08/08/2013 BBC Newsline

Newsline... The Housing Executive says hundreds

of its tenants are facing repair delays.

A man appears in court charged with trying to kill a police officer on

the Twelfth. Why a computer lifeline for pupils

who can't attend school through illness could be a step closer.

Why they're putting a best foot forward for the Maiden City Festival

in Londonderry. We're told change is coming in local

football. But not everyone's happy. We're live in north Belfast.

And in the weather it's a rainy, wet night tonight. But tomorrow promises

to be a much better, brighter day. The Housing Executive says it's been

forced to run a reduced repair service in some areas following the

collapse of two contractors earlier this year. The housing body says it

has not been able to deal with around 1,000 requests for repairs.

The housing body has also confirmed it's facing a legal challenge over

the procurement of double glazing for thousands of its properties.

Martin Cassidy reports. Earlier this year, two contractors

responsible for repairs reported by tenants in eight districts went into

administration. The Housing Executive says, as a result, it has

had to run a reduced repairs service in three districts - Craigavon, the

Shankill and South Belfast. It has now emerged there are around 1,000

repair requests in these districts which the Executive has not been

able to deal with. Because of the mounting backlog, over 200 staff

have now transferred from the contractors to the Housing

Executive's own staff. Apologising to tenants for the delay, the

Housing Executive says it is treating the backlog as a priority

and will endeavour to carry out the outstanding work as soon as

what the Executive refers to as "planned repairs." This includes the

installation of new double glazing. The Housing Minister Nelson

McCausland ordered a review in May 2012, claiming the deals that

existed then were "unnecessarily expensive." Several companies have

criticised the delay in awarding new contracts, claiming it's hit the

industry very badly. Today, the Housing Executive confirmed it's

facing legal proceedings. The result is an automatic suspension of the

procurement process. Tenants hoping for new windows face yet more

delays. The Secretary of State has urged the

organisers of a republican parade in Castlederg to call it off, but says

current legislation means she isn't able to ban it. Earlier, Theresa

Villiers met a victims' group opposed to Sunday's parade at

Stormont. Unionist politicians say they are disappointed the parade is

going ahead. She was very clear that she felt the parade was offensive.

She felt that Sinn Fein should cancel their parade in Castlederg

and they should take it out of Castlederg. I think the families,

whilst they welcome that statement, are still disappointed that there is

not a band coming -- there is not a band coming because they do not have

any confidence in Sinn Fein meeting the parade out of Castlederg.

Fein's Barry McElduff rejected the Secretary of State's comments. He

said she should stay out of parading issues and respect the right of

republicans to remember their dead in a dignified manner.

The Parades Commission has given permission for six loyalists

protests tomorrow evening. Numbers have been restricted at four of the

demonstrations. A man has appeared in court charged

with trying to kill a police officer with a ceremonial sword on the 12th

July. Loyalists attacked the police after the Orange Order's parade was

prevented from going past the Ardoyne area that evening. Chris

Page was in the court for BBC Newsline.

These pictures taken from a police helicopter show loyalists attacking

PSNI officers on the evening of the Twelfth. Police had blocked the

Orange Order's return parade from going past the nationalist Ardoyne

area. Today a man appeared in court on the most serious charge brought

yet in relation to the rioting. Mark Jason Blaney, who's 30, is accused

of attempting to murder a police officer with a sword. He's also

charged with having an offensive weapon and riotous behaviour. Mark

Blaney is from Alliance Close in North Belfast. He was arrested there

earlier this week. He spoke only once during the hearing, to confirm

he understood the charges. The court heard that when police put the

charges to him, he replied, "I didn't mean to harm anybody.I'm

sorry. I apologise." A prosecution lawyer told the court that Mark

Blaney had admitted receiving a text message telling him about a meeting

at which swords and flags were handed out. But a defence solicitor

said this message just referred to a meeting in the Orange lodge, rather

than an arrangement to pick up weapons. The district judge said

that given the context of the allegations, and the fact there were

more contentious parades to come, she was refusing bail. The accused

will appear in court again on the fifth September.

