u/Mission-implausible

Mayors are a thing of the past, right?

Mayors are one of those positions that feel like they’ve dandered straight out of the past; robes, chains, ceremonial handshakes, and a lot of ribbon cutting for things that were already open...

Mayor’s offices carry serious costs to the public purse. The Mayor of Derry receives a salary (around the £50k mark) along with a budget for duties, hospitality, travel & civic events that can lift the total annual cost up to £100k once staffing & office support are included.

The question is whether that money still reflects need, or whether it’s funding a ceremonial role in a time when councils are being asked to stretch every pound further.

Could this money be redirected into youth services, mental health, communities, local regeneration instead of sandwiches, dinners & photo ops?

This isn't about personalities (some sound people have held the role!) but about whether the structure itself still makes sense in 2026.

We’re planning a trip from Belfast to Orlando (2 adults & 1 kid), and I’m looking for some advice from anyone who’s been with similar needs, as all this planning is all hectic!

We’ll be travelling with a disability in our group, so I’ve a few questions:

What are the best areas to stay that are accessible and easy to get around?

How do the disability queue systems actually work in practice at Disney & Universal?

Is it realistic to “eat as you go” in the parks or is it better to plan sit down meals?

Are there any hidden accessibility issues we should be aware of before booking?

Any personal experiences or advice would be really appreciated! 😅

Thanks all!

Does anyone know where I can get a flux capacitor? I can get it yesterday if possible.

Who's best to publish a hard backed, professional looking book? It's only 14 pages and a gift for an event. Thanks!

Anywhere sells this locally?

Looking for remote friendly jobs, does anyone know any local employers currently hiring? P/T or F/T. Sound!

Dog owners - pick up your poo! I'm not sure if you're feeding them laxatives or have a competition for the biggest mound, but please lift it up. Council need to enforce the fines for your mess; it's boggin!

The NI Executive has failed us all by putting political stalemate, vetoes, and party interests ahead of stable government and any sort of planning. Instead of tackling bread and butter issues like health waiting lists, housing shortages, school pressures, jobs, Stormont lurches from crisis to collapse.

And to be honest, I'd rather see it closed down with immediate effect; it's a cash cow.

Northern Ireland has potential, but too much energy is spent on identity battles and scoring points rather than improving our lives. Young people leave for better opportunities, public services struggle, and communities are neglected. The biggest frustration for me isn't lack of ability, but a lack of leadership, consistency, and the courage to govern for everyone.

It's time to lock the doors and throw away the key...

Derek McInnes singing up to his neck in "Fenian Blood" (Billy Boys) with kids present during the rendition, will be tolerated by the SFA & Hearts. (Currently on YouTube, social media)

Sectarianism is accepted as the fabric of Scottish football, something to be overlooked - which is totally wrong.

MPs Andrew Gwynne, Bob Stewart sacked for similar offences, what's the difference here, sport?

Hearts support "Show Racism The Red Card", over to Hearts for a full investigation...

Sitting down the Quay and he says: "Guess the job in Derry?"

Pays around £91k a year (total office inc. car)

£150 for a ticket to support their work (charity tax, all money goes to charity)

Plenty of photos, speeches, smiles and local headlines.

Big profile, big days out.

Zero real powers to change your bins, roads, housing or waiting lists or anything.

Job comes with prestige, pomp, pageantry & handshakes.

Can open events, attend dinners and pose for ribbon cuttings.

Can’t actually run much.

If this sounds like value for money in 2026, fair enough, let us hear why.

If it sounds like symbolism dressed up as community representation, you might be onto something.

The £91k could be better spent? Is there any voices of change out there?

Answers on a postcard, Derry....! (Tbh, I never thought about redistributing the money and creating jobs!)

The resignations of Paul McCusker and now Paul Doherty should be setting off alarm bells for SDLP.

Experienced, able people stepping away while the party already looks like it’s losing direction on the ground.

It also raises a bigger question locally: where is Colum Eastwood?

He represents one of the most deprived constituencies in the UK, but he's invisible.

His numbers don’t help him either. His personal vote fell by more than 10,000. Alarm bells, Colum!

We all know the SDLP are shrinking. Losing councillors, ground, and now losing people internally.

Eastwood stepping down as party leader added to the sense that things aren’t exactly stable, and has the new SDLP leader (Hannah) made any positive noises about Derry?

What's the point on the SDLP? Yes they where key players, but now they're just a press release party.