On this day in Northern Ireland news history

Automated External Defibrillators Installed At All NI Fire Stations
Life-saving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) have been installed at all Fire Stations across Northern Ireland.

SDLP Calls For Delivery On 100th Day Of Reformed Executive
Marking the 100th day since the return of the Executive, the SDLP have tabled a series of proposals aimed at setting firm timeframes for delivery ahead of the third Official Opposition Day at Stormont.

Every Child Deserves Access To An Integrated Education – Alliance
Every parent deserves access to an integrated education (IE) for their child, the Alliance party has said, calling for "much more" to be done by the Department of Education (DoE) in terms of delivering on pledges made around IE provision in the Integrated Education Act.

Free Period Product Introduced Across Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland has become only the second place in the world to introduce legislation to provide free period products.

People Urged To 'Move More' For Their Mental Health
The Public Health Agency (PHA) have announced a new partnership with Sport NI to encourage everyone to move more for their mental health and wellbeing.

Man Has Parts Of Both Ears Bitten Off During Assault
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following an incident in which a man had a part of each ear bitten off. The incident occurred at a licensed premises in the High Street area of Antrim, shortly before 12.10am on Sunday 12th May.

New Campaign To Expose 'Cruel Reality' Of Predatory Money Lending
Crimestoppers has launched a new campaign to expose the "cruel reality" of predatory money lending, working in partnership with the PSNI, the Executive Programme on Paramilitarism and Organised Crime and Advice NI.

Investigation Launches After Stabbing Incident In Strabane
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information following a stabbing incident in Strabane in the early hours of Sunday, 12th May. A report was received shortly before 1.40am stating that a man, aged in his 20s, was found with injuries believed to have been caused by a knife.

Appeal For Witnesses To Newtownards Assault
PSNI detectives have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following an assault in Newtownards. Police received a report at approximately 10.25pm on Saturday evening, 11th May of an altercation in the Meadow Close area.

Donaldson Quits As MLA Less Than A Week After Being Elected
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has resigned as an MLA less than a week after being elected in Lagan Valley. The DUP Leader has decided to remain as an MP despite election pledges to restore the power-sharing Executive.

Translink 'Start To Take Difficult Decisions' In Strike Preparation
Translink NI has said that it is "disappointed" that its drivers have rejected a pay offer and voted to take unprecedented industrial action from Tuesday 17th May to 23rd May.

QUB Recognised For 'Highest Quality Research'
The quality of research work being conducted at Queen's University Belfast has been recognised by the prestigious Research Excellence Framework (REF).

Elderly Woman Injured In Street Robbery In Belfast
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information following a report of an attempted robbery in the Great Victoria Street area of Belfast city centre on Thursday, May 12.

Appeal Issued Over 'Road-Related Incident' In Strabane
Police in Strabane have issued an appeal for witnesses on a "road-related incident" on the morning of Thursday 12 May.

NI Primary Schools To Take Part In Jubilee Gift Competition
Primary schools across Northern Ireland are to participate in a competition to design a unique gift for Her Majesty the Queen as part of this year's Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Local Student To Represent UK At 'Skills Olympics'
Aaron Gillespie, a student from Southern Regional College (SRC) has been selected to represent the UK at the WorldSkills Final in Shanghai, China later this year. Dubbed as the 'Skills Olympics' the international competition is biennial and rewards excellence in technical qualifications.

Agri-Food Sector Plays Vital Role In NI Economy – Lyons
The agri-food sector plays a vital role in Northern Ireland's wider economy helping to deliver the 10X economic vision, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has said.

Farming Direct Payments To Be Made On 01 September
Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Edwin Poots, has announced that Direct Payments will be made on 1 September in full this year only, to help farmers with cash-flow issues caused by market disturbances.

Executive To Discuss Easing NI Restrictions
The Executive is to discuss easing Coronavirus restrictions in Northern Ireland at a meeting today, 13 May. International travel and allowing the hospitality sector to reopen and whether people can hug each other again are some of the topics to be discussed.

Robbie Butler Will Not Stand For UUP Leadership
UUP MLA Robbie Butler has confirmed he will not stand for the leadership of the party. Doug Beattie is the only contender in the running to replace current leader Steve Aiken.

NI Is Facing 'Unprecedented' Health Challenges - Swann
Northern Ireland is facing "unprecedented" mental health challenges following the pandemic, according to Health Minister Robin Swann.

