Other NI News In Brief

Murder Victim’s Husband To Meet First Minister

The husband of a woman who was shot dead in 1981 will meet the First Minister today to discuss the investigation into her murder. Joanne Mathers, 29, a mother of one, was shot dead as she collected census forms in Londonderry. Lowry Mathers said he hoped the meeting with Peter Robinson would lead to the case being re-opened. It follows the confirmation by the Historical Enquiries Team that they will investigate Mrs Mather's death. Mr Mathers, from Bready in County Tyrone, said it was time for the killer to be taken to court and sentenced. "I would hope that there could be a good possibility that this case could be reopened sooner rather than later. The person that did this murder has got off with it for too long. My message to that person is there's nowhere for him to hide. He is going to be caught. He is going to be convicted."

UUP Members Accused Of Betrayal

Two senior Ulster Unionists have been accused of betraying the party by a colleague. Ulster Unionist MLA, David McNarry. The accusation follows comments by John McAllister and Basil McCrea, who said they were unconcerned if Martin McGuinness became first minister should Sinn Fein become the biggest party after the election. Mr McGuinness said he would consider a joint first ministry with Mr Robinson if this happened. Ulster Unionist MLA, David McNarry called on his UUP colleagues to apologise. He commented: "As far as I'm concerned they have betrayed me, and my party, and they make it difficult for me to stand as a candidate because of their action. They have made it difficult for everyone. Peter Robinson previously dismissed Martin McGuinness's offer to consider a joint first ministry if Sinn Fein is the largest party after the assembly election as an "electoral tactic."

Two Soldiers Killed In Afghanistan

Two British soldiers from the 1st Battalion the Irish Guards have been killed in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed. They died in an explosion after returning from an operation in the Nahr-e Saraj District of Helmand Province. Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel Tim Purbrick, said: "On completion of the operation their patrol had just left an ISAF base in order to return to their own camp - to commence their handover to the next unit before they were due to return home in six days - when the vehicle in which the two soldiers were travelling was struck by an Improvised Explosive Device. Both men were recovered to an ISAF base however, tragically, both had lost their lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends.” The men were killed just six days before they were to return home. A MOD spokesperson said the names of those killed will be released on Friday and that their families have been informed.

Girl Injured In Traffic Incident

A 12-year-old girl is in a critical condition after being hit by a car in Carrickfergus, Co Antrim. The incident happened on the Middle Road, near the Milestone filling station. The young girl is now in hospital receiving treatment for critical injuries. Police said a red Vauxhall Vectra was involved in the collision and are appealing for anyone with information to contact them.

Adams Attacks PSNI 50-50 Recruitment Decision

The decision to scrap the 50-50 recruitment procedure of the PSNI has been criticized by Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD. Speaking during the Taoiseach's Questions in the Dáil Mr Adams raised his concerns about aspects of the Good Friday Agreement and other agreements that he said have not been implemented. Mr. Adams sought assurances from the Taoiseach that the government will urgently review these issues and discuss how they can best be progressed. He commented: "This is a grievous retrograde step. It is this British Secretary of State conceding to another unionist demand and damaging the great efforts made in recent years to build a policing service that has the support and confidence of the nationalist community. I have urged the Taoiseach to urgently contact the British Prime Minister and inform him in the strongest possible terms that 50-50 recruitment must not end. Moreover, it is also a matter of the utmost importance that the Taoiseach meet the British Prime Minister and agree a timetabled, programme of work that can resolve all these outstanding issues."

Gaelic Games Coaches To Get Funding

Soccer and Gaelic games coaching in local primary schools is set to receive funding of £6million.
 Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, announced the new funding will see the programme sustained over the next four years.
 Twenty four coaches from the Irish Football Association (IFA), and 32 Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) coaches currently deliver training for over 33,000 children in 551 primary schools across the north of Ireland. The minister commented: "I introduced the Primary Sports Programme in 2007 to help improve the health and wellbeing of our children and encourage them to embrace a healthy lifestyle from a young age. Getting involved with sport is an excellent way of achieving this. Both Gaelic games and soccer offer many opportunities for young girls and boys to have fun and keep healthy. Not only does such activity tackle and prevent obesity, but it also helps children focus and learn better during class time.
I believe this is a vital aspect of growing up which is why my Department has to date made available around £5.2 million for the programme."

Warning Lights For School Buses

DOE regulations to improve safety for children around school buses has been announced. All buses, coaches and minibuses providing home to school services are now allowed to use high impact illuminated signs and flashing warning lights. These new signs and lights will be gradually introduced over the next three years becoming mandatory in 2014.
Environment Minister Edwin Poots commented: "Schoolchildren are more at risk getting on and off a school bus than travelling on it. Used together, these signs and lights should provide significantly more visible impact than the ‘schoolchild’ signs school buses have had to display in the past." The signs must be illuminated when children are travelling to and from school on a 'school service' and the flashing warning lights must be in operation while children are getting on and off the bus, and for up to eight seconds after the door is closed.
 The Minister added: "When you see these signs and lights, there will be children getting on or off so slow down and take care. Otherwise a child's life could be gone in a blink."


Sectarianism Threatens Entertainment Venues Opening Hours

Following recent sectarian trouble the PSNI is threatening to take radical steps that would force entertainment venues at the Odyssey Pavilion in Belfast to close early on a Sunday. Landlords were summoned to a meeting with police chiefs, ahead of a security forum meeting to raise the issue. Action may be taken under the licensing laws to ask club owners to close at 10pm on Sundays. Club operators are being blamed for the disturbances, but the PSNI is reluctant to pinpoint individual units. Staff have now been asked to be extra vigilant everyone must stick to opening/serving hours.

(JG/GK)