February 2022 - Review of the Year

February began with the sad news of the death of popular Derry writer and broadcaster, Anita Robinson.

Mrs Robinson (76) died in hospital in Belfast following a short illness.

A former school teacher, Anita Robinson was a columnist with the Derry News when it was launched in 2001. She was also a columnist with the Irish News and a regular contributor on BBC Radio Foyle.

Presenter Mark Patterson said she had “brightened every room” and would be remembered as “a darling, elegant woman”, while Breakfast Show host, Elaine McGee, described her as “truly one of a kind”.

Colum Eastwood MP (SDLP) said: “Anita will be missed by people in Derry and right across the North who have enjoyed her witty and insightful newspaper columns and radio broadcasts over many years.

“She always brought a bit of colour to proceedings and it won her many fans in print and on the airwaves.

“Anita also worked as a teacher in our city and made a huge contribution to our education sector, even after retiring she always fought the corner of our teachers and local schools. Her loss will be felt among her many former colleagues and pupils.”

Later on in February, members of the Hume family joined representatives from Ulster University and the John and Pat Hume Foundation to launch the John and Pat Hume Commemorative Textiles on the university's Magee campus.

The textiles were commissioned by Conflict Textiles and the John Hume and Thomas P O’Neill Chair in Peace at Ulster University. They celebrate the life and tireless work of John and Pat Hume in contributing to peace in the North over several decades.

Speaking at the launch of the textile exhibition, Mo Hume, daughter of John and Pat Hume, said: “We are honoured that Conflict Textiles and the Hume/O'Neill Chair have commissioned these beautiful pieces in memory of our parents.

“Before she died, mum spoke at length to Roberta Bacic, the curator, as she found the work of Conflict Textiles truly inspiring.

"The fact that they are displayed in the Magee library where dad spent so much time and wrote the bulk of his Masters thesis, is particularly special for us. They both believed passionately in the power of education and were strong supporters of the Magee campus. We would also like to offer our deep appreciation to Deborah Stockdale and Linda Adams, the textile makers, for their outstanding work.”

Roberta Bacic, Conflict Textiles curator, said: “We are honoured to present these two stitched and embroidered portraits of John and Pat to the Hume family, the wider Derry community and beyond.

“It seems the appropriate time and occasion to celebrate their lives and humanity, close to their birthdays.”

February also saw Invest NI, the North's regional economic development agency blasted for its lack of investment in Derry.

One local councillor stated Invest NI “works for Belfast and fails miserably for Derry”.

The criticism came from SDLP Councillor Rory Farrell who was speaking on a motion put forward at the local authority's monthly meeting by Cllr John McGowan (Sinn Féin) calling for an immediate review of Invest NI to be undertaken in light of its investment into the North West compared to that of the greater Belfast area.

Cllr Farell also took a swipe at the DUP and, in particular, that party's Economy Minister, Gordon Lyons, as being “allergic” towards the city of Derry.

He said: “I have said this time and time again about how ineffective Invest NI have been in terms of promoting jobs in the North West.

“It is abundantly clear and abundantly apparent that Invest NI works for Belfast and fails miserably for Derry. It attracts jobs, opportunity and investment for Belfast and very little of anything to our city.

“We have said for two years that Invest NI must have regional targets and a key focus on investment and jobs in the North West. We have invited the Economy Minister (Gordon Lyons of the DUP) repeatedly to discuss these proposals – and it must be remembered that the Economy Minister has complete control over Invest NI policy.

“Regional targets have not been introduced. Nothing has changed and the Economy Minister – despite numerous invitations has not shown up,” said Cllr Farrell.

In a theme which was to continue for the rest of the year, a rally was held in Derry city centre in February in protest at the “scandalous” hike in energy prices.

The event took place in Guildhall Square and was organised by the Derry Against Fuel Poverty group, which said fuel poverty had been hitting those in work and out of work hard now for quite some time.

Spokesperson, Sinead Quinn, said: “People in Derry, and further afield, have been really struggling to get to grips with the cost of living increases now for well over a year. We were forced to absorb three gas price increases by Firmus in 2021 with a fiercely unwelcome fourth slated for February 24.

“Cumulatively, by the time the February 24 price increase kicks in, Firmus Gas customers in Derry will have been confronted with a 194% price hike inside 12 months.”

“This means that, on average, people will have had to find an additional £70 a month to heat their homes from one winter until the next.

“That is, on average, an extra £800 per year to heat their homes. It is absolutely scandalous and an impossible task for many.”

Ms Quinn said electricity providers had also “jumped on the price increase bandwagon” during the past year.
She added: “Customers of local company Click Energy saw a rise per month for three months back-to-back last autumn, meaning their electricity increased by 43% for those customers.

“Although local customers can switch electricity suppliers, unlike gas customers, it can be hard to keep up with which offer is most beneficial long-term in spite of the existence of comparison websites. We are told the Utility Regulator exists to 'promote the short and long-term interests of consumers' by, in part, 'challenging utility companies to keep the prices they charge as low as they can be.' The Utility Regulator has very obviously failed miserably in its duty.

“Let’s not forget that petrol and diesel prices, too, have soared and the cost of food and household groceries have also seen seemingly arbitrary price hikes. Own brand products are being taken off the shelves by large multinational supermarkets meaning that people on a low income have little option but to buy more expensive products,” said Ms Quinn.

Meanwhile, a Derry singer was hoping to follow in the footsteps of Dana and bring home the Eurovision Song Contest title.
Brooke Scullion represented Ireland in the 66th edition of the contest after winning through on the RTE Late Late Show.

“A momentous day” was the reaction of the Derry Chamber of Commerce following February’s lifting of Covid-19 restrictions across the city and the North.

Paul Clancy, chief executive of the local Chamber, said he was pleased the restrictions were being lifted, signalling the start towards a pre-pandemic return.

Derry Feis celebrated its 100th birthday this Easter. To mark the special occasion, the Derry News published a series of articles titled: Mo thuras go Fheis Dhoire Cholmcille 2022.

Gearóid Ó Dochartaigh, who adjudicated this year's An Teanga competitions, told competitors not to be nervous.
I just want to see your pride in speaking Irish in the different competitions. I want to hear what you will do.”