Other NI News IN Brief

No 'Hurricane' Funeral

Alex 'Hurricane' Higgins' funeral may now be delayed to allow his close friend and fellow snooker champion Jimmy White to attend. The news came from, Mr Higgins's friend and former personal assistant Will Robinson who said last night that while funeral arrangements have not yet been finalised, there may be a delay to allow Jimmy White to return from a trip to Thailand. White and Higgins became World Doubles Champions in 1984 when they defeated Willie Thorne and Cliff Thorburn, and had remained close friends ever since.

Masked Gunmen Fail

Four people have escaped injury following a shooting at a house in Londonderry on Monday night. The four adults, three men and a woman, were in the property at Dunmore Gardens when four masked men forced their way in and fired two shots at about 11.15pm and the PSNI wants anyone who witnessed the gunmen entering or leaving the house to contact them. The police have said they are still trying to establish a motive.

Rape Probed

Police are appealing for information over the rape of a 16-year-old girl in north Belfast on Friday. The girl was walking in the Downfine and Norglen Gardens area soon after midnight when she was assaulted by a man, who was about 40 years old who is described as approximately 5ft 8ins in height, of medium build and with thick black eyebrows. He spoke with a Belfast accent and was wearing a black hooded fleece, black jeans, black hat and white shoes. West Belfast MP Gerry Adams has expressed his "revulsion and condemnation" of the alleged rape: "This is a despicable crime. My thoughts and concern is for the young victim of this attack."

'Junior' Addresses Juniors

Stormont Junior Minister Robin Newton has addressed over 300 young delegates at the 10th Annual Sitting of the UK Youth Parliament held at the Jordanstown campus of the University of Ulster. The Youth Parliament now has over 600 elected members and deputy members working across the country to represent the views of young people, locally, regionally and nationally. "I was struck by the enthusiasm and passion of the young people today. They are truly an inspiration to us all," he said. "The views these young people have expressed are taken very seriously and can make a real difference for the better to their future."

Poll 'Satisfaction' Welcomed

Voters in Northern Ireland were significantly more satisfied than those in any other part of the United Kingdom with the way the General Election was run. The findings are part of an independent report published today by the Electoral Commission. Satisfactions levels in Northern Ireland topped the poll at 86%, with Wales at 73%, Scotland 71% and England 68%. Douglas Bain, the Chief Electoral Officer said: "I very much welcome the independent evidence of the Electoral Commission's Report. It comes as the result of hard word and dedication of all my staff to ensure the delivery of a democratic process for everyone despite often challenging circumstances."

(BMcC/GK)