Responding to comments made by Simon Hamilton, DUP MLA in yesterday's Newsletter saying that the 'DUP was in control and on top at Stormont' Ulster Unionist MLA John McCallister has been quick identify the failings and ongoing weaknesses of a party who claim to be in charge of their own affairs in Northern Ireland.

John McCallister MLA has expressed his deep concern for the residents of South Down after hearing about the devastating events that took place on Saturday evening. Mr McCallister is currently out of the country but has urged anyone needing help or advice to contact his constituency office.

South Down MLA John McCallister is proposing to introduce legislation as a Private Members' Bill, to the Assembly, which would provide improved legal protection in NI for persons who own caravans and mobile homes.

John McCallister MLA has welcomed the week of festivities, FOCUS, which will be taking place this week in Newcastle. The week long festival will culminate with the 12th July demonstration with many local District Lodges coming to the area.

John McCallister, UUP MLA for South Down and Member of the Assembly's Health Committee has expressed his support for the Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey's announcement of his intention to urgently develop an Action Plan for Autism Services across Northern Ireland.

South Down MLA John McCallister has voiced his delight at his UUP colleague and Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey's, recent announcement of major assistance for those seeking to claim concessionary fees at their local Further Education College.

UUP Regional Development Committee Member John McCallister MLA has gladly welcomed the Transport Minister's announcement that people in Northern Ireland, aged 60-64 will, for the first time, be able to travel on public transport free of charge from 1st October this year.

South Down UUP MLA John McCallister has welcomed the news that the Department of Agriculture is going to commence advance part payments for farmers involved in the Farm Management Nutrient Scheme, something the UUP has openly and steadily been campaigning for.

Banbridge Council with a unionist majority has distinguished itself this past week by removing symbols of Britishness from its walls, in case they cause offence.

I am outraged at the weekend attacks on the PSNI in Donard Park, in which five police officers were injured.

As August shaped up to be the wettest on record, I had the surprise of my life when I came home from my holidays in the glorious sun! To find my neighbouring farmers and the rest of Northern Ireland surrounded by flooded fields and water logged crops with many animals already being housed was an unbelievable shock to say the least!

As I put pen to paper to write my monthly Agricultural judgment, I can't figure out what's annoying me more; my sunburn or the heavy rain beating down outside!! I don't know about you but, the typical Norn Iron summer is playing havoc with my wardrobe never mind the farm. Not knowing whether call for my hotpants or the silage mower is a serious issue, thank goodness I'm not a Bee as I'd never stick the pressure!

They say 'Love is in this air' this month. Well, maybe for the most Romantic of you farmers out there! Unfortunately, the only love for me at this time of year is the good old Crème Egg!! Thankfully Cadbury's don't give me the option of Organic or Free Range, as I don't think my MLA salary could afford a major price rise on my bad habit!

If you are feeling the pinch in your pocket, then you are not alone!!

Pheww!!! Another year and another close shave with the rain!! I'm sure I'm not the only one who took advantage of the early summer weather recently & got my silage in nice & dry!

I don't know about you, but as May Day quickly comes around once again, I can't believe it's creeping up on another Balmoral Show. 'Country Comes to Town' in what is certainly the highlight of the Northern Ireland Agricultural Calendar.

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I am proposing to introduce legislation as a Private Members' Bill, to the Assembly, which would provide improved legal protection in Northern Ireland for persons who own caravans and mobile homes. As part of the legislative process I am conducting a consultation exercise by informing a number of stakeholders and interested parties, a full list of whom is attached at Annex A, inviting comments and suggestions regarding the proposed Bill. Once the Bill has been drafted, a copy will be circulated inviting further comment.