NI News In Brief

Top Civil Servant Appointed

Amid moves to make new pay awards to lower paid civil servants in Northern Ireland, news has emerged of one civil servant who will be at the other end of the pay scale. Bruce Robinson has been appointed the new Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service. Mr Robinson is currently Permanent Secretary in the Department of Finance and Personnel - the department that has just announced the new pay deal which will cost £millions in back pay. Commenting on his appointment Mr Robinson said: "I look forward to working with Ministers to ensure that the Civil Service delivers the challenging agenda set out in the Executive's Programme for Government. I have every confidence in the ability, skills and commitment of staff in the NICS to succeed in this task. The reform programme we have embarked on will provide the foundations to meet the challenging agenda set by our Ministers and the high standards of service that the public quite rightly expect."

Drugs 'Planted'

Cannabis plants - estimated to be worth more than £500,000 - have been found in north Belfast by drug squad officers who swooped on a house after a tip-off from a member of the public.

Village Pressure Group Opposes Racism

Village residents came together yesterday in a show of support for a foreign national man who has been the victim of arson attacks twice over recent weeks. Portballintrae locals also formed a group called CARA - Community Against Racist Attack - the launch of which was attended by local councillors, including Coleraine DUP mayor Maurice Bradley. The move came in response to a series of attacks on the homes, cars and businesses of newcomers over the past year.

UVF Off The Bad Boys List

THE UVF and fellow loyalist paramilitary group the Red Hand Commando (RHC) are no longer active in terrorism. Having been previously classed as "specified" - which essentially meant the organisation was recognised as being involved in violence and crime - the new despecification means it is judged to have ceased being involved in violence and is moving towards engaging in more democratic activities. It also means any prisoners will be eligible for early release. The decision to despecify the UVF and RHC comes after the International Monitoring Commission (IMC) essentially gave the two groups a clean bill of health in its latest report. NI Secretary of State Shaun Woodward made the announcement that the two groups are to be despecified in the House of Commons, while also revealing he is to add dissident republican group Oglaigh na hEireann (ONH) to the list of specified groups.

O'Neill Tribute To Celtic Hero

The former Northern Ireland international Martin O'Neill last night led tributes to former Celtic legend Tommy Burns who died after losing his long-running battle with cancer. Burns (51), who was first diagnosed with skin cancer in 2006 had been undergoing treatment in Glasgow and France in recent weeks but died at home. During his career the ex-Celtic midfielder went on to manage the team, and also play for Scotland.

Gaelic Games Kicked Into Touch

Plans to introduce gaelic games to Limavady Grammar School have been dropped after objections from teachers and parents, according to the GAA. Chris Collins from the Derry County Board said he was to meet pupils on Wednesday, but it had been cancelled. Mr Collins said he was "disappointed that people aren't living in the 21st century and moving forward a wee bit". However, principal of Limavady Grammar School Sam McGuinness said he would like to see gaelic games at the school and MLA John Dallat said he was "disappointed" the issue had not been resolved, and said he has asked for another meeting.

(BMcC)