Two Security Alerts In L'Derry Declared 'Elaborate Hoaxes'
Two security alerts in L'Derry have now ended after being declared "elaborate hoaxes". The PSNI and Army bomb disposal experts attended the scenes at Craigavon Bridge and Skeoge Road on Wednesday, 12 May, and carried out tests on the suspicious objects.

Woman Arrested In Muckamore Abbey Hospital Investigation
A 34-year-old woman has been arrested over allegations of ill-treatment of patients at Muckamore Abbey Hospital on the outskirts of Antrim. The woman was detained in Antrim on Thursday, 13 May.

PM Apologises 'Unreservedly' For Deaths Of Innocent People In Ballymurphy
The Prime Minister has "apologised unreservedly" for the events that led to the death of 10 innocent civilians in Ballymurphy in August 1971. Boris Johnson made the apology on behalf of the UK Government.

L'Derry Shop Targeted In Attempted Robbery
A shop in L'Derry has been damaged and staff left shaken after an attempted robbery. Two men, one who was believed to be armed with a knife, entered the business premises on Westland street at around 5.45pm on Saturday evening, 11 May.

HSENI To Promote Safety, Health & Wellbeing At Balmoral Show
The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland is set to highlight farm health and safety as part of the 'Keeping Farming Families Safe' campaign at the Balmoral Show, 15-18 May.

SDLP Challenge DUP To Debate Merits Of EU Membership
The SDLP's Leader and European candidate Colum Eastwood has challenged the DUP candidate Diane Dodds to engage in a debate on the benefits the European Union brings to Northern Ireland.

NIFRS Crew Commander Dies In Off-Duty Incident
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has paid tribute to a Crew Commander who lost his life in an off-duty incident over the weekend. 54-year-old David Brown died in a road traffic collision on the Magherafelt Road in Moneymore on Friday afternoon, 10 May.

Cross Border Firms Taking 'Wait And See' Brexit Approach
A recent survey by InterTradeIreland has revealed a continuing pattern of businesses deferring decisions and stalling investments against the backdrop of Brexit.

Investigation After Woman Dies In Co Down House Fire
Firefighters are probing the cause of a fire in Hollywood, County Down which resulted in a woman's death on Friday 10 May. The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) received a call to a house fire in a detached property at Ballymenoch Road in Holywood shortly before 4.30pm.

£15m Boost For Fibre Broadband Infrastructure
Local councils across Northern Ireland have welcomed the news that they are to receive £15 million in funding to boost fibre availability across Northern Ireland.

Police Come Under Attack As Youths Run Riot In Belfast Cemetery
Police have been attacked by a group of youths running rampage in a west Belfast cemetery over the weekend. Officers responded to numerous reports of young people driving a stolen motorcycle dangerously in City Cemetery in the Ballymurphy area on Saturday evening, 11 May.

H&J Martin Wins RICS Award
NI firm H&J Martin Construction & Fit Out has scooped a Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) award for restoring Mount Stewart, a Grade A listed house on the banks of Strangford Loch in County Down.

Man Dies In Co Down Road Crash
A man in his 20s who died in a collision in Co Down has been named by police. 28-year-old Daryl Shaw from the Castlewellan area was killed in the one-vehicle crash which occurred on the Newcastle Road at around 1.45am on Friday, 13 May.

Ryan Farquhar Seriously Ill Following Crash At North West 200
County Tyrone rider Ryan Farquhar is seriously ill in hospital following a crash at the North West 200. He sustained chest and pelvis injuries during a collision with another rider on Thursday, 12 May. He is in intensive care at the Royal Victoria Hospital.

Foster And McGuinness Reappointed As First Minister And Deputy First Minister
Arlene Foster and Martin McGuinness have officially been reappointed as Northern Ireland's First Minister and deputy First Minister. Arlene Foster said: "I am deeply humbled to have affirmed the pledge of office and to return to Stormont as Northern Ireland’s First Minister.

Staff At 11 Belfast City Council Leisure Centres To Take Strike Action
Staff at 11 Belfast City Council Leisure Centres are to take strike action over pensions and staffing, according to Unite the union.

Orange Hall Damaged In Arson Attack
Police have launched an investigation following an attempted arson attack on an Orange Hall near Magherafelt, Co L'Derry. Flammable liquid was poured around the front and emergency doors of Ballyneal Orange Hall and set alight. Minor scorch damaged was caused.

Daniel Murray Murder: Second Man Arrested
A 52-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the murder of Daniel Murray. Mr Murray, 55, was shot while making a takeaway delivery on Lady Street on Monday, 09 May. The 53-year-old suspect is currently being detained in police custody.

