Man Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A man has been convicted for claiming benefits he was not entitled to at Belfast Magistrates' Court.

Declan Keenan, 28, claimed Jobseekers Allowance totalling £2,936 while failing to declare employment. He was fined £400.

He is also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

Sammy Wilson Called To Withdraw Comments

SDLP Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone has called for Sammy Wilson to immediately withdraw his comments where he recorded agreeing with a man who said "get the ethnics out too".

Mr McGlone said: "Inflammatory comments such as these are totally unacceptable and Sammy is in danger of raising racial tensions.

"As one of the DUPs loudest Eurosceptic voices it must also be asked if it is views like these which are really driving the DUPs push for an exit from the EU.

"Sammy Wilson must immediately withdraw his comments and apologise for the offence he has caused."

East Antrim Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson said: "I would call on Mr Wilson to explain what happened in this incident and whether he agreed with such a racist comment, and I ask him to do so immediately. There can never be any excuse for such views.

"The vast majority of people in Northern Ireland want a more welcoming, inclusive and progressive society. Racist language such as this only fosters hate and division. As someone who represents all of East Antrim, I value all those who have made this place their home and know the contribution they make."

Omagh Victims Let Down By Criminal Justice System - UUP

The Ulster Unionist Party has described the collapse of the latest case with the 1998 Omagh bomb as another terrible blow for the victims and survivors.

West Tyrone MLA , Ross Hussey, said: "The absolute evil that was inflicted on the town of Omagh on Saturday 15th August 1998 has never and will never be forgotten.

"Once again victims and survivors will be left feeling badly let down by the criminal justice system. Their disappointment and hurt will be all the more raw as they think of how the perpetrators of terrorist violence have benefitted from under the table measures such as letters of comfort and Royal Prerogatives of Mercy.

"It must be desperately depressing for the victims and survivors to feel as if the whole world is against them as they continue their fight for truth and justice."

(CD)