitors in his category.

He taught me basic guitar and a love for classical masters like Julian Bream, John Williams and the revered teacher, Andres Segovia. On Saturday nights, we would sit with a glass of red (or several), having a smoke and anticipating Recuerdos De La Alhambra coming up next on the CD. Now I'm a metal-head when it comes to guitar, but I have huge respect for Classical performers. Especially the tremolo aspect of the aforementioned track. It would send shivers down our spines and unite us in a "holy-fuck-the-talent" kind of moment. We would smile at each other, half-pissed, the room full of smoke and just live for this moment. It was like a ritual.

I have never stopped loving or celebrating Halloween. Each year among the pumpkins and trick-or-treats and dress-up, I pause and raise a glass of wine to him and at some point, Recuerdos De La Alhambra will be played.

Happy Halloween, everyone. Don't let death get in the way of a good scare.

Onwards with the show.

What is your monthly budget? We’re a couple, mortgage, dog, never had a joint account for outgoings. What do you pay a month in a similar situation? We’re thinking of direct debiting into a Revolut account with both to have a debit card to use. Any wise wisdom to share? Thanks!

Jamie Bryson says Irish primary school part of 'cultural insurgency' as banner opposing it appears

He was speaking on Thursday as a banner was erected in the area, voicing opposition to the school.

The school has faced objections from loyalists in the area, who say it is not wanted; a meeting of some 350-or so people took place in July, in opposition to the plans.

Bunscoil na Seolta’s site is at Montgomery Road, Castlereagh, next to a police station on a commercial estate.

The land – currently empty – was zoned specifically for business purposes, but this zoning was set aside by the city council when it approved the school plan.

A statement from Mr Bryson said: “The residents have an absolute right to peacefully express their opposition to the latest effort to impose Irish cultural identity on predominantly unionist/loyalist areas.

“Whilst unionist culture is never welcome in nationalist areas, and indeed for decades there has been orchestrated campaigns to block peaceful traditional Orange Order and band parades, unionists/loyalists are expected to accept the imposition of Irish schools, signage and GAA.

“It is legitimate to object to this cultural insurgency. It is not about opposition to a school; for those who want Irish language schools, then let them be built in areas which welcomes and wants Irish identity.

“Those behind this political agenda are using schoolchildren as tactic as a means of a propaganda trick designed to force unionists/loyalists to feel compelled to open the door to the latest Irish cultural incursion. And of course, it never stops. Nationalism if given an inch will take a mile.

“Peaceful protest is legitimate, and if that takes the form of banners, then that is valid.”

Sinn Fein South Belfast MLA Deirdre Hargey meanwhile said: “This is the latest attempt to prevent those who want to experience and develop the Irish language in east Belfast from doing so.

“The Irish language is for everyone to share and enjoy, and that’s why it is flourishing across society.

“Those involved in the campaign to block the development of the Irish language in this part of the city must stop.

"Bunscoil na Seolta's facilities have already been approved by Belfast City Council, and they should move forward without delay.

“Political and community leaders must make it clear that they reject these kind of actions which are hostile to those who want to enjoy the Irish language.”

Anyone get watching this earlier tonight? Loads of stuff I never knew about Pagan and early Christian arrival in Ireland. Was a great wee watch if you’re into history and boring your friends to death when you stop at every historical ruin you spot driving.

Coalisland: Man shot in ‘appalling’ incident in Co Tyrone as PSNI condemns 'vigilante justice' | BelfastTelegraph.co.uk

A man needed hospital treatment after being shot in Co Tyrone.

The incident happened in the Coalisland area yesterday evening.

According to police, the victim was shot in the arm.

His injuries are not serious.

The PSNI condemned the incident and said there is no place for “this type of vigilante justice”.

Detective Inspector Ryan said: “Shortly after 7pm, we received a report that a man aged in his 40s had attended hospital with a suspected gunshot wound.

"He stated that while sitting in a vehicle, he was approached by two men who he believed to be local to the area. A suspected firearm was put through the window of his vehicle and he was shot to his arm.

“At this time, the injuries he received are thankfully not thought to be life-threatening or life-changing."

Detective Inspector Ryan continued: "It's appalling that anyone should be attacked in this way, especially in the early evening when the area would have been busy with shoppers and commuters.

"There is no place in our society for this type of vigilante justice and we are fortunate that the outcome was not much more serious.

“Our enquiries are at an early stage and we would appeal for anyone with information in relation to this incident to contact us.

“We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have been in The Lines area of the town, from Canal Quay to the car park at the retail premises, between 6pm and 6.40pm. If you saw or heard anything suspicious, or have footage which could assist our investigation, please call our detectives".

Heading to the GOH on Tuesday night to see Foy Vance. Hubby has lifts sorted meaning we can both drink. Any nice restaurants in the city centre where you can bring your own booze on Tuesday evening?

Long story short; I applied for a job recently and got offered an interview. I went and felt like it went well, but not a sure thing like I've had in other places.

I was contacted on the day they said they'd be letting candidates know informing me I didn't get it, it was a close run thing, the usual polite turning down you often get from jobs. No biggie.

However, they also asked if I wanted to be put on a reserve for a set period of time in case anything comes up. I've not had this happen before. I confirmed I did and got confirmation that I'd be put on reserve.

Have any of you ever been offered a job on this basis before? Is it more of a courtesy thing? I've not dealt with this before so I'm genuinely curious.

Happy Halloween!