Man Arrested Over Paramilitary Style Shooting In North Belfast
A 51-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a paramilitary style shooting in north Belfast. The victims, aged in his 20s, was attacked in an alleyway between Sheridan Street and Donore Court on Monday, 09 May. The suspect is being detained in police custody.

Police Seize Cannabis Worth Over £400,000 In Magherafelt
Police have arrested two men following a cannabis seizure in Magherafelt, L'Derry. It is believed to have a street value of more than £400,000. The drugs were found at Carricknakielt on Tuesday.

Plans To Scrap Human Rights Act Slammed
Sinn Féin has hit out at Theresa Villiers over the government's plans to scrap the Human Rights Act. MLA Caitríona Ruane said the plans are "very worrying" but "not surprising". "Reports that the British government are planning to scrap the Human Rights Act are very worrying," she said.

CCTV Cameras To Be Installed To Prevent Drivers Using Bus Lanes
CCTV enforcement cameras are to be positioned at six points around Belfast to prevent drivers illegally using bus lanes. The Department for Regional Development has now been permitted to deal with an infringement as a civil offence.

Frameless Glass Shutters Installed At Bishop's Place
A County Armagh based firm has been assisted by Invest Northern Ireland to develop technologies in order to reduce heat loss from traditional wooden sliding-sash windows.

Two Men Arrested Over Alleged Death Threats To Darren Kelly
Two men have been arrested over alleged death threats sent to Oldham manager Darren Kelly from Northern Ireland. Greater Manchester Police arrested a 27-year-old man and 42-year-old man on suspicion of making threats to kill. They are being detained by the police for questioning.

Fairground Operator Fined After Employee Crushed
A fairground operator has been fined £5,000 after a worker got trapped when a trailer that was being pulled by nylon strapping rolled out of control.

Live Robotic Milking To Be A Huge Attraction At The Balmoral Show
Live robotic milking is set to be a huge attraction at this year's Balmoral Show which startds today, 13 May, and runs until 15 May.

Drop In NI Unemployment Figures
Unemployment figures have dropped in Northern Ireland, according to government statistics. Between January to March this year the unemployment rate was 6.2%, above the 5.5% UK average, the Northern Ireland Labour Force Survey revealed.

SF To Raise 'Damning' Allegations Over Secret RUC Forensic Teams
Sinn Féin is to raise the "damning" allegations with the Chief Constable, Policing Board and Ombudsman after it was revealed members of RUC Special Branch had handed over guns to state agents, used in as many as 60 killings.

Gay Belfast Docker Awarded £45k Compensation
A Belfast dock worker has been awarded £45,000 in compensation after an industrial tribunal found he had been unfairly dismissed by Stena Line for reacting to homophobic abuse in the workplace.

Thieves Steal Car In 'Creeper' Burglary
The PSNI has said a car has been stolen in a 'creeper' burglary in Limavady, County L'Derry. The silver Volvo S60 was stolen at some time before Friday morning, before it was discovered by a man living at a house on Seacoast Road.

Flute Band Apology Over Parochial House Urination
The band master of a loyalist flute band has apologised after a photograph was released that appears to show two men in band uniforms urinating on the gate of a parochial house, according to BBC Radio Foyle. The incident took place on Irish Green Street in Limavady on Friday.

QUB Researchers Develop EU Voting App
7Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have come up with a user-friendly 'app' for mobile phones and tablets to help members of the public decide who to vote for in the upcoming European Parliament elections.

L'Derry Factory Girls Sculpture Moves Closer
£40,000 is being given to Derry City Council to support a sculpture celebrating the contribution of female shirt factory workers to the city and its development.

Over £18m Invested In Schools Estate
Over £18m has been invested in the schools estate in Northern Ireland during February and March, according to the Department of Education. The investment includes over £1.

Work And Families Bill 'A Step Closer'
The Northern Ireland Assembly has debated the Work and Families Bill, with Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry saying that implementation of the Bill has moved a step closer.

HGV Levy Barrier To Cross-Border Trade
The Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) levy has been critised as a barrier to cross-border trade. Speaking following an Assembly debate on a motion on the issue, Sinn Féin MLA Barry McElduff said: "The HGV levy, which was imposed by Westminster, acts as a barrier to north/south mobility and trade.

Former Mayor Hugh Smyth Dies
Former Lord Mayor of Belfast and former Progressive Unionist Party leader Hugh Smyth has died aged 73. Mr Smyth served on Belfast City Council for 41 years, making him the longest-serving member of Belfast City Council.

PSNI Address Online Crime
429 offences have been committed in Northern Ireland over the past seven months via a computer, computer network or other computer-enabled device, according to the PSNI.

