Other NI News In Brief

Met Police In Chaos

The North Belfast MP and DUP Deputy Leader Nigel Dodds has this week demanded assurances that national security would not be compromised by what he described as "the chaos within the Metropolitan police". He questioned Home Secretary Theresa May about the latest developments in the phone hacking scandal. "I told the Home Secretary that this is a time of unprecedented chaos following the resignations of the Met Chief Sir Paul Stephenson and Assistant Commissioner John Yates. Given the responsibility of the Met Police for UK - wide issues like national security - the public needs to be totally reassured that the Met hasn’t taken its eye off the ball in relation to defending public security. Whilst Theresa May gave a strong commitment, the real test will be in the actions the Met takes to put in place the strong anti - terrorism leadership that is required. There are serious threats from extreme Islamism terrorists as well as republicans in Northern Ireland and there can be no let up in the fight against terrorism," he urged.

TB Alert Continues

It has been revealed that a second case of tuberculosis has been confirmed at Belfast City Hospital. Earlier today, a member of staff was found to have contracted the same strain of TB which infected an elderly patient earlier this year and now Belfast Health Trust said there is a third possible case but this has not been confirmed and have insisted there is no proven link to the other two. Screening has been offered to 43 people who were on the same ward - ward six north.

Dissident Republican Raid

Gardai investigating the activities of dissident republicans have this morning carried out a search and arrest operation in Cork City. At approximately 7am five males were arrested when Gardai from the Special Detective Unit Cork Division, assisted by the Regional Support Unit searched a number of locations in the city. The men are currently detained at Mayfield, Gurrannabraher and Togher Garda Stations. Enquiries are ongoing.

Lucozade Sought

Police in Lisburn are appealing for information following the theft of four trailers and a large quantity of Lucozade from business premises in the Culcavy Road area of Hillsborough. It was reported on Sunday, 17 July, that sometime between Saturday night 16 July and Sunday 17 July four trailers and approximately £60,000 worth of Lucozade were stolen. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Lisburn Police Station on 0845 600 8000. Or if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Food 'Oscars' Awarded

The achievements of 40 NI food and drink companies in this year's UK Great Taste Awards have been recognised. Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has welcomed the news that the UK Guild of Fine Food recognised the local food and drink companies with them having secured more than 160 gold awards for 115 products in the prestigious awards, often referred to as the 'Oscars' of the food industry. Five local companies secured the top award of three stars: Alfie Murray Family Butchers in Killyleagh; Ann's Pantry, Belfast; Dale Farm Dairies, Cullybackey, Ballymena and Cookstown; Hannan Meats, Moira, and McCartney's Butchers, Moira. Alfie Murray Family Butchers and Ann's Pantry, each gained two of the coveted three star awards. Arlene Foster said: "The achievements of local food and drink companies in the 2011 awards are simply stunning. The companies have set a new record in terms of the total gold stars secured."

Judged Successful

The First Minister, Peter Robinson and the Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness have jointly announced the appointment of James McNulty QC and Alastair Rankin as legal profession members to the Northern Ireland Judicial Appointments Commission. Mr McNulty QC is a barrister nominated by the General Council of the Bar of Northern Ireland and Mr Rankin is a solicitor nominated by the Law Society of Northern Ireland. The appointments are for three years, commencing on 15 June 2011. Remuneration will be made in accordance with the Commissions fees schedule attracting a daily rate of £294. The Judicial Appointments Commission was established to enhance an independent process for the appointment of judicial officer holders to courts and tribunals. Both appointees will bring valuable experience and knowledge to the Commission.

(BMcC/GK)