100 new jobs are being created by the macro bakery, McErlane's. There

will be a new factory and machinery. The majority of people will be

recruited over the next two years. Families of people killed in the

Omagh bombing have long demanded an independent public inquiry into the

attack. Today they said they will go to court if necessary to force the

British and Irish governments to set one up. The families say there is

significant new evidence which could have prevented the attack and

brought those responsible to justice. Julian Fowler is in Omagh

for us this evening. This is the memorial garden. On

Sunday, the 15th anniversary of the atrocity will be remembered. Over

the last 15 years there have been reports, inquiries and court cases.

But no one has been convicted, and questions remain unanswered. How

much did the security services know about the attack, which killed 29

people and unborn twins? The families believe if the intelligence

had been properly shared it could have been prevented.

After 15 years, the families say the truth of what happened in Omagh is

long overdue. A report they presented to the British and Irish

governments last year they say contains evidence which they feel

demands a public inquiry. At a press conference today, Michael Gallagher,

whose son Aidan was killed, read extracts from some of the 4,000

e-mails sent by an agent, David Rupert. He had infiltrated the Real

IRA gang responsible for the bomb. And it's claimed he had scouted

possible targets, including Omagh. He had passed information about the

attack to his handlers. It sounded like whatever was going to happen

would happen soon, maybe in the next few weeks. He was excited about the

conversation. This is the same person that says he was involved in

the Banbridge bombing, he is excited something will happen in the next

couple of weeks. The next couple of weeks just happened to be Omagh.

former Police Ombudsman, whose own inquiry criticised the RUC

investigation of the atrocity, says the e-mails reveal massive failures

by the intelligence and security services. The Americans, the Irish

and British government, were all infiltrated, had all infiltrated

this group of terrorists, and still this bomb exploded. We need to know

why. The families have called on the Secretary of State to given them an

answer before next week's anniversary of the atrocity.

Some of those e-mails were used in evidence against the real IRA

leader, Michael McKevitt. But the families say they contain much more

information, including the names of other individuals involved. They say

it is up to the government to reveal further details.

Police say they are investigating the theft of a Unionist mural from

Sandy Row in Belfast last night which ended up on a bonfire.

Meetings have been taking place today involving police and community

representatives to try and reduce tensions. It is understood the mural

has been removed. Still to come...

I am Vivian Campbell from Def Leppard. Watch me tonight on BBC

Newsline. Three of the four men arrested in

connection with the two sudden deaths in Lisnaskea have been

released on police bail pending further inquiries. A fourth man,

aged 18, is still being questioned on suspicion of the possession and

supply of Class A drugs. The police are still awaiting the results of

tests to determine exactly how Olivia Reilly and Noel Reilly died

and if their deaths were linked. Their bodies were found in different

houses within 24 hours of each other.

In May this year, we brought you the story of an expensive computer

system which could be a lifeline for pupils who cannot attend school. But

it was being blocked by some teaching unions. As our education

correspondent Maggie Taggart reports, the Minister for Education

is now fully behind those in favour of the Elluminate programme.

there anything else you can use to develop that?

