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Givan promises to be education minister 'for all sectors' during Gaelscoil visit

Northern Ireland's Education Minister and DUP MLA Paul Givan has said he will be minister for all including advocating for the Irish language sector.

Mr Givan made his first visit to an Irish-medium school where he partook in céilí dancing with the pupils of Gaelscoil Aodha Rua in Dungannon, Co Tyrone.

The school was founded 13 years ago with 12 pupils and currently, there are 135 children.

Many of the children performed songs and dances for the occasion.

Paul Givan partook in the Tonnaí Thoraí (The Waves of Tory) dance

The minister attempted a few words as Gaeilge but said languages were "not his forte at school".

He also took part in the Tonnaí Thoraí (The Waves of Tory) dance.

There was criticism from the Irish language sector of Mr Givan eight years ago when, as minister for communities, he axed Líofa, the Irish language bursary fund.

Mr Givan said today: "That was in the past. This is today. What I’m sending out clearly is a message that I will be a Minister for Education for all of our sectors, that’s if it’s the controlled sector, maintained, integrated, Irish-medium.

Paul Givan looks at pictures of Stormont Executive ministers drawn by children

"All of these sectors are very important. It’s part of our shared society. It enriches our community that we have this plurality of choice and I do believe in parental choice."

Principal of Gaelscoil Aodha Rua Móna Uí Dhochartaigh said: "The word for minister in Irish is aire. That word coincidentally also means to take care of or to look after and I hope that the minister moving forward will take of the children in the Irish-medium sector in a fair and equitable manner."

The school is awaiting a new build. The minster was presented with a pen and told it was hoped it would be used to write a cheque for that new building.

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Little-Pengelly hails impact of 'positive leadership' during GAA club visit

Northern Ireland's deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly has spoken of the importance of "positive leadership" as she visited a GAA club in west Belfast.

The DUP minister was joined at St Paul’s GAC by First Minister Michelle O’Neill. They met children and took part in both camogie and handball.

Ms Little-Pengelly, who confirmed it was her first visit to a GAA facility, said she and Ms O’Neill had spoken about setting the tone as political leaders.

Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly are instructed in camogie at St Paul's GAA

"We wanted to get out there," she said. "We want to show we are very much here to be the first minister and deputy first minister representing everyone throughout Northern Ireland.

"I gave that commitment on the very first day. I will be there being the champion for all of the people of Northern Ireland in whatever way that we can.

"We know it’s about delivery. We are very conscious of that and we are working on the programme for government at the moment.

"But we do believe that positive leadership is really, really important as well, and that is what we are trying to do."

She added: "I am really glad to be here. I am looking forward to learning more about some of the sports that are being played.

"It is a great thing to get out there, have some new experiences and learn from each other and that is the way forward"

The ministers spoke to young hurlers during their visit

Ms O’Neill denied the Stormont leaders were involved in "gesture politics".

"We are into leadership and that means you lead from the front and that means you also step outside your own comfort zone, what you know well," she said.

"We are tasked with leadership together and we are determined to do that.

"Some might want to call that gesture politics, but by and large I think people find it as a positive and welcome development."

Ms O'Neill attended her first Northern Ireland soccer match at Windsor Park in Belfast last month.

The pair were joined during today's engagement by junior ministers Pam Cameron and Aisling Reilly.

St Paul’s is Ms Reilly’s home club, and the former world handball champion instructed Ms O’Neill and Ms Little-Pengelly in the sport, as well as in camogie.