Titanic Progress

The Stormont Tourism Minister Arlene Foster has visited Titanic Belfast to see first-hand how the building is progressing. Pictured here with Conal Harvey, Deputy Chairman, Titanic Quarter, she said: "The impressive building will tell the story of the Titanic and is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The building overlooks the slipways where the Titanic and her sister ships were originally launched," she said. "We are planning a series of events to mark the opening next year to ensure that 2012 will be the year when we place Northern Ireland firmly on the tourist map."

Newtownabbey Victim Dies

The man who was discovered with serious head injuries in Glengormley at the weekend has died. The 50-year-old was found close to steps outside a property in Queen's Crescent, near the Carnmoney Road, in the early hours of Saturday morning and has since died in hospital, police said. A 41-year-old woman is being questioned about the death.

Murderer's Post Reviewed

The Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson has asked his DUP party colleague the NI Finance Minister Sammy Wilson to look at the appointment process for ministerial advisers. It comes after Sinn Fein appointed Mary McArdle as a special adviser to the party's Culture Minister, despite McArdle being part of an IRA gang which murdered judge's daughter, Mary Travers in south Belfast in 1984. Now, the Ulster Unionist Ross Hussey said the main concern for his party was that "a former terrorist" had been appointed to the role and the SDLP MLA Conall McDevitt also said Sinn Fein should review its decision. However, as cross-community support requires Sinn Fein to vote with the DUP in the Assembly, any legislative change seems unlikely. See: No U-turn On Killer's Role: McGuinness

Newtownabbey Bomb Uncovered

A DIY store in Newtownabbey was at the centre of a security alert this morning after police said a device was discovered at a loading area behind the Homebase store on Longwood Road. The security alert began on Monday morning after police received reports that a suspicious object had been left close to the store. Army bomb experts were called to examine the device, which police have described as "viable".

Report Boosts TA Role

As news of the third serviceman to be killed in Afghanistan inside three days was revealed overnight, a DUP MLA, Robin Newton has welcomed the report on Britain's reserve forces that will recommend an increase in the numbers of recruits to the Territorial Army. The East Belfast politician said: "I welcome this report from General Sir Nick Houghton on the future of the TA and their equivalents within the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force. Our forces in Afghanistan could not operate without the support of reservist force medics, nurses and other specialist trades; we need the regulars and the reservists for our defence," he said.

Benefit Fraud Fined

A man was convicted at Coleraine Magistrates' Court last week for claiming benefits he was not entitled to. Gerald Walker, 50, of Belford Park, Ballymoney was fined £200 and ordered to pay court costs of £28 for failing to declare income while claiming Housing Benefit totalling £16,910. He is also required to repay any outstanding money obtained to the Social Security Agency.

Bangor Woman Fined

A woman was convicted at Downpatrick Magistrates Court for claiming benefits she was not entitled to. Tanya Gwynne, 31, of Upritchard Court, Bangor was given 240 hours community service for failing to declare she was living with a partner while claiming Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £28,524.

Implement Prison Deal: SF

The Sinn Fein Vice-Chair of the Assembly Justice Committee Raymond McCartney MLA (Foyle) has called for the agreement reached between prisoners and the Prison administration to be implemented in full as a matter of urgency. "There are continuing concerns about the treatment of prisoners being held in Maghaberry with allegations of prisoners being mistreated by prison staff," he said. "An agreement was reached between the prisoners and the administration. This agreement needs to be implemented in full as a matter of urgency," he said. "I will be pressing the administration and the Justice Minister on the mater to ensure that this is done." See: Ford Faces Maghaberry Prison Problems

(BMcC/GK)