The challenge came after Education Minister Paul Givan refused applications from Bangor Academy and Rathmore Primary School, also in the town.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said he believes the four-party coalition works ‘pretty collaboratively’.

However Health Minister Mike Nesbitt warned of the impact a nurses strike could have this winter if they do not receive pay parity.

Defence barrister Mark Mulholland KC has said there is no case to answer because crucial evidence is ‘unreliable’.

They include former PE teacher Jim Mulholland, 84, who was part of the first graduation ceremony in 1975.

The former paratrooper has been accused of the murder of two men during the events in 1972.

Andrew Muir also said he would not rule out the administration collapsing before the next Assembly election due in 2027.

Defence barrister Mark Mulholland questioned changes in Soldier H’s evidence over the years and said it was unreliable.

A defence barrister for Soldier F has argued evidence in the case is ‘fundamentally contradictory’.

Denis McLaughlin, who was 16 at the time, said he witnessed a man being injured and falling.

The Foreign Secretary welcomed counterparts from across the region to the historic venue in Co Down on Thursday morning.

Police also investigated Marie Anderson for the potential offence of perverting the course of justice relating to an incident in 2023.

Ian Paisley said in a new BBC podcast that while he was open to conversations, he emphasised his identity is British.

The trial of Soldier F for the murder of two men heard one of his colleagues describe being terrified on the day of the shootings in 1972.

Statements from two fellow former paratroopers claim they were aware that Soldier F had opened fire in Glenfada Park where two men were killed.

John McCourt said he was struck himself by a rubber bullet and had not posed any threat to the soldiers.

It follows a report that loyalist paramilitaries had threatened violence against council facilities.

Scores of people suffered sexual, physical and emotional abuse at the homes from 1922 to 1995.

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said the move will keep traffic flowing as the city centre gets busier in the approach to the festive season.

Father Gerry Campbell described a ‘sorrow too heavy for words’ being felt by the community who knew them.