Robinson Inquiry Moves Closer

It emerged yesterday that the barrister Paul Maguire QC has been appointed to advise on claims made against NI First Minister Peter Robinson made earlier this month in a BBC Spotlight programme. He has been appointed by the Departmental Solicitor's Office, after Mr Robinson asked for an inquiry. The BBC said Mr Robinson knew about his wife's improper financial dealings but did not tell the proper authorities. The 'Ex' Stormont First Minister - who recently stepped down on a temporary basis - has stressed that he believes he will be exonerated after the programme said Iris Robinson broke the law by not declaring her financial interest in the business deal. She obtained the money from two property developers, which was paid to her 19-year-old lover to help him launch a cafe. She later asked him for £5,000 for herself.

Playgirl Bids For Nude Kirk

The 21-year-old cafe owner, Kirk McCambley, whose illicit affair with Iris Robinson made headlines across the world, has been inundated with lucrative offers to kiss and tell – and strip off by an adult magazine that is hoping to persuade him to do a photoshoot to go in its next edition. The US-based quarterly magazine Playgirl, wants Kirk for a spread in its March issue.

UCF Gets Zest

A new 'Zest for Life' programme has been launched by the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) for cancer patients in Omagh and the surrounding area. Zest for Life is a six week personal development programme designed for any person who has been diagnosed with cancer – recently or in the past. Starting on Wednesday 3rd February, the programme will take place in the Care for Cancer Information and Resource Centre, Prospect Court (behind Boots), Omagh from 10.30am-1.00pm for six consecutive weeks. It will be facilitated by UCF's locally based counsellor, Helen Murphy, who said: "Zest for Life can help people who have experienced a cancer diagnosis to identify and implement lifestyle changes which will have a positive impact on their physical and mental health."

LMC Welcomes Report

Following the release by NI Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew of the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) strategic review report, Pat O'Rourke, Chairman commented: "LMC welcomes the findings of the review, and looks forward to a timely implementation of the recommendations. It is recognised that there are a number of issues, which need to be resolved to facilitate a full implementation of the recommendations, and we are fully supportive of the work programme to complete all necessary formalities. LMC's overriding vision is for a sustainable and profitable future for the Northern Ireland Beef and Sheepmeat industry, at all levels of the supply chain. We fully support the review findings, that a commercial entity, operating autonomously from Government, and accountable to industry interests, has the potential to be much more beneficial to the industry."

Drinkers Fined

Six people have been fined at Belfast Magistrates Court today for drinking alcohol in a public place. The prosecutions were brought by Belfast City Council. Five of the cases related to people found with alcohol in the university area. Sean Corbett, from Seefin Hill in Maghera, was fined £15 and ordered to pay court costs of £66. Mr Corbett was detected by police drinking alcohol in Fitzroy Avenue on September 21 last year. Stephan McKenna from Donaghmore Road in Dungannon, was detected drinking alcohol at University Avenue in Belfast. He was fined £15 and ordered to pay court costs of £66. Finbar Gillen from Agincourt Avenue in Belfast, was detected drinking alcohol in a public place. He was fined £15 and ordered to pay costs of £66 and Shane Lyons, from Cookstown Road in Dungannon, was fined £15 and ordered to pay costs of £66 after he was found to be drinking alcohol at Cairo Street, Belfast, on September 20th. Also fined £15 was Shane O'Hagan, from Highfield Road in Magherafelt, after he was found to be drinking alcohol at Stranmillis Street in Belfast. He was also ordered to pay court costs of £66 while Gerard McCallister, whose address was given as the Morning Star Hostel, was fined £50 and ordered to pay costs of £66 after he was found drinking alcohol in a public place at King Street Mews in Belfast.

(BMcC/GK)