Younger Drivers Targeted In Drink Drive Laws
Younger drivers are being targeted in new drink drive laws introduced today in Northern Ireland. In the first major shake up since 1968, Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has introduced legislation into the Assembly for lower drink drive limits in Northern Ireland.

Bus Éireann Strike Continues
A strike by Bus Éireann staff in the Republic is affecting some cross-border services, as the action enters a second day. Services between Dublin and L'Derry, as well as between Dublin and Belfast, have been halted; however Northern Ireland's Translink is still operating along these routes.

Orange Hall War Memorial Attacked
Police are appealing for information following an attack on an Orange hall in Coleraine, County L'Derry. A war memorial stone was damaged and wreaths were ripped up in the overnight attack at the memorial garden in Killowen Orange Hall, Shuttle Hill.

Duncan Morrison Murder: Two Sentenced
Two men have been sentenced at Downpatrick Court for the murder of Duncan Morrison in Bangor two years ago. Detectives from Serious Crime Branch have welcomed the sentencing, which saw the pair convicted of Mr Morrison's murder, as well as the attempted murder of another man.

Minister Departs On Four-Day Trade Mission
The Minister for Small Business, John Perry TD, will today depart on a four-day trade mission with 25 innovative Irish companies to the Czech Republic and with 37 companies to Poland.

Queen's Among Top 1%
Queen’s University Belfast has been ranked in the top 1% of universities in the world. The QS World University Rankings by Subject showed that, out of 30 subjects evaluated, Queen’s now has 5 subjects in the top 100; English, History, Geography, Law and Politics and International Studies.

NI Economy Set For 'Fragile Growth'
Northern Ireland's economy is set for only "fragile growth" for the rest of 2013, according to a new report from Danske Bank.

BAFTA For BBC NI Priest Abuse Documentary
BBC Northern Ireland is celebrating BAFTA success following the news that a BBC One NI documentary on the Catholic Church abuse scandal won the current affairs category.

179 Jobs At Dungannon Meat Firm
179 jobs are to be created at Dungannon-based Linden Foods following a £5m investment. The meat processing company has received assistance to the tune of £520,000 from Invest Northern Ireland, under the organisation's Jobs Fund.

Scheme To Help Witnesses Communicate
A new pilot scheme to help vulnerable victims, witnesses and defendants communicate more effectively when giving evidence has been launched by the Ministry of Justice.

'Blight Summit' Addresses Eyesores
A 'Blight Summit' has been held by the Department of the Environment to address "eyesores" in Northern Ireland's towns and cities. Environment Minister Alex Attwood gathered district councils to the summit on Friday.

Arrest Follows Shock Bangor Shooting
A man has been shot and critically injured in Co Down. It saw at least one other person also wounded in the shock Bangor incident and came in the same week as the PSNI issued positive figures on a reduction in crime across Northern Ireland.

Two Held Over Neil Lennon Death Threats
Two men have been detained in connection with parcel bombs sent to Celtic manager Neil Lennon. A 41-year-old man and another, aged 43, have been charged under the explosive substances act. They are expected to appear at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court on Friday.

Double Blow For NI Hotel Industry
Northern Ireland's hospitality industry has been dealt a double blow with the announcement that the Marine Hotel in Ballycastle, Co Antrim and Lough Erne golf and hotel resort in Co Fermanagh have been placed in administration.

McGuinness Supports Rural Economy's Growth
Rural politics was on the agenda yesterday as the incoming Stormont Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said that the Executive must help create enhanced employment and education opportunities for the rural community.

PSNI Successes Welcome - Despite Tragedy
There has been a warm welcome for the latest set of policing statistics for Northern Ireland. DUP Assembly Member Jonathan Bell has welcomed the reduction in recorded crime figures, whilst stating that more needs to be done to drive the figures down even further.

McGuinness Supports Rural Economy's Growth
Rural politics was on the agenda yesterday as the incoming Stormont Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said that the Executive must help create enhanced employment and education opportunities for the rural community.

Tennent's Vital Is Back This August
Tennent's Lager has confirmed that, as part of a major deal with the promoters of the Oxegen festival, Tennent's Vital will be back this August 23rd and 24th.

Architecture Tours Ireland Launched
A scheme to create more interest in architecture as a cultural form and to develop the profile of Irish architects has been unveiled by the Arts Minister Jimmy Deenihan.

Omagh IT Firm 'Makes Right Connections'
Invest Northern Ireland is helping an Omagh based IT company, Loughtec to increase its market share in the Republic of Ireland and Europe.

