Other NI News In Brief

Fill Empty MP Seat: SDLP

The SDLP's West Belfast MLA Minister Alex Attwood (pictured) has lodged his nomination papers to contest the West Belfast Westminster by-election on June 9. "The by-election is a once in a generation opportunity for a fresh start for West Belfast," he said. "In difficult times for people in work, out of work or on welfare, West Belfast needs a strong leader- it does not need an empty seat. I have demonstrated as Minister for Social Development that I can deliver for the constituency and as MP, I can deliver again. This election creates a golden chance to reverse the failures of others over so many years and to put the needs of West Belfast at the top of the political agenda. That's why I'm calling for a new majority in West Belfast from one end of the constituency to the other involving all the community and all political traditions to take West Belfast forward by taking up a seat at Westminster," he said.

Derry Fraud Fined

A woman was convicted at Londonderry Magistrates' court this week for claiming benefits she was not entitled to. Dena Doherty, 41, of Woodbrook, Londonderry claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £9,639 while failing to declare employment. She was given 150 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £115. She will also have to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

Webb Takes Top N'Abbey Post

The Alliance Leader David Ford has expressed delight that one of his party's Councillors, Billy Webb, has been elected Mayor of Newtownabbey. Mr Webb is an Alliance Councillor in the Macedon area of Newtownabbey having originally entered politics as a Ratepayers representative. David Ford said: "This is very well deserved recognition for Billy's long service to the whole community and for the excellent work that he has done for Newtownabbey down the years and also reflects the increased strength of the Alliance team at Newtownabbey Borough Council." Retired tax inspector, Cllr Billy Webb said: "It is a massive honour to have been elected Mayor of Newtownabbey and I am very privileged to take on this role. In my time as Mayor I want to help continue work towards creating a shared future. Community relations are such an important issue and this will be one of my main focuses during this time. I also want to lead change in Newtownabbey so that we improve the service we provide and deliver even more value for money."

Shakin' Stevens Innocent

Eighties' pop star Shakin' Stevens has won an appeal against his conviction for assaulting a photographer and smashing his camera. The singer, real name Michael Barrett, was convicted over the incident at a gig at the Tullyglass Hotel, Ballymena in December 2008. He was fined £300 for assault and criminal damage and ordered to pay £479 compensation. Now, Mr Barrett said that he felt "vindicated" by the decision and said that under cross-examination by a defence lawyer, the photographer had earlier accepted that what happened could have been a simple accident.

PSNI Urges Home Security

Police have issued some home security advice to local residents. Police would advise homeowners to secure garden equipment and valuable tools stored in garages, sheds and outhouses following a number of reports of the theft of similar items over the past few weeks. A PSNI statement this week said: "Thieves are always on the look out for an easy target and expensive garden equipment including lawnmowers, powerwashers and strimmers or tools left unattended in gardens or in unlocked sheds provide them with the perfect opportunity. Close and lock all doors and windows when leaving the house and before you go to bed and set the intruder alarm if you have one. Security lights are useful in discouraging the attention of criminals, as it raises the potential of them being seen in the vicinity. Ensure that car keys are never left beside a door, window or on open view to outsiders," the PSNI advised.

Cities In Transition

Stormont Junior Ministers Martina Anderson and Jonathan Bell have attended the Forum For Cities In Transition Conference. Speaking at the conference dinner, Junior Minister Anderson said: "The fact that the Forum For Cities In Transition Conference is being held in Derry, is an endorsement of our work so far and an indication that we are following the right path. Change takes hard work and regeneration is key tool in effective conflict resolution and peace building." Junior Minister Bell added: "For so many years we have viewed those different to ourselves with suspicion, but over time we have begun to lean that differences in our society must cease to be barriers, they must be recognised and appreciated as adding diversity. We must continue to tackle all forms of intolerance. Everyone has a role to play in building a society that is inclusive and tolerant and we must encourage and enable them to take ownership of their share future," he said.

(BMcC/GK)