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25/02/2010
Other NI News In Brief
Ford Gears-up For Executive
The Alliance party's leader David Ford (pictured) has this morning announced his intention to stand for the position of Justice Minister. He has been favourite for the post after Sinn Fein and the DUP said they would not fill the role. His announcement is timely as, under the Hillsborough Castle Agreement the responsibilities for policing and justice are to be devolved by 12 April.
Spanish Extradition Refused
Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has welcomed the ruling by the High Court in Belfast that it will uphold the original verdict made by Judge Tom Burgess in November, stating that an extradition warrant against Arturro 'Benat' Villanueva coming from the Spanish authorities should be rejected as it contains no particulars of any offence committed. "A similar warrant issued against Inaki de Juana, another Basque living in Belfast should be rejected on similar grounds as both are clearly politically motivated," she said. "These two men are being pursued for their political ideas and the extradition attempts on behalf of the Spanish authorities should be abandoned. It is Sinn Féin’s belief that there are now important developments happening within the Basque Country, through initiatives for the Abertzale Left to resolve the conflict and to pursue national and democratic rights through peaceful and democratic methods. The Spanish Government should grasp this opportunity instead of focusing on negative approaches such as these extradition cases."
Openness Needed On Parades
SDLP Policing spokesperson Alex Attwood has said the Sinn Fein/DUP working group on parading should have published the results of its work without delay. "Failure to publish the parading document agreed in secret between the two parties does nothing to reassure the communities directly affected. This issue has such an impact and is so sensitive that doing business in secret and telling the community little or nothing is wrong and utterly inconsistent with the transparency and openness that Sinn Fein and DUP say they want around parading. The contradiction is there for all to see," he claimed.
Parenting Information Needed
More information on positive parenting techniques from the Government and an increased awareness of children's rights are vital to changing people's attitudes toward the physical disciplining of children, according to University of Ulster research. Final-year psychology student Emma Curran carried out the research as part of a Science Shop project, in partnership with the NSPCC, to examine current attitudes to the use of physical discipline, specifically in relation to students who are training in professional areas. The study scooped the top prize of £650 at the annual Science Shop Awards, which recognise the best community-based action research projects of the year. A major finding of the study, which surveyed 81 students, revealed a lack of knowledge about the current law regarding assault of children.
CIM Award Highlighted
The Ulster Unionist South Antrim MLA Danny Kinahan has congratulated Jonathan McMeekin and Geoff Wilson, members of the Irish Footbal Association's (IFA) Marketing and Communications Department, on winning the prestigious Chartered Institute of Marketing's UK Award for Small and Medium Enterprise. "This is a terrific accolade, and I am very proud that Jonathan, an Antrim resident, and Geoff, originally from Crumlin, are flying the flag for local talent. I am delighted that the IFA has such an exceptional team at its core, offering as it does excellent opportunities for staff and more broadly for the sport. Up against competitors across the marketing spectrum, such success is the reward for the hard work and initiative shown by the team, which is in turn borne out by rising match attendance and sponsor support," he said.
(BMcC/GK)
The Alliance party's leader David Ford (pictured) has this morning announced his intention to stand for the position of Justice Minister. He has been favourite for the post after Sinn Fein and the DUP said they would not fill the role. His announcement is timely as, under the Hillsborough Castle Agreement the responsibilities for policing and justice are to be devolved by 12 April.
Spanish Extradition Refused
Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has welcomed the ruling by the High Court in Belfast that it will uphold the original verdict made by Judge Tom Burgess in November, stating that an extradition warrant against Arturro 'Benat' Villanueva coming from the Spanish authorities should be rejected as it contains no particulars of any offence committed. "A similar warrant issued against Inaki de Juana, another Basque living in Belfast should be rejected on similar grounds as both are clearly politically motivated," she said. "These two men are being pursued for their political ideas and the extradition attempts on behalf of the Spanish authorities should be abandoned. It is Sinn Féin’s belief that there are now important developments happening within the Basque Country, through initiatives for the Abertzale Left to resolve the conflict and to pursue national and democratic rights through peaceful and democratic methods. The Spanish Government should grasp this opportunity instead of focusing on negative approaches such as these extradition cases."
Openness Needed On Parades
SDLP Policing spokesperson Alex Attwood has said the Sinn Fein/DUP working group on parading should have published the results of its work without delay. "Failure to publish the parading document agreed in secret between the two parties does nothing to reassure the communities directly affected. This issue has such an impact and is so sensitive that doing business in secret and telling the community little or nothing is wrong and utterly inconsistent with the transparency and openness that Sinn Fein and DUP say they want around parading. The contradiction is there for all to see," he claimed.
