Soccer Drama Scores

Chris Lyttle of the Alliance Party, Padraig Coyle (Belfast Celtic Society) and Michael Boyd (Irish Football Association), are shown launching the drama, Lish and Gerry At The Shrine which will take place in the Senate Chamber at Stormont Buildings, on 17th February, sponsored by Mr Lyttle. It is a ground-breaking piece of drama as well as a facilitated a Dealing With The Past interactive workshop and is based around two NI football legends who crossed the sectarian divide in the 1940s. Elisha Scott was the Protestant manager of Belfast Celtic while Gerry Morgan was Linfield's Catholic trainer.

London Calling

First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness are to take part in the talks with their Welsh and Scottish counterparts in London later today for a meeting of the Joint Ministerial Committee. NI Social Development Minister Alex Attwood is also attending the meeting as welfare reform and the economy will be on the agenda. Afterwards, the Stormont ministers will meet UK Treasury Minister David Gaulke to discuss corporation tax.

Church News

The next moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland will be Reverend Ivan Patterson, 62, who is the minister of Newcastle Presbyterian Church, Co Down. Rev Patterson was nominated by 12 out of the 19 Presbyteries who met on Tuesday throughout Ireland. He will take up office on 6 June in succession to Dr Norman Hamilton who continues as moderator until then.

Irish Guard

A member of the Republic's police force, An Garda Síochána went on trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on Tuesday, accused of assaulting a man in the Capital in 2007. Garda Brendan Whitty, 33, has pleaded not guilty to the assault of Keith Murphy on Thomas Street Dublin 2 on 20 September 2007. The court heard that Mr Murphy died from complications of drug use hours after he was released from garda custody. The prosecution said Mr Murphy's death was not connected his earlier arrest and that Garda Whitty was charged with assault for allegedly hitting Mr Murphy a number of times with a baton while arresting him earlier that day. The jury was told it would have to decide if Garda Whitty had an honest belief that he needed to use force to arrest Mr Murphy.

Bank Backs UCF

The Northern Bank has unveiled the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) as its new Charity Partner for 2011, it was announced today. Together with its staff and customers, Northern Bank aims to create a brighter future for local families affected by cancer by aiming to raise £100,000 during the charity partnership, which will be invested in UCF's Family Support Service. This free service provides a vital lifeline to children and young people when a significant adult such as a parent or grandparent is diagnosed with cancer. Since its launch at the end of 2008, UCF’s Family Support Service has helped over 500 children.

Tourist Looks Abroad

NI Tourism Minister Arlene Foster has launched overseas plans to promote Northern Ireland tourism to a global audience of up to 200 million people. Tourism Ireland's marketing plans for 2011 aim to restore growth from the all-important Great Britain market, which accounts for 70% of all overseas visitors to Northern Ireland and 66% of revenue. The US, Germany and France will also be the focus of a major promotional drive. Addressing an audience of tourism industry leaders from across Northern Ireland in Belfast, the Minister said: "The importance of overseas tourism to the economy of Northern Ireland cannot be underestimated. The Northern Ireland Executive recognises tourism as a vital export-oriented service industry that is set to play an important role in economic regeneration."

Aer Lingus Flights Cancelled

Embattled airline Aer Lingus has cancelled 20 flights yesterday as the dispute with cabin crew over rosters worsens. The flights affected are mainly to British and European destinations with a service to Boston tomorrow would also suspected to be grounded. The airline cancelled 20 services, including 10 return flights, yesterday as the dispute rages on despite the best efforts of business groups and union leaders.

Business Call

Businesses are being urged to apply for the Belfast Business Awards as soon as possible as the closing date for entries is two weeks away. Belfast City Council will host the prestigious event in the City Hall on Thursday 14 April with 21 awards up for grabs in recognition of the fine work of business enterprises, retail outlets and businessmen and women from across the city. The Belfast Business Awards are supported by Belfast City Centre Management (BCCM) and Victoria Square is the principal sponsor of the awards this year. The closing date for entries to the awards is on Friday 18 February.

(BMcC/GK)