Other NI News In Brief

Orange Alert

An Orange Hall in Co Antrim was hit by vandals for the third time in two weeks on Tuesday night. Graffiti was daubed on the outside of the hall on Main Street in Rasharkin. At the beginning of this month, paint was thrown at the hall while a small fire was started at the front of it later.

Demand For Uni Grows

Although there are said to be signs of the recession easing, it has already led to a sharp rise in the number of Northern Ireland school-leavers seeking a place in university. Applications to universities are provisionally up some 7% this year, according to NI Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey. It was "a significant increase" given that half of school leavers in Northern Ireland already go to university - more than in the rest of the UK - the Minister said, saying it appeared to be a popular option because there are few jobs available. See: Sir Reg Pushes For 'Work Experience' Interns, (below).

Bands Celebrated

Stormont Culture Minister Nelson McCausland has congratulated NI bands on their success at the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow: "The spectacular success of our Pipe Bands, including Field Marshal Montgomery and Ravara is further confirmation of the exceptionally high standard of pipe band music in Northern Ireland and is a magnificent achievement for all those involved in the competition,"he said. "My congratulations go to the many bands who have returned with a range of silverware from their success in the various classes. All the hours of hard work and practice have reaped a rich and well deserved reward."

Undocumented US Irish 'Have Hope'

US President Obama's recent 'Pathway to Citizenship' speech has given cause for cautious optimism for undocumented Irish people in the US. According to Sinn Féin Newry Councillor Pat McGinn, his recent speech is cause for cautious optimism. "I have spoken to quite a few undocumented Irish in America and their families living locally in the Newry and Armagh areas and there is an anticipation that before the year is out there will be draft legislation ready to be moved forward," he commented. The councillor has ben highlighting the plight of approximately 50,000 undocumented Irish and has visited the USA where he has met officials working to highlight the campaign to provide an Irish voice in the national immigration debate.

Designing Success

A Belfast-based company Frank Design and Communication is aiming to double export sales through a major marketing drive, supported by Invest Northern Ireland. Frank provides creative media solutions, particularly focusing on web communications and digital animation. The company's work to date has included brand development and the production of graphics for television programmes and films. The expansion project involves the appointment of a Business Development Executive and the implementation of a specifically tailored export marketing campaign. Invest NI has offered £20,680 towards the total investment costs.

Sir Reg Pushes For 'Work Experience' Interns

The Northern Ireland Employment and Learning Minister has said government departments should take on paid interns. His own department already plans to create a number of graduate internships in the autumn: "I have asked all government departments, written to all ministers, asking them to join with me in creating some internships," he said, yesterday. "In this department we will create about 10, they will be geographically spread not just Belfast-centred," he continued, noting that "we are also asking the public sector in general to take a bit of the strain because it is a major employer".

(BMcC/KMcA)