09/12/2011 BBC Newsline

Good evening. This is BBC Newsline with Donna Traynor and Noel

Thompson. The headlines this Friday evening. The penalty for falling

foul of planning laws. This man is going to jail for a year. Why

questions are being asked in Europe about the Titanic Signature

building. Who wants a get out of jail card? It might surprise you to

learn it's the prison officers. The Policing Board comes under fire for

running up a six figure legal bill. Manchester United's Sir Alex

Ferguson pays tribute to the longest-serving boss in local

football. Well done, amazing achievement. Good luck and keep

going. It isn't easy but keep going. Be aware of ice forming on roads

and footpaths tonight. A warning is in force. I'll have more shortly. A

County Tyrone man has been sent to jail for a year for not paying a

planning fine. Fergal O'Neill converted outbuildings on his land

in Ardboe without permission. When we asked the Department of the

Environment if he was the first person to be jailed for this, a

spokesman said they weren't aware of anyone else. Louise Cullen has

more. These are the terraced houses for which Fergal O'Neill has been

sent to prison. During the Second World War they were used as an

ancillary barracks and soldiers were billeted here by the worked at

the local airfield. Some years ago, Mr O'Neill converted them into

houses and began work and one other houses is complete. When the

Planning Service find out, they declare this an unauthorised

dwelling and ordered the building to be removed. Since then, Mr Neil

has been in court on numerous occasions, appealing the notice to

demolish the building. He was given a fine of �15,000 for refusing to

comply with that and because he has not paid that fine, he has been

imprisoned and will serve one year. It is believed he is appealing that

sentence and that case will be heard in January. It's not the

first time a building on the site has been subject to a demolition

notice. Some years ago, about building had to be removed and a

barn here is also facing possible abolition. It is believed to be the

first time that anybody has ever been jailed in Northern Ireland for

non-payment of a planning compliance fine. The time spent in

jail will clear the fine but the building was still be subject to a

demolition notice when Mr O'Neill is released. In what will certainly

be seen as a confirmation of the low state of morale in the Prison

Service, Newsline has learned that 99% of the officers eligible for

the recently announced redundancy package have indicated they would

be prepared to take it. Enhanced lump sums are on offer to encourage

the longest-serving officers to leave. Vincent Kearney has this

exclusive report. There are around 1800 prison officers in Northern

Ireland. The Prison Service hopes 540 of them will volunteer to

retire early. To make way for new recruits on lower salaries. Last

month, ate lobster redundancy scheme targeted at around 650 of

the highest paid members of staff aged over 50. The response exceeded

the expectations of the service. 99% of the officers eligible to

apply for the scheme have lodged formal expressions of interest and

asked for details of the financial package. That does not mean they

have signed up for voluntary redundancy but it does suggest they

like the sound of what is on offer. The sums on offer are much lower

than the packages for police officers under the Patten

redundancy scheme. But they are more generous than standard public

sector pension schemes. Payments will depend on lengths of service

and salary. The most experienced but receive a lump sum of more than

�55,000. They would have been entitled to this anyway as part of

the Civil Service early retirement scheme. They were also received a

number of enhanced payments. Equivalent to 21 months' salary. It

brings the total to just over �120,000. Plus an annual pension of

�18,800. The Prison Service says this redundancy scheme is essential

for a new beginning. The fact that nearly every eligible officer has

expressed an interest means the Prison Service will be confident it

can achieve its am without the need for compulsory redundancies. That

could provoke industrial action and opposition from Unionist

politicians. On the downside, it could also mean that many of the

officers are unhappy with the direction the service is taking and

do not want to be part of it. The Prison Officers' the express an

interest in the scheme will each receive details of how much their

packages worth early next month. They will then have four weeks to

decide whether to accept. Newsline has learned that the flagship

Titanic Signature building in Belfast could be facing a �20

million EU funding shortfall. An application for grants towards the

cost of the building is being queried by the European Commission.

Kevin Magee has this exclusive report. Work on a landmark

signature building is almost finished and is due to open to the

public as a scheduled next March. But behind the scenes, the funding

it is costing around �80 million and the Executive is paying for a

large part of that. But questions have been raised in Europe about to

grant application for almost a quarter of the overall cost.

According to an influential report due out soon, an application for EU

funding for 24 million euros has been queried by the Commission. In

its view, there was a lack of competition in the tendering for

the construction of the building. Something the Department of

Enterprise denies. It says it is optimistic it can address this

query and that is why it did not inform the Stormont Enterprise

Committee. I certainly was not appraised of this. And it really is

a very serious situation that the Department is in. If it does not

get the 20 million euros from Europe, which it hoped to do, I

hope the department had anticipated at least that they might be in this

situation, though obviously the position has not yet been clarified.

