Friers Honoured

A University of Ulster student has played an important role in honouring the memory of the late painter and political cartoonist, Rowel Friers. Rebecca Hume, (pictured) a second-year Silversmithing and Jewellery student, was selected by the Royal Ulster Academy (RUA) to design and create a prestigious award to be presented annually to the best drawing entry of the RUA annual exhibition. The first ever Rowel Friers Drawing Award was bestowed on artist Michael Wann at a presentation ceremony marking the opening of the RUA exhibition in Belfast last week. Rebecca designed and made the silver perpetual trophy which she said was inspired by an artist's work board as well as an additional keepsake in the form of a silver pin. 

Roulette Death Probed

Historic claims that a Londonderry woman died playing a game of Russian Roulette more than three decades ago were said this week to be lies fabricated by the former soldier who shot her, the Historical Enquiries Team (HET) has said. Englishman Thomas Ramsey claimed 22-year-old Bernadette Friel, from the city's Bogside, shot herself in his Carnhill home during the deadly game in October 1975. Senior RUC commanders recommended that Ramsey be prosecuted for murder, but after his claims he was charged with the lesser offense of manslaughter. The HET said Thomas Ramsay deliberately shot her and then told investigators a series of lies about what happened. Ramsay's version of events was accepted and he spent only eight months in jail.

City Hall Backs Flood Appeal

As donations to various local Pakistan emergency appeals continue, the Lord Mayor of Belfast has opened up his parlour at City Hall to highlight the ongoing aid effort - and to pay tribute to the generosity of the people of Belfast and beyond. First Citizen Councillor Pat Convery helped local schoolchildren pack boxes, with support from local celebrities - mountaineer Banjo Bannon and comedian Tim McGarry. "Although the floods disaster happened back in July, the harsh reality is that the plight of many families in Pakistan is every bit as real today as it was three months ago. These people still desperately need our help," the Lord Mayor said. "I am paying tribute to people from all walks of life here in Belfast and beyond who have contributed to the aid effort undertaken by local charities. Their response has been well organised and successful in providing very real life lines to those battling to survive," he said, commending Concern, Trocaire and Tuesday's Child - who were joined by volunteers who have devoted their time to packing aid boxes and raising funds to help the Pakistan appeal.

Northern Confidence Drops

This week's expected UK-wide cuts in the public sector have suppressed consumer confidence in Northern Ireland, according to the Northern Bank. The latest findings are contained in the bank's Consumer Confidence Index. Northern's Economist Angela McGowan said the general election and June emergency budget had heightened consumer uncertainty. She said 35% of those polled said their finances had deteriorated compared to one year ago and only 15% believed their household finances would improve over the next 12 months, while 28% felt their financial position would worsen.

PUP To Take On Purvis

The party usually linked to the paramilitary UVF is expected to see its new leader contest the East Belfast Assembly seat next May against the party's former leader Dawn Purvis, who will be standing as an Independent Unionist. PUP boss, Brian Ervine, the brother of the late David Ervine, formally took over from interim leader John Kyle at the PUP party conference on Saturday. Ms Purvis resigned both her leadership and membership of the PUP following the murder of Bobby Moffett by the UVF on the Shankill Road in May.

NIIRTA Backs Proposals

The Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA) has welcomed both the decision by the UK Coalition Government to cull nearly 200 'quangos' and also the publication of the Sinn Fein document 'There is a Better Way'. NIIRTA, which represents over 1,250 independent retailers and small businesses who contribute over £3 billion to the local economy, has already tabled over 70 of its own policy proposals in its 'Programme For Prosperity' document. Glyn Roberts, Chief Executive said: "The UK Government is on the right course by drawing up a hit-list of those quangos which it regards as non-essential or those which could be merged them with other bodies. Our Executive has no choice but to do the same and look at every quango and ask the question, 'Is this body really essential for the people of Northern Ireland?' Cutting our vast number of quangos in Northern Ireland is preferable to cutting front line services and economic regeneration projects," he continued, noting that the Sinn Fein proposals were welcomed: "The publication contains some interesting ideas, particularly the suggestion of the creation by the Banks of a joint development bond, which would provide a dedicated fund for use by small businesses and the mobile phone mast tax."

Famine Relived

There has been an official call for the Irish famine to be seen as a more important part of the country's history. NI Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew and Education Minister Caitríona Ruane made their call following their meeting with Pat Carey the Irish Minister of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs to hear first hand the preparations being made for the Famine Commemoration Event in 2011. They said that the Famine Commemoration Event is organised by the National Famine Commemoration Committee and it is intended to rotate the location. The 2010 event was held in Co Mayo and the 2011 event is scheduled to be held within the province of Ulster. Minister Carey, Chair of the National Famine Commemoration Committee outlined the current plans for 2011 and the Ministers were able to discuss the potential for this event to be commemorated on an all-Island basis.

(BMcC/GK)