Other News In Brief

NI's Finance Minister Had 'No Knowledge' Of Bryson Contacts

NI's Finance Minister Máirtín Ó Muilleoir said he had "absolutely no knowledge" of any communications between Daithí McKay and loyalist blogger Jamie Bryson.

Mr McKay resigned following allegations he had "coached" Mr Bryson before he gave evidence at Stormont's NAMA inquiry.

Mr Ó Muilleoir said: "The attempts to link me to the contacts between Daithí McKay, Thomas O'Hara and Jamie Bryson are no more than petty party politicking. They have absolutely no basis in truth or fact. I had no part in or knowledge of these inappropriate communications.

"I will co-operate readily and fully with any investigation. I am absolutely confident the outcome of any such investigation will confirm that I was totally unaware of these contacts until they were publicised this week."

Planned Route Between Airport In L'Derry And Dublin Will Not Proceed

SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan has expressed his disappointment that CityWings has decided not to proceed with a planned route between City of Derry Airport and Dublin following the result of the EU referendum.

He said: "With the loss of Ryanair routes to London at the start of this month and Citywings announcement today, the people of Derry will be very anxious that this is the beginning of an airline exodus that will hollow out one of our few centres of transport infrastructure and seriously damage our economic prospects.

"The people of Derry recognised that our economy is better served by remaining a full member of the European Union. They knew a vote to leave would bite here hardest and they voted to remain along with the majority of people in the North. We did not bring this upon ourselves and we cannot allow our future to be sold short by a little England vanity project and a DUP lapdog mentality.

"The First Minister showed the egg on her face in a letter to the Prime Minister. She must now show real leadership, put her pride to one side and do what's best for all the people of Northern Ireland."

Call for Centre Of Excellence To Be Established In NI

Ulster Unionist MLA, Doug Beattie MC, has met with the Justice Minister to discuss a range of issues and has urged that a centre of excellence be established in Northern Ireland so that the region can become world leaders in the treatment of mental health issues.

Mr Beattie said: "We discussed a number of issues including the crucial role which good mental health and well-being plays within the justice field and I was pleased to find there was a great deal of common ground with the Minister.

"It is a fact that mental health affects all aspects of the justice system including those employed within it, not least police officers and prison officers."

(CD/JP)