20/09/2011 BBC Newsline

Good evening. This is BBC Newsline with Noel Thompson and Sarah

Travers. The headlines this Tuesday evening:

Another day, another price hike - I'll be reporting on the ever

spiralling cost of energy here. Alert, active and independent - a

family tells a court about the mother who was murdered on

Christmas Day. Can teach, want to teach - but

where are the jobs? Ploughing their furrow - the Irish

Presidential hopefuls hit the campaign trail.

Going for gold - the Belfast man trying to become Northern Ireland's

first World Amateur Boxing champion. A mainly dry night, but there could

be a few inside out umbrellas at Yet another hike in energy prices

is about to hit - this time affecting gas customers in the

Greater Belfast area. The ending of Firmus Energy's discount period

will mean an increase of more than a third. Let's join our consumer

correspondent, Martin Cassidy. With across the board rises in fuel

prices, consumers face a bleak economic winter. The bad news

started back in May when Phoenix gas went up by 39%. But that was

only the start. Before August was out, Power NI, formerly known as

NIE Energy, announced that the cost of electricity would go up by 18.6%.

Rival electricity supplier Airtricity said it had little

option but to follow the move. Then came another gas increase. This

time it was Firmus putting up prices in towns outside Belfast by

28.4%. And now comes the final gas price hike in the current round, a

35 % increase by Firmus in the Greater Belfast market. Even a bag

of coal has become more expensive. It will go up by between 4% and 10%

this month. If you rely on oil to heat your home, prices have also

risen over the summer from around �490 for a 900 litre fill to about

�525. The fear is that increasing winter demand will push costs even

higher. Car Northern Ireland consumers particularly badly hit

when it comes to energy bills? Certainly in the last six months.

There had been continuous increases come up to 40 %. In Northern

Ireland be pay 40 % more than on the mainland over a year. Fuel

poverty is something we should talk about a lot. Presumably higher

energy prices been a more households will be in trouble.

before the price increases were very concerned about fuel poverty

in Northern Ireland, which stands at about 44 %. Now the fear is

moving into the winter that more people will be struggling. Will

there be more money you'd made available for winter payments?

would be very clear that the support in terms of the winter fuel

payment eats to be maintained at. In terms of how far that goes, with

increases up to 40 %, it is soon swallowed up. We would also be

concerned around to other poor households. There is a lot for

local politicians to get their teeth into. I think there is a lot

to be done. Consumers can look at comparison websites Hummel or maybe

switch to gas. The children of a Newry pensioner

have been telling a court about the effect her murder has had on their

family. 81-year-old Maura Rankin was found dead at her home on the

Dublin Road on Christmas Day in 2008. Mrs Rankin's neighbour Karen

Walsh is accused of her killing. Will Leitch was in the court.

Then active and alert woman, a widow, grandmother who was full of

fun. This was the picture painted of the family of Maura Rankin. She

lived for her family, but she had been ill and they were diligent in

visiting her. On Christmas Day 2000 in the it she was found dead in an

upstairs bedroom in Newry. The family told the police that there

were things in a house that were wrong. She always kept to a

cordless phone the third, but it was found a long way from her body.

Her personal effects had been moved. Chocolate was lying on the floor.

Accused of for murder is Karen Walsh, a neighbour, seen here in

the white coat. The prosecution had said they had a witness who saw her

early that morning sitting on a low wall outside Maura Rankin's home at

half past seven. Today her neighbour, Paul Rafferty, explain

what he had seen to be caught. Although she was sure she had seen

a woman in a red top, he could not be sure it was Karen Walsh. The son

of Maura Rankin told the court that there were connections between

Karen Walsh and Maura Rankin. The case is expected to last several

more weeks. The super-grass trial in Belfast

was adjourned today because one of the key witnesses was deemed unfit

to give evidence. When Robert Stewart took the stand this morning

he said he felt unwell, had a severe headache and had not been

sleeping. After he was examined by a doctor, the judge adjourned the

hearing until tomorrow morning. Stewart is testifying against 14

men, including the alleged former UVF commander Mark Haddock. Nine of

them are accused of the murder of UDA man Tommy English.