Mine is candy corn 😂

Git de fuck

Wife and childer in the town. Currently cuddling the bejaysus out of the pup. The dog is on drugs, not me. A wee concoction from the vet. Wrapped up tight in a blanket, being the wee spoon while I attempt to Pavlov her by giving her a wee dreamies cat treat for all the bangs she gets startled at. Are dog ear defenders a thing? If so, I'm definitely getting some before new years.

Remember they outlawed the private use of fireworks? Where do people even get their hands on them?

No trick or treaters, can’t see anyone out, I either live in a very uneventful and unenthusiastic place but Christ I’ve never seen a Halloween like it. Makes my inner child depressed.🤷🏻‍♂️

I got a gas bill through from SSE for the last quarter for £1400! My normal bill for summer quarter is £180. They claimed it was an actual read and not an estimate. My gas box is in my garden that isn’t accessible without opening the padlock on the gate. When I called to complain they said that sometimes the guys that read the meters just put in anything. This wasn’t a case of them not being able to gain access so they just typed in anything because I checked my ring door bell for the day they claim is was read and of course no one turned up. Of course I noticed as the bill was ridiculous but I’m sure this happens to people without them knowing so double check your bills. When they don’t do or can’t do a reading they give you an estimated bill based on previous usage that is close enough give or take 10%. Just shocked that they claimed it was an actually reading and such a ridiculous one too. No apology or nothing! Sorry for the rant, just needed to whinge lol happy Halloween 🎃

PSNI: Officers watched body-worn footage for 'entertainment' - BBC News

More than 70 Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) officers watched body-worn video footage of a drugs arrest for their “entertainment and amusement”, an investigation has found.

The footage was accessed largely “without legitimate purpose” at 20 police stations on 248 occasions between 2019 and 2022, including one officer who watched it 21 times.

The Police Ombudsman's Office said “management action” had been taken against 74 officers, which is designed to improve their conduct.

The PSNI said it accepted three of the recommendations made by the Police Ombudsman and that it had introduced additional safeguards around body-worn video.

Another officer is the subject of an ongoing investigation into potential criminality in relation to accessing the material.

The footage showed a person being arrested for possession of illegal drugs.

'Lack of awareness'

During the incident, the arresting officer made an error administering a criminal caution, “causing a colleague to laugh in the background”.

Chief executive of the Police Ombudsman’s Office, Hugh Hume, said: “The video may have been viewed for entertainment and amusement, but the officers who did so showed little regard for the privacy of the man being arrested, nor for the emotional wellbeing of their colleague featured in the video.”

The issue emerged during a separate investigation.

“The responses received from officers, when asked to provide their reasons for accessing the video, suggested an apparent lack of awareness that doing so might constitute a criminal or misconduct offence," Mr Hume said.

“A number of officers indicated in their responses that as a result of the investigation they had refreshed their knowledge of PSNI guidance regarding body-worn video, which I welcome.”

Mr Hume said it was "imperative" that body-worn footage "should only be accessed for lawful policing purposes".

"Police use body-worn video to gain first accounts from victims that they meet. They use it to record their interactions with the most vulnerable people in our society."

'Significant residual risk'

He said the “management action” approach was “a reasonable and proportionate outcome”.

The PSNI accepted a number of recommendations designed to address misuse of body-worn video.

However, it rejected a suggested dip-sampling exercise - a random review - “to evaluate the scale of unauthorised access to the body-worn video system”.

The PSNI said it had introduced dip sampling by line managers as well as independent scrutiny via our newly established Service Accountability Panel which it was satisfied "achieved the same end result".

“Given the weaknesses in the control of access to body-worn video, it is our view there remains a significant residual risk that private and personal data can be accessed without a legitimate policing purpose," Mr Hume said.

He added that the ombudsman’s findings had been shared with the Information Commissioner’s Office.

'Disappointing breach of trust'

Speaking to BBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster programme, former PSNI officer Jon Burrows said it was "disappointing that the police officers have breached the trust that they have".

"It is unacceptable because police officers are trusted with really sensitive and sometimes very distressing and personal information from victims of crime," he said.

"The public need to know that the police service will treat that respectfully and confidentially."

Deputy Chief Constable Chris Todd said the PSNI had a range of measures in place to "ensure officers are aware of their responsibilities regarding the legislative requirements relating to acceptable use and Data Protection implications of viewing body-worn footage".

"Following the outcome of the Police Ombudsman investigation, the police service implemented the appropriate management action and will continue to keep procedures and policies regarding access to body-worn video under continuing review," he said.

Just wondering does the Y link day pass card work in ROI. Let's say I'm getting a train from Belfast to Dublin then I get a train onto Cork or anywhere else in the south

Basically posting

Two of my shorts here. And will add as I go.

If anyone in Belfast has made any. Stick them here and let's create a list of shorts made here.

The irish

https://youtu.be/0da00PQgzbo?si=p9Xj24iBWcnYmeQB

Whispers on the Prairie (released today for Halloween)

https://youtu.be/uTF9PUA2Ko0?si=WYeLNNPxyOZMEERc

Hope you all have a good day with your friends/family/etc :)

So I have a phone call with a gp today with beneden health, it's for my mental health. I have really bad anxiety but never diagnosed, I also think I may have adhd. Can the doctor prescribe anything for this? Just wondering if this phone call will be pointless and what all can they do?

TIA

Since it is Halloween I am all for hearing stories from around your area that aren`t known so well by the larger population - older types that start to live in the fogs of time. Any of you got any good ones?