Parenting Information Needed
More information on positive parenting techniques from the Government and an increased awareness of children's rights are vital to changing people's attitudes toward the physical disciplining of children, according to University of Ulster research. Final-year psychology student Emma Curran carried out the research as part of a Science Shop project, in partnership with the NSPCC, to examine current attitudes to the use of physical discipline, specifically in relation to students who are training in professional areas. The study scooped the top prize of £650 at the annual Science Shop Awards, which recognise the best community-based action research projects of the year. A major finding of the study, which surveyed 81 students, revealed a lack of knowledge about the current law regarding assault of children.
CIM Award Highlighted
The Ulster Unionist South Antrim MLA Danny Kinahan has congratulated Jonathan McMeekin and Geoff Wilson, members of the Irish Footbal Association's (IFA) Marketing and Communications Department, on winning the prestigious Chartered Institute of Marketing's UK Award for Small and Medium Enterprise. "This is a terrific accolade, and I am very proud that Jonathan, an Antrim resident, and Geoff, originally from Crumlin, are flying the flag for local talent. I am delighted that the IFA has such an exceptional team at its core, offering as it does excellent opportunities for staff and more broadly for the sport. Up against competitors across the marketing spectrum, such success is the reward for the hard work and initiative shown by the team, which is in turn borne out by rising match attendance and sponsor support," he said.
(BMcC/GK)
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18 November 2024
69-Year-Old Extradited From Spain To Face Child Abuse Charges
A 69-year-old man has been extradited from Spain to stand trial Northern Ireland for child-related sexual offences that occurred in the mid-1980s and early 1990s.
69-Year-Old Extradited From Spain To Face Child Abuse Charges
A 69-year-old man has been extradited from Spain to stand trial Northern Ireland for child-related sexual offences that occurred in the mid-1980s and early 1990s.
18 November 2008
Belfast Backs Basque
Supporters of a Basque man living in Belfast - the Belfast Basque Solidarity Committee - has called for the case against Inaki de Juana Chaos to be dropped. The Spanish prosecution service want to see Inaki de Juana Chaos returned to Spain to face charges, as they said the 53-year-old has praised or supported terrorism in a letter read at a rally.
Belfast Backs Basque
Supporters of a Basque man living in Belfast - the Belfast Basque Solidarity Committee - has called for the case against Inaki de Juana Chaos to be dropped. The Spanish prosecution service want to see Inaki de Juana Chaos returned to Spain to face charges, as they said the 53-year-old has praised or supported terrorism in a letter read at a rally.
02 August 2010
Adams Meets Loyalist Parades Group
There's to be a 'groundbreaking' cross community meeting over parades today. Gerry Adams is to meet the North and West Belfast Parades Forum along with Gerry Kelly, the North Belfast Sinn Fein MLA and Stormont Junior Minister as well as other party colleagues.
Adams Meets Loyalist Parades Group
There's to be a 'groundbreaking' cross community meeting over parades today. Gerry Adams is to meet the North and West Belfast Parades Forum along with Gerry Kelly, the North Belfast Sinn Fein MLA and Stormont Junior Minister as well as other party colleagues.
24 June 2009
Ministers Square Up Over Parades Issue
In spite of working closely together on such issues as their joint condemnation of recent racist attacks, the First and Deputy First Ministers were this week at loggerheads over loyal order parades. First Minister Peter Robinson hit out at comments by his Executive colleague, the Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.
Ministers Square Up Over Parades Issue
In spite of working closely together on such issues as their joint condemnation of recent racist attacks, the First and Deputy First Ministers were this week at loggerheads over loyal order parades. First Minister Peter Robinson hit out at comments by his Executive colleague, the Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.
28 June 2004
SF hit out at DUP Forum participation
Sinn Féin's Pat Doherty has hit out at the DUP for sitting down on a West Belfast Parades Forum which allegedly includes members of paramilitary organisations. The West Tyrone MP said that the readiness of the DUP to sit alongside members of the UDA and UVF on the Forum showed the" sickening hypocrisy" of Ian Paisley's party.
SF hit out at DUP Forum participation
Sinn Féin's Pat Doherty has hit out at the DUP for sitting down on a West Belfast Parades Forum which allegedly includes members of paramilitary organisations. The West Tyrone MP said that the readiness of the DUP to sit alongside members of the UDA and UVF on the Forum showed the" sickening hypocrisy" of Ian Paisley's party.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