I hope the Department made plans to make this. The funding application

is being examined by legal advisers on both sides. In a report due to

be published next week, the enterprise department says if it's

legal arguments are unsuccessful, it will provide the funding from

other sources. The question is, from where? The new deal to

safeguard the Euro could leave Northern Ireland at a disadvantage.

The UK's decision not to join the Eurozone countries and others in

having closer fiscal coordination may also put paid to moves to

reduce corporation tax. Before we came on air, Jim Fitzpatrick

explained what the Euro agreement means for us. It will require

economic acrobatics. Northern Ireland as part of the UK but the

Republic is a huge trading partner but we now have these camps, the UK

on one side and the Republic and the rest of the eurozone and some

other countries on the other. They head in different directions. We

have our foot in both camps and we will have to learn how to do the

splits. How do we maintain all those trade links with the Republic,

cross-border business, all of that activity, while we are in the UK,

heading perhaps in the opposite direction. What implications could

this have for us, attracting investment here? It does have

indications because it changes the selling basis for Northern Ireland.

Companies that want to be at the heart of Europe will not

necessarily choose you. And companies that want to be at the

heart of the UK will not either. We are disadvantaged on both fronts.

There are complications perhaps with Corporation Tax. What about

that? Those levels, North and South? The reason for trying to get

Corporation Tax powers to Stormont has been that we are competing with

the Republic and its lower rate. Now, the Republic could be under

pressure to harmonise with the rest of Europe. What happens for

Northern Ireland? Does it make it easier for us? But lessons the

argument for getting the powers here in the first place. It also

delays the argument, already complicated by what is happening

throughout the UK and in relation to Scotland, now perhaps the

argument for getting Corporation Tax powers here is complicated by

what is happening elsewhere in Europe. J M Fitzpatrick. The former

head of the Anglo-Irish Bank, Sean Fitzpatrick, has been arrested as

part of an investigation into alleged financial irregularities.

He was arrested by appointment this morning at Bray Garda Station in

County Wicklow. It is the second time he has been detained in

connection with alleged irregularities at the bank. You're

watching BBC Newsline. Still to come on the programme. A wintry

weekend is in store. What's it like where you are? And as one of our

best-known sports stars battles it out on the green, we meet an

Olympic hopeful and star of the future. The Policing Board has been

criticised for running up a six- figure legal bill fighting a fair

employment case which it eventually settled after five years. The BBC

can reveal that an investigation by the Audit Office questioned whether

the cost to the public purse was allowed to mount without

consideration and control. Julian O'Neill has the story. Journalist

Chris Ryder took a case against the Policing Board after he failed to

be shortlisted for interview for a job as director of communications.

He ended up winning damages and then complained to the Audit Office

when he discovered the boy spent �152,000 in legal costs fighting

him over five years. There is a certain profligacy about the way

money is spent on legal fees. I think there is a runaway horse that

needs to be tied up and stabled. And that proper value for money is

obtained. And that legal fees are kept under control. In many cases,

they are exorbitant. The Audit Office drilled into the figures and

found the board initially estimated its fees at 40-�45,000. Within one

year, that had soared to �152,000. The board settled for �35,000 and

also paid Chris Ryder's legal costs, just �12,000. Bringing the total

outlay from the public purse to �197,000. Today, a board committee

met behind closed doors and on the table was the Audit Office findings.

They reveal that they could have been better value for money

considerations. The office could not find any justification for the

board hurrying but senior and junior legal counsel. It also

identified other shortcomings, like not informing the Department of

Justice in or about the high costs. And questioning whether they be

allowed to spiral without consideration. We have to make sure

that the taxpayer isn't seen as a soft touch, particularly when it

comes to the issuing of legal costs. The issue of making sure it doesn't

happen again means I have taken heart that the interim Chief

Executive is like in the process of setting up a commission to take a

look at this specific issue. And certainly I think we will be

waiting with great anticipation to see the outcome. So the board is

promising to learn lessons. It is also pledging to give a fuller

explanation of what happened to the Public Accounts Committee at

Stormont. The mother of a baby girl who was murdered in Enniskillen has

appeared in court with her former boyfriend to face charges arising

out of the death. The child was killed two years ago this weekend.

Millie Martin was just 15 months old when she was killed. On the

night of her death she was taken from this house in Enniskillen to

the local hospital. By the time she arrived she was in a lifeless

condition and could not be saved. The man accused of murdering her is

32-year-old Barry Michael McCarney, originally from County Tyrone. At

the time of the toddler's death, he was the boyfriend of Millie's

mother and has always protested his innocence. He is also charged with

Seriously sexually assaulting the young child. Millie's mother,

Rachel, now with an address in Cheshire, is accused of wilful

neglect. She has since given birth to another baby.