It has been a big day for the Sinn Fein MLA John O'Dowd, who has found

himself promoted to Deputy First Minister while Martin McGuinness is

on the Presidential campaign trail. Our political reporter Stephen

Walker has been finding out more about the man in the big picture.

Upper Bann is home to John O'Dowd. This restaurant is what the Deputy

First Minister worked for four he became a full-time politician. He

was head chef and trained this man. John was very enthusiastic about

his job, very professional. It doesn't surprise me that he is good

at his job now. He was not afraid to share DEC cheek! You get you in

line. John O'Dowd was appointed Education Minister this year. He

became an MLA in 2003 and also served on Craigavon Borough Council.

He is a very personable, professional politician, can

identify with people. His rise has been me to Roderick - - has been a

meteoric one. Even his rivals at Stormont say he is a shrewd

operator. He is used by Sinn Fein as their troubleshooter. Any time

there is a break in the lines, he will be dropped in to sort things

out. He can certainly put a point of view across. He is articulate.

For John O'Dowd this marks a remarkable year. From four months

ago he was seen as an MLA to watch, now he has to ministerial jobs add

to his CV. Is this harder than being a chef? Asked me get in six

weeks. There is many a time when I'm standing in the assembly or in

front of the committee when I took figure should be back in front of

the kitchen. John O'Dowd will work closely with Peter Robinson in go

weeks ahead. Next month's when the votes of the Irish presidential

election are counted, we will see if Martin McGuinness's departure

will be temporary or permanent and if the man from Upper Bann will be

his replacement for good. Later in the programme we will

catch up with Irish Presidential hopeful Martin McGuinness and other

candidates on their first full day of canvassing.

A bank in County Fermanagh was evacuated this morning after staff

reported a strong smell of fumes. Staff were told to leave the Ulster

Bank branch in Lisnaskea and advised to attend a local health

centre. The Fire and Rescue Service helped to ventilate the premises on

Main Street. A heating engineer was then called in to investigate the

problem. Ulster Bank says the branch was temporarily closed as a

precaution, but re-opened this afternoon. The plight of student

teachers who can't get a job was debated at the Assembly this

afternoon. Members were told that up to 600 people go into teacher

training each year, but only 5% find work in our schools. The DUP

describe it as a huge waste of Government resources, as Mervyn

Jess reports. Though writing could be on the wall

for some teacher training courses. It seems that we have too many

teachers but not enough classes. It has been claimed that up to 600

graduates each year with a new hope of finding work. The issue was

debated in the assembly. Why are we continually training graduate

teachers for jobs that are to bear? That is a huge waste of government

resources and something which I would appeal to the minister to

look into and get a much closer relationship between supply and

demand in that field. Angelina qualified as a teacher several

years ago. She has - - has only had one year's full employment since

then and always travels with her CV at the ready. I always had five CV

in my handbag. Out of all the schools that I apply it, I think

they had for schools that actually contacted me to do some substitute

work. Last year in September I had two days. Come Christmas time I was

pulling my hair right. Some out-of- work teachers are prepared to go to

greater lengths to find work. have thought about emigrating.