Kerry Welcomes €2.88m Roads Funding
There has been a warm welcome for additional funding for road improvements in Kerry, which are part of a Government jobs' scheme.

Indie Week Ireland Lands In Dublin & Belfast
Indie Week, Canada's fastest growing indie music festival, has come to Ireland in search of the best of independent Irish music.

Paterson Jets Into NI Office
The new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland will travel to NI today. As outlined yesterday morning on www.4ni.co.uk, the new man is former Shadow Secretary, Owen Paterson. He will attend the first London Cabinet meeting this morning, after which he is expected to travel to Belfast.

Double Blow As A&Es Closed
There was shock last night at news that Accident and Emergency (A&E) services are to be removed from both Whiteabbey in Co Antrim and the Mid-Ulster hospital in a fortnight. The Northern Health Trust said the units would be replaced by minor injuries units.

Royal Visitor Brightened Balmoral
The Royal Ulster's premier show had royal support this week with a relaxed visit to the prestigious south Belfast agricultural event by the Prince of Wales.

Attwood Takes Over Social Development
Housing is a priority for the new man in charge of social development at Stormont. SDLP MLA Alex Attwood is to replace his party leader, Margaret Ritchie as NI Social Development Minister.

Foster Highlights Marine Energy Sector Opportunities
NI Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has encouraged the local renewables sector to build partnerships and take advantage of the multi-billion pound global marine energy market.

Fine Follows Protected Tree Cull
A Belfast man - who is also a well known professional architect - was fined £800 plus £75 legal costs and £10 court costs at Belfast Magistrates' Court this week for the unauthorised removal of trees.

BAFTA Nominations Celebrated
Regional TV production has been given a fillip this week with news that the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has nominated several Northern Ireland-made programmes for its annual Television Awards.

Sunbed Bill To Illuminate Risks
Young people in NI are to enjoy better protection against possible side effects of using artificial tanning on sunbeds. The first stage of a Bill aimed at preventing the use of sunbeds by young people under 18-years-old was passed at the Assembly today.

Power-up Marine Energy, Says Foster
There's power in the sea, and it should be harnessed for the good of NI. That's according to the Stormont Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster who has encouraged the local renewables sector to build partnerships and take advantage of the multi-billion pound global marine energy market.

UUP Questions A5 Dualling Cost
Ulster Unionist Assembly member for Fermanagh & South Tyrone, Tom Elliott has expressed "serious concerns" about the wisdom of continuing with an £800m spend on a new A5 dual carriageway.

Lady Sylvia Repays Westminster Expenses
North Down MP, Lady Sylvia Hermon has revealed she has paid back more than £2,700 in Parliamentary expenses. She said that she 'over-claimed' for rent on a London flat between 2005 and 2006. The Ulster Unionist MP said she only discovered the error when she contacted the Fees Office on Monday.

70,000 Visitors Expected At Balmoral Show
This year's Balmoral Show opened its doors this morning. The agricultural show – described as the largest in Ireland – is expected to attract over 70,000 visitors during the three days of the event.

Investment Announced In NHS Denists
Dozens of new NHS dentists are to be appointed to tackle a chronic shortage in Northern Ireland. NI Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said he had awarded a £17m contract for the provision of additional dentists "where they were most needed".

Bail For Sinn Féin Men Accused Of IRA Links
A Special Criminal Court in the Republic has bailed two Sinn Féin men charged with IRA membership. The charges were brought against Tom Hanlon and George Hegarty as part of an investigation into the £26.5m Northern Bank heist in 2004.

Crash Mars Start Of North West 200
A rider in the famous North West 200 motorcycle event has been very seriously hurt in a high speed crash. It happened during the final session of last night's practice sessions for the 600cc class.

Newry Cash Delivery Targeted By Robbers
An ATM cash delivery has been targeted by robbers. A security guard, thought to be from G4Securicor, based in Mallusk, has been hit on the head during the robbery in Newry, Co Down. It happened just after 7.

Undertones To Celebrate Guinness's 250th
The Derry band that launched its own ground-breaking punk sound decades ago are to be among the big music names at this year's Guinness birthday celebrations.

Green's MEP Hopeful Can Boost Building Jobs
The NI Green Party MEP candidate Steven Agnew (pictured) has said tens of thousands of jobs could be created in the construction sector under a 'Green New Deal' for Northern Ireland. Mr Agnew said the adoption of the scheme across Europe could stimulate over five million jobs.