Today, Barry Michael McCarney and Rachel Martin appeared at a court

in Belfast to have the charges put formally to them. Both deny having

any part in the Millie's death. Their trial is due to begin next

year. In Dublin, the DUP MP Jeffrey

Donaldson has told at the Smithwick Tribunal former British agent in

the IRA told him a Garda sergeant in dark -- been done Doc had passed

a number of -- information on the organisation. The tribunal is

investigating alleged collusion in the murder of two senior RUC

officers in 1989. Our reporter joined us live from Dublin. What

did Mr Donaldson have to say about the evidence of previous witnesses

who describes Kevin Fulton as a fantasist or intelligence nuisance.

Bristol Donaldson said he had a will concerns about the rare but --

reliability of Kevin Fulton. He said he was able to verify it

the voracity of his information with as it -- senior RUC member. He

said there was a difference between falsely picking out information and

information that was faults. He said he had an open mind on

collusion and that the tribunal would determine what information

was accurate. Did Mr Donaldson denied that he had

effectively turned into a prosecutor by naming the sergeant?

That is right. 11 years ago when Mr Donaldson stood in the Haydn --

House of conduct -- House of Commons and named a Garda officer,

he has denied collusion. It was said he had committed one of the

most egregious acts of parliamentary privilege abuse since

the Bill of Rights. He refuted that suggestion. He denied that he had

somehow contributed to the murders by Ewing's -- using Owen Corrigan

as bait of. The that is not the case. In the

House of Commons and made clear that my decision to be

disinformation in the public domain was with one purpose - to secured

agreement to a public inquiry. I achieved that objective and it is

now up to the inquiry to establish the facts.

Mr Donaldson also said his motivation was to find out the

truth of what had happened. The tribunal resumes hearing evidence

from further witnesses next week. It is not offer we have the

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson on the programme, but he

is on tonight pay in trouble -- tribute to a local football boss.

Yes, a big landmark this weekend for Ronnie McFall, the manager of

Portadown Football Club, celebrating an amazing 25 years in

the job. He is the second longest serving manager in Europe, beating

only -- beaten only by Sir Alex Ferguson. They may be working at

different levels, but have one thing in common - both are not

ready to retire just yet. It is a remarkable footballing

story of success and long service. Ronnie McFall has guided Portadown

to 24 trophies in 25 years. He has been in the job just six weeks less

than sir Alex Ferguson, who recorded a special message for his

Irish lead counterpart to watch this afternoon.

Ronnie, I would like to congratulate you on reaching that

milestone I experienced a few weeks ago, 25 we it -- 25 years. I know

exactly what you have gone through, the emotions, frustrations, bad

days, good days, you get them all in a 25 you spell. The amazing

thing is, you have survived and shown a fantastic determination and

conviction to get through, because it is not an easy profession, as I

know. Keep going. That is what Ronnie is planning to

do, with the club he transformed a quarter of a century ago.

When I took of her they were at the bottom of the table. They were a

poor side. Not really quality players, and within three-and-a-

half years we had won the League and turned it all around. I said

then to try and keep it going because you create your own

pressure. You have your highs and lows, you could days and bad days,

but you have to bring your own perspective to that. The most

important thing is your health, as well as that holds, my enthusiasm

and hunger is as strong as ever. I intend to keep going.

Ronnie will celebrate his anniversary and is 1.285th game in

charge against Glentoran, the club that sacked him all those years ago.

This man was not even born when Ronnie McFall started as manager of

Portadown - Rory McIlroy, with his eyes on the price of finishing the

season as Europe's Cup golfer. He is joint third in the second round

of the Dubai World Championship. -- You see the way he dips into it?

Michael Bannon once again passing on his golfing expertise. Just like

he did with Rory Michael Wright when he was a child. And today as a

major winner, hoping to win that the race to go by. -- Dubai.

Rory McIlroy's exploits on the course have brought him success and

his coach Michael Banham, the 2011 European Court of the year. The I

enjoyed teaching everyone, it is for everyone.

It is great to introduce young girls and boys and teach people of

all ages and standards. To see Rory McIlroy Blair he is, it is the

pinnacle of what I have been able to achieve.

Today the world number one, Luke Donald, put Rory McIlroy under

pressure. He has made it three in a role at

the 18th. How significant will that be come Sunday afternoon?