There are more opportunities in Australia and New Zealand. It is

such an upheaval, to take yourself and your family and leave your

friends behind. There is the financial situation as well. You

would need thousands of pounds to do such a thing. The DUP claimed

there are lessons to be learnt on capacity, and the need to be

learned fast. Stay with us. Still to come on the

programme: Jumping for joy! The Belfast school with a novel

approach to keeping out of debt. The 16-year-old who is making a big

splash in an out of the pool. The ploughing championships in

County Kildare were a hotbed of political activity today as Irish

presidential hopefuls mingled with the masses. It marked Martin

McGuinness' first full day of campaigning. Fianna Fail's decision

not to support any candidate in the race has made it difficult for Dana

and David Norris to get on the ballot paper. Julie Kirby sent this

Eight decades ago, the first ploughing contest was held close to

this farm. But it was a contest of a different kind: The job of

president. I will miss it terribly. And I will miss people. I miss the

people and the engagement with people. The newest entrant to the

race was relishing the opportunity to meet and greet. It has surpassed

my expectations. I am looking forward to being in every county in

Ireland, and this will be an All Ireland Campaign. I was a mite own

constituency last night, a huge number of people turned out. -- I

was in my own. All five presidential candidates were here,

and for confident of their campaign strategy. Are haven't lost an

election in 14 straight elections. And I do that by convincing them

that I have the right leader. man leading the opinion polls was

not a talking down his chance of leader of a stop I believe, in this

campaign, when the time comes in October, 2027, the Irish people

will make a good decision. This is already a ground bait -- ground-

breaking presidential campaign. Which candidates return at next he

is anyone's guess. -- at next year's.

Animal welfare experts gathered at Stormont this morning to unveil a

new strategy for dealing with the growing problem of badger

persecution here. The Environment Minister and MLAs were joined by

representatives from the police and various animal charities. They

heard how badgers here have been subjected to baiting, fighting with

dogs, illegal snaring, poisoning and shooting. The new strategy,

which is known as Operation Meles, aims to increase public awareness

of the problem and persuade people to come forward with information

about badger-related crime. Protection of wildlife is important

of making a statement about our society.

The Foyle Ferry from Magilligan to Greencastle is facing another

funding crisis. The company which runs the service says it can't

afford to keep going without an injection of cash and it will

suspend the ferry from the first Sunday in October.

The sun may be shining on the fall ferry service, but a cloud is

hanging over its future. In we were to close at the end of August, we

run on an extra month, it just because of the good relations we

have with the customers. We are losing money. The ferry cost far

�0.5 million to set up. It has been running since 2002. This 60 mile

journey around the Lock became a 16th minute trip across it. It was

meant to encourage tourists. But that was in the boom times. The

economy has changed, and some say that means how the ferry is funded

should change a stop we have got more money here just recently.

have a bit of an issue about public funding being spent. I don't think

it was ever to stand on its own two feet. I am hoping that both

governments, both north and south, take on board our request, and

secured funding for this ferry. Passengers were surprised by the

news. It is a great shame. We have come over from bally Castle, and

decided to come down this way. service will stop on a Sunday, at

second October. The owners hope it will restart next spring, if the

money is available. We're all familiar with cutbacks in

education. With budgets becoming ever tighter, many of our schools

are having to come up with new ways to raise badly-needed funds to keep

them going. But in west Belfast, one school is breaking new ground

in its efforts to draw in extra money. It's aiming to become an

entertainment venue. It is now time, and passed home

time the students to study here. But as you can see, the lights are

on and the doors are firmly open to the local community, that is. The

new sports complex plays host to a range of classes including ballet.

We love it here. We have got such a lot of space. It is clean and well

looked after. It is might gold's most favourite venue for their

ballet classes. -- might girl's. There is also a gem of. My daughter

has been here trampoline in. It is lively. There are always people

here. It is absolutely brilliant. Trampolining is a strong fixture in

the college, with competitors from across Northern Ireland choosing to

train here. So is this new facility opened, it has been the focus for

sports enthusiasts. With concerts already in the bag, and a comedy

night, it is hoped that it will become an entertainment venue in

west Belfast. The money pays for books. We lose money from the

education department. Every department loses money, so this

helps us put money back. It is it now hope to future plans

all held the score reached new heights.

A comedy club at school? That is a good idea!

Can a boxer from the Antrim Road in Belfast set the world alight in

Azerbaijan? Stephen Watson is here to tell us.

