Other News In Brief

Kelly Hits Out At Erection Of Loyalist Flags In North Belfast

Sinn Féin has hit out at those responsible for erecting flags in mixed residential areas of North Belfast.

North Belfast MLA, Gerry Kelly, said the erection of loyalist flags in the Roscoole Park, Mountcoole Park and Duncoole Park areas is a "clear attempt to intimidate and raise community tensions".

"Those carrying out such actions are interested only in exacerbating difference and fomenting discord. They need to desist," he said.

"Flags should not be used to intimidate or harass people or mark territory.

"I condemn those responsible for putting these flags up in this area and I have reported these incidents to the police."

NI Defender Jonny Evans Signs For Leicester City

Experienced Northern Irish defender Jonny Evans has signed a new three-year deal with Leicester City.

The Belfast-born 30-year-old will join his new club from West Bromich Albion at the beginning of July.

Speaking to LCFC TV, Evans said: "It's great to join and I'm happy it's all gone through. When this opportunity came up, it's one that I couldn't turn down. It's an ambitious Club, the owners are ambitious and everyone wants to push the Club forward.

"I hope that I can give lots to the team and the Club. It's a great place to play football, the fans really get behind the team and the players are fantastic - these are all factors that made me want to sign for this Football Club."

Alliance's Dickson Welcomes Online Voter Registration for NI

Plans to introduce online voter registration for Northern Ireland has been welcomed by Alliance MLA, Stewart Dickson.

People in Northern Ireland will be able to register to vote on the Electoral Office website from 18 June.

Welcoming the news, East Antrim MLA Mr Dickson said: "This is great news and has finally moved Northern Ireland's voting registration system into the 21st Century.

"While legislation was passed in December 2016 in relation to this matter, systems were not in place to enable voters here to register online prior to 2017's elections, or the West Tyrone by-election in March.

"This will enable more people to be able to register to vote, and access the same services people in England, Scotland and Wales have had for some time now."

(LM/MH)