However, raw meat in turn is keeping the pressure on him. --

Rory McIlroy in turn. But he struggled towards the end of

the round, getting a bogey on the 17th and here again at the 18th. He

is tied third, five shots off the lead in a competition he simply

needs to win. He will be in the wit -- in the mix

at the weekend, no doubt. Mark Allen is in the semi-final of

the UK snooker championships after a dramatic quarter-final victory

over Marco Fu last night. He had a bit of luck in the fifth frame of a

tight match. He came from 5-4 down to win the 6-5. He will play Ricky

Walden for a place in the final tomorrow. Earlier this week, Mark

Allen was referred to the game's governing body following a

controversial outburst against the sniggered chairman, Barry Hearn.

Ulster are to play Bere Alston Trekkers in the Heineken Cup. It is

the first of two games against the Italians. Also need to win both

games to qualify for the competition.

We need to get 10 points over the next two weeks, and the only thing

we worry about is Friday night. We are not looking ahead to much at

this stage, where we will end up and how many points we have to get.

At this stage all the focus is on our game at home.

You can listen to live coverage on that game on BBC also at medium

wave. The European -- the Badminton

Championships qualifying event is taking place in Lisburn over the

weekend. Over 250 badminton players from several countries are trying

to win a place at their games, including Northern Ireland's top

female player. She made her Olympic debut as a

teenager in Beijing. Now four years older and wiser, Donegal's Chloe

Magee is on course to reach her second Olympic Games. If the

qualification deadline was to be instead of next April, she would be

going. But in badminton, the road to London is a marathon, not a

sprint. It is your best 10 tournaments

throughout the year, so if you have 10 good tournaments you are in

there. You can never be sure, you got what to say anything until you

see the list with your name on it. She is also trying to qualify with

her brother, Sam, for the mixed doubles in London, but it is the

single event which remains her objective.

Seoul, do you have to put friendships on hold with the people

behind you until you get there? Yes, badminton is an individual

sport, everyone is going for the same thank, and I don't think there

are too many real friends, but of course, it side of badminton you

can relax and it is all very chilled out.

With several bank high players in the drop in Lisburn this week it --

this week, she is not expecting to win the Irish Open but Olympic

prospects remain strong. There was an impressive winner for

the Irish woman's hockey team today, they beat India 1-0 in the four-

nations tournament in Argentina. It is bound to be called at

Ravenhill tonight, hat and scarf to the ready. It may be too early to

predict at the moment if we will have a white Christmas like last

have a white Christmas like last year, but there were some flurries

today. Have a look at these pictures. They were taking a few

miles outside Belfast. Some vehicles were finding it difficult

to move on minor roads. People living close to the Saltburn will

be ready to deal with any more snow. Some are even looking forward to it.

I quite enjoy it, believe it or not. The snow appear last year in the

early part of the Year, over Christmas, and I am interested in

art, and the scene here was absolutely beautiful. The morning I

saw the snow melting, I was distraught.

There is still something magical when you see the first snowflakes

fall. Unfortunately we will not have snow,

the biggest issue over the next 24 hours is ice. We already have had

some tweets of treacherous conditions. The Met Office has

warned of icy conditions through this evening and overnight. Bear

that in mind if you're heading out. The blue on the map indicates how

cold it will be, especially in the east and south-east as temperatures

fall below zero. In northern areas and the West we will have cloud

cover, but still actually one or two Celsius. -- still at chilly. By

the weekend it will turn much cloudier and damp by the end of

Saturday. Further west, the cloud will roll in during the day. It

will be very grey at times. For the western areas during the first part

of the afternoon, light rain and drizzle at times. Until the evening

we will see outbreaks of rain, hitting parts of antrum and County

Down. -- County Antrim and County Down. Winds will make it feel

colder. Into Sunday, not quite as chilly. Temperatures dipping to one

or two Celsius, but as the cloud clears temperatures will fall Laura.

A touch of frost to developing in the countryside of parts of County

Down and County Fermanagh. Sunday will get off to a dry start, but it

during the day the showers will feed in from the north and west.

Into Monday, some of the showers will turn wintry, especially

towards the higher ground. Next week, we are looking out for the

next weather front edging its way in from the Atlantic. The winds

will pick up quite a bit. We will be looking at that over the weekend,

so stay tuned to the forecasts. We are also on Twitter. Wrap up warm.

Before we go, a reminder of our main stories...

And a man has been sent to prison for a year after falling foul of

planning laws. But he failed to pay a fine over a set of buildings on

his land. his land.

The BBC has learned that 99 % of eligible prison officers have

expressed an interest in applying for the voluntary redundancy

package brought in to speed up reform of the Prison Service.

The Prime Minister David Cameron has defended his decision to block

an EU deal to tackle the eurozone crisis despite warnings it will

leave the UK isolated. That was BBC Newsline on 9th December, a