From Belfast to Baku in pursuit of a sporting dream. Boxer Paddy

Barnes from the Holy Family Club in Belfast arrives in Azerbaijan with

the rest of the Ireland team tomorrow. He says he's in the shape

of his life and is determined to bring back Belfast's first ever

gold medal from the World Amateur Championships. Less than two months

ago, he was nursing a wrist injury. Now, fully recovered, he aims to go

where no want from these shores has gone before. I want to be the first

person ever from Ireland to win a gold at the World Championships.

That would be something. I you confident? Death and then leave!

-- definitely! He has already backed bronze.

unreal. That training can benefit Germany

ended today. Tomorrow, he will arrive in Azerbaijan.

Ireland rugby coach Declan Kidney would have had a keen eye on this

morning's Pool C game at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. Italy and

Russia, Ireland's next two opponents, clashed. It finished in

a comfortable 53-17 victory for the Italians. Ireland will play Russia

on Sunday morning, but with the Italians now looming large for that

final Pool game a week later. Sycerika McMahon is one of our most

promising young sportswomen. The 16-year-old swimmer has recently

returned from the Commonwealth Youth Games with five medals, and

is bidding to make it to the Olympics next year. She's doing it

all while juggling schoolwork. Thomas Kane had to be up very early

in the morning to catch up with her. This is where you will find

Sycerika McMahon at every morning. She gets up at 4:30am, then travels

from her home to Belfast, and trains from 6am until 8pm. It is

two and hours every day, Monday- Friday. It is that not too bad,

really. Usually, I can manage things. When it comes up to exam

time, however, it can become a hectic. Her name is of Indian

origin and means little flame. She has already competed in the semi-

finals of the senior world championships, and has continued to

win medals in her age group. Her next goal is London 2012. I would

love to go for the experience. My coach would love me to be there as

well, and he thinks I can do it. you don't have a passion for the

sport, you will not make it. You have to have the passion and desire

and wealth to be better, and that's what drives me. When I have got a

swimmer with potential like Sycerika McMahon, I am enthused.

Sycerika McMahon is hoping to go to university in America with a

swimming scholarship. But in the short term, after intensive two our

training, it is breakfast in the car and then off to school. She

will be in bed by 8:30pm, ready to do it all again tomorrow.

Finally, Ireland's cricketers have beaten Canada for the second day

running in a 50 over one-day international. Today the winning

It isn't the most settled out look over the next few days. Today has

been one of the better ones. Still a few showers following in the wake

of yesterday evening's rain. Still, a few of those showers scattered

around, mainly towards the West. They will tend to ease away. The

many of us, not a bad evening. A little bit breezy already in place

is. That breeze will be a fixture tonight. For most of us, it is a

dry and breezy night. Lows settling between 8-ten degrees. It means we

are in for a wet and windy spell tomorrow. At some stage during the

morning, a few of us could see heavy passers of rain. Not very

nice on the roads. -- heavy pulses. Parts of the South East may not see

the rain arriving probably until the end of the rush hour, but we

can see those heavy pulses of rain starting to arrive towards the

north coast. They will sink their way towards South. That is when are

we could see rumbles of thunder. It could take until around lunchtime

before the rain at players away from County Down, but once it does

move away, it will brighten up. -- the rain clears away. At least it

is improving for the second half of the devil stop the rain moves away

and a few rays of sunshine comes through. -- second half of the day..

The cloud will start to increase later tomorrow night, and that is a

sign of a damp weather on Thursday. Hopefully that batch of Senedd

fairly light and clearing away. -- Finally, a reminder of the stories

making the headlines: Gas company Firmus has announced

that prices for its customers in Greater Belfast will go up by 35%.

Members of the Rankin family have been telling a court about their

active and independent mother who was founded murdered on Christmas

Day 2008. Experts at the International

Monetary Fund warn the world's economy is at risk of a double dip