Cross-Border Ferry Thrown Lifeline
There is renewed hope today that an innovative cross-border ferry service that has been under threat may yet remain afloat. The Lough Foyle Ferry Company used to receive an annual subsidy, which has now run out.

NI Builders On Eastern European Trade Mission
Twenty five local companies - more than half of which are from the construction and building sectors - are in the midst of a Invest NI-backed trade mission to Bulgaria and Romania.

Omagh Bomb Trial Sits In Dublin
Ireland has seen yet another 'first' today as a British judge rules in an Irish courtroom. The landmark civil action claim over the Omagh bombing takes another groundbreaking step.

Delayed McCartney Case Begins
The family of a murdered Belfast man last night had to endure a further delay of 24 hours as the trial of those accused in relation to his death was adjourned. The case is now scheduled to start today at 11am at Belfast Crown Court.

Stone's Cold Calculations Revealed
Convicted killer, Michael Stone - who previously served a lengthy jail sentence for his murderous one-man gun and bomb attack on a republican funeral at Milltown Cemetery - has confessed to planning further death and destruction in his stymied attack on the NI Assembly.

Car Bomb Victim's Injuries 'Not Life Threatening'
A rural border town was left shocked last night with news of a devastating car bomb attack that has left an off-duty policeman seriously injured.

Fire Fighters Attacks Condemned As Blaze Man Rescued
As a man is saved from a house fire in Belfast, a growing number of attacks on fire fighters have been condemned. The man who was rescued from the fire at his house in east Belfast by his neighbour, is believed to be in his 60s.

Undersea Gas Storage Plan Revealed
Imaginative plans to store natural gas deep under Larne Lough look set to go ahead. If test bores carried out by two energy companies are successful, Northern Ireland Energy Holdings and Portland Gas hope to start storing gas there within a few years if their tests show the area to be suitable.

Foyle Film Festival Launched
The Foyle Film Festival is set to take place this autumn, it has just been announced. Now in its 21st year, the Foyle Film Festival will be from November 21 to 29th and is now established as the flagship project of Derry's multi-media Nerve Centre.

Mitchell Praises Paisley
The man widely billed as the architect of the NI Peace process, Senator George Mitchell has praised the outgoing First Minister as he prepared to step down from the Northern Ireland Executive early next month.

No Pigeons For Mandela Hall
The Pigeon Detectives date to play Belfast this month has been cancelled. The group have cancelled two shows after singer Matt Bowman was injured at Radio 1's Big Weekend in Maidstone. Bowman hurt his leg on Sunday after jumping from the stage but continued with the show.

Motorbikers Get Post Office Insurance Boost
The Post Office is aiming to put a stamp of approval on the world of motorcycle insurance. It is about to launch a new range of bike cover, so recognising the growth in the popularity of two-wheeled transport.

Around 1,700 new jobs set for Shorts
Around 1,700 new jobs could be created after leading aerospace firm Bombardier announced a £180 million investment programme for its Belfast base at Shorts.

APT management buyout completed
APT (Audio Processing Technology), the Belfast-based audio compression specialist, has secured significant equity and debt funding which has enabled the company to complete a management buyout from its former owner, Oxfordshire-based Solid State Logic.

McCartney family threatened by ‘criminal elements’
The family of murdered Belfast man Robert McCartney have blamed republicans for threatening to burn them out of their homes and businesses.

Thousands picket over education cuts
Thousands of education board workers have gone on strike today in protest against alleged Government cutbacks to Northern Ireland's education budget. Nipsa, Unison and T&G members voted to take industrial action over what the unions claim is a £30 million cutback.

Police win legal move to monitor sex offender
Police in Londonderry have won a legal bid to require a man from the Republic of Ireland, who has a conviction for sexual offences and is residing in Northern Ireland, to go onto the sex offenders register here.

Man beaten in north Belfast home
A man has been attacked at his home in north Belfast on Thursday. Police said that the 46-year-old was tied up and then beaten with a baton by three masked men at his house on the Serpentine Road shortly before 11.15pm.

BA reports full-year profits jump by 80%
British Airways has announced a pre-tax profit of £415 million, an 80% jump in profits on the previous full year. But the company's strong performance was marred by a pre-tax profit in the fourth quarter of £5 million which was down on £45 million profit for the period in 2004.

IT firm to create 45 jobs in £3.3m expansion project
A leading Belfast-based IT firm is set to create 45 new jobs as part of a £3.3 million expansion project.

Minister sets out DARD agenda at Balmoral Show
In his first public appearance since being appointed as Northern Ireland's new Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), Lord Rooker has addressed an audience of key stakeholders and industry leaders at the traditional DARD Breakfast at the Balmoral Show.

