Other News In Brief

Alliance Party Pays Tribute To Chief Constable Hamilton

Alliance Leader Naomi Long has paid tribute to the PSNI Chief Constable George Hamilton after he announced his plans to retire later this year.

Mr Hamilton will not be seeking reappointment to the post after 34 years in policing and five years in the position of Chief Constable.

Mrs Long thanked him for his service throughout his career.

"He assumed responsibility of leading policing through what have been some challenging times but always approached the role with dedication. I want to extend to George my thanks and that of my colleagues and send him every best wish for his retirement," the MLA for east Belfast said.

Her colleague, Alliance Policing Board representative John Blair MLA, said many tests still remained for whoever succeeded Mr Hamilton.

"This position has been described as one of the most difficult policing jobs in the UK and that has not changed, as we have recently seen the dissident car bomb in Derry-Londonderry remind us of the terrorist threat out there.

"I look forward to the process of helping decide upon a new Chief Constable and subsequently working with them to ensure the continued promotion of visible policing for everyone in the community."

Linfield Top League After Win Over Glentoran

A defeat for Glentoran at Windsor Park on Monday night, 28 January, has shot their Belfast rivals Linfield to the top of the Irish Premiership.

The Blues secured a 4-2 win off the back of the news that goalkeeper Roy Carroll would miss the rest of the season due to an injury.

The side went two goals ahead with Jordan Stewart's penalty opening the scoring 37 minutes in.

An own goal from Calum Birney doubled their lead on half-time, before Glentoran fought back with two goals of their own.

Linfield took back control when Chris Casement's goal put them back in front and the Glens then had Joe Crowe sent off for a second yellow card.

Michael O'Connor's strike in the 86th minute put the result beyond doubt and Linfield ran out the winners with the all-important points in the bag.

The host side now sits comfortably at six points clear from their nearest rivals.

Marshmello To Headline Belsonic Gig At Ormeau Park

Marshmello has been confirmed as the latest act set for Belfast's Ormeau Park as part of the Belsonic line-up.

The American producer and DJ will play the headline show on Wednesday 26 June 2019.

He is best known for his electronic singles with 'Wolves', 'Friends' and 'Happier' among some of his recent hits.

Tickets will be priced at £30 as well as a small booking fee and will go on sale at Ticketmaster outlets nationwide on Friday 01 February.

Other headliners already announced for Belsonic 2019 include Slash, Dimitri Vegas, Like Mike, Stormzy, Ben Nicky, George Ezra and Hozier.



(JG/CM)