Other News In Brief

Suspicious Packed Discovered In West Belfast Declared A Hoax

A suspicious package discovered in west Belfast has been declared a hoax.

Pupils attending St Paul's Primary School in the Beechmount area were evacuated during the security alert.

Army bomb disposal experts attended the scene.

The alert has now ended.

Work To Repair Building In Co Down Begins

Work to repair a building which partially collapsed in Holywood, Co Down, has started.

The work at 1 Stewart's Place was to begin over a month ago and the Bangor Road remains closed.

Alliance North Down Councillor Andrew Muir said he is glad to see the work has finally commenced.

However, he said the three-day delay over the bank holiday weekend is to be condemned, as it caused more suffering for Holywood traders and residents.

Cllr Nuir said: "As the shoring work continues, I will continue to pressure the Council and developer to get it concluded without delay, while exploring longer-term options to get the road fully reopened, the building stabilised and normality resumed.

"Serious lessons must be learnt after this debacle, including the lack of action due to the largely informal approach adopted by the authorities. I will therefore be requesting a full report on the issue once the road is eventually reopened in order to ensure this situation is never allowed to reoccur."

Hume Pays Tribute To Former Tánaiste Peter Barry

Former SDLP Leader John Hume has paid tribute to the life and work of former Tánaiste Peter Barry ahead of his funeral tomorrow.

Mr Hume said that his prolonged commitment not only to securing the Anglo Irish Agreement, but to its faithful implementation and adherence was a source of strength for all those who stood against violence.

He said: "We are all incredibly saddened by the passing of Peter Barry. Peter was a constant companion to the North throughout our most challenging times as we walked the treacherous path to peace. Implacable in his opposition to all forms of violence and injustice, he will long be remembered in this island’s story as a man of great courage and courtesy.

"It was not just Peter's work on negotiating the Anglo Irish Agreement that distinguished him but also his commitment to its faithful implementation and adherence. He keenly understood that historic handshakes marked the beginning, not the conclusion, of our challenges.

"Hard headed and sure footed in his political dealings, Peter always demonstrated a personally gracious manner that left him a friend to many. He brought a real empathy to his engagement on the North alongside and a critical determination to lay the groundwork for peaceful progress.

"Peter;s passing is a moment of sadness for all those who worked with him. We pass on our deepest sympathies to his friends and family at this difficult time and hope that they can be comforted in some way by the knowledge that his character and contribution helped foster lasting peace on this island."

(CD)