Breast cancer report reveals improved service
Patients with breast cancer are more likely to receive treatment from expert cancer teams thanks to a major shake-up in Northern Ireland's cancer services, a new report has claimed.

Orange Order going strong in west Africa notes researcher
The Orange Order is still going strong in west Africa despite it facing many economic and political barriers, according to research conducted by a University of Ulster academic.

Report reveals fall in recorded crimes
Recorded crime in Northern Ireland has fallen over past last year, according to official statistics from the PSNI. The figures, for the period 1st April 2003 to 31st March 2004, recorded a total of 127,953 offences, a decrease of 14,543 on the previous year.

Joey Dunlop memorial destroyed by vandals
Local politicians have roundly condemned an attack on a memorial garden in Ballymoney dedicated to the late Joey Dunlop. The memorial garden, which housed a granite plaque, was destroyed by vandals sometime between midnight on Wednesday and 8am on Thursday.

Flybe flight delayed and redirected following disturbances
More than 30 passengers had to be removed from a Glasgow to Belfast City bound flight following allegations of serious disturbances on the aircraft shortly before take-off. The incident occurred on a Flybe flight which was due to leave Glasgow at around 8.30pm on Wednesday.

Balmoral Show continues amazing success
Around 60,000 people are expected to have visited this year's annual Balmoral Show in south Belfast when it ends on Friday evening. This year's agricultural event, now into its second day, promises to be the biggest ever with numerous attractions and stands for visitors, both young and old.

Customs Minister launches Lorry Road-User Charge procurement process
John Healey, Customs Minister and Economic Secretary to the Treasury, has announced the public launch of the procurement process for the Lorry Road User Charge (LRUC).

Seven NI candidates stand for three MEP seats
Seven candidates are to stand for Northern Ireland's three MEP seats after nominations for this summer's European Elections closed today.

McGimpsey calls for Windsor Park upgrade funding
Former Sports Minister, Michael McGimpsey has criticised both the Government and Northern Ireland football authorities for failing to net urgent funding for upgrading Windsor Park in Belfast.

Minister backs local burned children’s support group
Health Minister, Angela Smith has met representatives of the Burned Children’s Club, Great Britain to discuss the formation of a support group in Northern Ireland.

Union urges abused shopworkers to speak out
Too many shopworkers suffer in silence against persistent anti-social behaviour, violence, threats and abuse, according to the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (Usdaw).

Safe Hands scheme aims to assist shopping independence
The University of Ulster has teamed up with Safeway’s Safe Hands Project, to help children with learning difficulties become independent shoppers.

Online resource offers help with 'green' business regulations
A new website aimed at helping small businesses in Northern Ireland understand the environmental legislation affecting their work has been launched. NetRegs - www.netregs.gov.

UTV in running for Belfast radio licence
UTV has announced today that it will be submitting an application for the proposed new Greater Belfast radio licence when it is advertised by Ofcom this July.

Scappaticci denies 'Stakeknife' allegations
A Belfast man at the centre of the 'Stakeknife' row has issued a statement today denying ever being an IRA informer.

Eames calls on paramilitaries to abandon violence
Church of Ireland Primate Robin Eames has called on loyalist and republican paramilitaries to help build a new and lasting trust by abandoning violence for good.

UTV invest £2 million in OB unit
UTV have just completed the design and build of a new outside broadcast unit, an investment in excess of £2 million. Robert McCourt, Group Director of Engineering, UTV, said: "The £2 million required to complete the building of the vehicle represented a considerable investment by UTV.

Pearson unveils plans for £38m Excellence Centre
NIO Enterprise Minister, Ian Pearson has announced a £38 million investment in a Queen’s University Centre of Excellence in the converging fields of computing, digital communications and electronics.

ASDA announce 1,200 job boost in UK
ASDA has unveiled plans for a £200 million investment in its UK distribution network that will lead to 1,200 new jobs. The supermarket retail giant has announced plans to refurbish existing depots and create new facilities in several areas in Scotland and England.

Rise in Catholic applications to PSNI
The Northern Ireland Policing Board has revealed that the number of Catholic's returning application forms for roles within the PSNI have risen.

Stolen vehicle used in two robberies
Police are appealing for information after a connected burglary and series of robberies took place in Belfast and Lisburn yesterday. The burglary occurred at a house at Upper Green, Dunmurry yesterday morning with the theft of a red VW Golf, registration TAZ 5819.

Pearson unveils plans for £38m Excellence Centre
NIO Enterprise Minister, Ian Pearson has announced a £38 million investment in a Queen’s University Centre of Excellence in the converging fields of computing, digital communications and electronics.

£3m recouped from benefit cheats
The Social Security Agency has prosecuted 340 people involved in benefit fraud in the last year resulting in £3 million savings of taxpayers’ money, it was announced today. As part of its ongoing campaign to reduce the levels of fraud, the Agency also investigated more than 4,500 cases.

NIO launch public information website
The Northern Ireland public will be given a unique opportunity this week to comment on the makeup of a new government information website. The website at www.onlineni.

Two arrests in connection with Lennon assault
Two men have been arrested in Glasgow in connection to last week's assault on Celtic and former Northern Ireland international, Neil Lennon. The 19 and 20-year-old men were arrested following the incident in the Hillhead area of the city last Thursday.

Belfast Council invests in arts sector
Belfast City Council is to invest over £86,000 in 25 of the city’s arts and heritage organisations through its Culture and Arts Project Grant Scheme. This follows an investment of almost £658,000 in 37 of Belfast’s venues, theatre companies and galleries last month through the scheme.

Derry Mayor calls time on graffiti scourge
The Mayor of Derry has given her support to an anti-graffiti initiative as part of the City’s 'Spring Clean' campaign.

Major jobs loss as Irish dairy producer shuts plant
Over 700 jobs are to go in England as Irish food producer Glanbia announced plans to close it’s sliced cooked meats business in the UK. The Irish firm blamed “continuing and deteriorating trading difficulties” for the move, which affects workers in Bradford and Milton Keynes.

Freeserve team up with NTL to offer broadband
Internet service provider Freeserve has announced an agreement to deliver its Freeserve Broadband service via NTL’s next-generation cable network.

Mother pens letter to Queen over son’s killers
The mother of a Belfast teenager shot dead by two soldiers has urged the Queen to explain why they have been allowed to remain in the British army. Scots Guardsmen Mark Wright and James Fisher each served six years of a life sentence for the murder of her son Peter McBride in 1992.

Car dealer clocks maximum fine
A car dealer from Glengormley has been fined £5,000 for turning a car’s mileage meter back illegally.

SDLP Assembly Member targeted by death threats
An SDLP assembly member has claimed that he has been the subject of death threats daubed on a petrol station near his home. Graffiti attacking the Police Service of Northern Ireland and SDLP assembly member for west Tyrone Eugene McMenamin was found on the walls of a nearby petrol station.

Police arrest man in connection with Dromore death
A man has been arrested in connection with the suspicious death in March of a teenager in Dromore, Country Tyrone. The body of the fifteen-year-old boy was found on the evening of 2 March in a house in Fairview Gardens in the town, and the boy was later identified as Niall Breen.

Man set alight during arson attack in Poleglass
A man is thought to have been set on fire during an arson attack on a house in Poleglass on the outskirts of Belfast. The attack on the house in Colinbrook Gardens took place on Sunday night at around 11.20pm, when a group of three men approached the house.

Sectarian clashes erupt in east Belfast
Over the weekend serious rioting broke out between rival factions in the Short Strand area. The rioting erupted in Madrid Street in east Belfast in the early hours of Sunday 12 May.

Updating business legislation important to the economy
New legislation updating company law was given its first airing today in the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Queen begins Northern Ireland Jubilee tour
The Queen has flown into Northern Ireland today for the start of a three-day tour to mark her Golden Jubilee. Accompanied by her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh the Queen will attend a garden party at Loughry College in County Tyrone where around 1,200 people are expected to attend.

Poor transport could be costing business billions
Increased road congestion and poor standards of public transport could be costing British business around £5 billion, a new survey has revealed. A poll carried out by online recruitment service reed.co.

CBI survey reveals end of recession for SMEs
A new survey from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has revealed that small and medium-sized manufacturers have seen their first rise in business confidence for over a year.

Plumbing licensing scheme to boost consumer confidence
The Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbers Employers Federation (SNIPEF) has backed the launch of a new licensing scheme which will protect consumers from unscrupulous traders.

Local businesses asked to "wake up to waste"
Local businesses are being asked to play their part in a new waste survey launched by the DOE Environment and Heritage Service.

Northern Ireland man appointed ECA President
David Dennison has been appointed as the new President of the Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA).

Empey praises province's tourism industry
Enterprise Minister Sir Reg Empey has praised the province's tourism sector, stating that people in Northern Ireland don’t have to go any further than their own shores to enjoy tourism at its best.