This is a virtual A-level revision class broadcast live as pupils study

at their home computers. The teacher is miles away in their usual

classroom in Fermanagh. Campaigners say the Elluminate system, which is

already in place, could be used like this for children with severe autism

or illness who cannot attend school. But despite widespread training,

only a handful have benefited. tuition is just a few hours and is

not enough. The Elluminate programme is a whole day's lessons and gives

them the chance to be as if they are at school. It is there but it is not

being used. Suzanne spent a year of her A-level studies at home because

of ME, at a time when Elluminate was not available. These school helped

as far as there could -- as far as they could but what was there was

not enough. This system would have made the whole process of trying to

obtain my qualifications a lot easier, and it would have impacted

on my health positively. Some unions were concerned about teachers and

pupils being observed by people outside the school. But now the

group has convinced the Minister for Education, who says he is determined

to make changes. The issues they were raising had validity. I have

listened intently to day at a meeting where I have been very well

informed by their experiences of home to school durations. --

tuition. Will you put it right?I will use everything in my power to

put it right. The campaigners says they're delighted at the positive

response from the minister. Vivian Campbell, from the chart

topping rock band Def Leppard, is in Belfast tonight. The guitarist,

who's originally from the Maze just outside Lisburn, was diagnosed with

throat cancer just a few months ago. Our reporter Dan Stanton caught up

with him ahead of his gig tonight with his band Last in Line.

Vivian Campbell has been with Def Leppard for 21 years. His band have

topped the US and UK album charts. Tonight he is playing with Last in

Line. I am thrilled. It just worked out this way. We were here to do for

Max brief shows in the UK in -- to do four brief shows in the UK and

Ireland and it worked out perfectly. What is the line-up? I am here

tonight in Belfast. It is the original band. You have had a tough

year, can you tell us? I used to have a lot more cancer diagnosis. I

have been in chemo for Hodgkin's lymphoma. The chemo is doing what it

is supposed to, it is curing cancer. Unfortunately, the

side-effects are no hair and no eyebrows! But it is par for the

course and I am fine with it. The treatment has not affected me to

negatively. I have been able to continue with my work. I have to do

chemo every two weeks. I did one on Monday in Los Angeles, got on the

plane on Tuesday. I feel a little rough, but by keeping on my focus on

working, it is part of my therapy at it helps meet mentally get through

it. Not many survivors like yourself could play live on stage. Not many

people do chemo and go on tour, true. I have really come to terms

with not having hair. One of the things this has taught me is that

vanity has gone out the window. It is not about how my hair looks, it

is about how my guitar sounds. I am really focused on the music.

band fly off to Scotland tomorrow and end their tour in London.

Good to have him home. Coming up... We catch up with two of the

competitors at the World Police and Fire Games, who we first met last

week. I do not want to tell the FBI that we had a lot of! Craic-- a lot

of craic! Let's go to Austin O'Callaghan for

the sport. Tonight, the Crusaders Strikers

women's football team are hosting a Champions League qualifying

tournament here with visiting teams for Ukraine and Hungary taking part.

They play in the summer and the men's game here could be following

suit. The new body which is going to run

Irish League football is considering moving to a summer season and

playing more matches on a Sunday. It is promising change, but not

everyone is happy. This is the long-term future of

Irish League football. The short-term future, major surgery.

Indeed, Revolution is hurtling down the tracks. I would encourage them

to play on a Sunday. It is a step we must take to come into line with

other leagues in Europe. Of course matches should be played on a

Sunday. I have no problem with that. There are things which are important

to people on a Sunday, and maybe sport would come second. I do not

want to get into a theological debate. As far as Linfield would be

concerned, we want to see the game progress and we want changes to be

brought in. I do not think we will be playing on a Sunday. The Northern

Ireland Football League will operate as a limited company and oversee all

premiership, Championship, reserve league and youth football and has

confirmed it will explore the potential of a summer league. There

is sure to be followed. Let's talk to Sara Booth, the

tournament director of this event in north Belfast. Sara, the men are

looking at making some big changes. The women's league has already made

them. What is working and what is not? The advantage with playing in

the summer is that there is no football in the calendar at this

time of year. It shows that there are people that want to watch

football and we are filling a niche. That can only be good for the men's

game. Does it matter on the day of the week if you want to get as many

people in as possible? Hopefully we will go to weekend football, the

same as what the men are proposing for the summer. We have seen high

calibre football this evening. What signal does that give? It extends

the local profile. We have an international team doing really well

and it is time for the club teams to step up to the mark. Tonight,

Crusaders Strikers are representing the country. Do you think you have

got a good job than the men's game? We have a long way to go, but we

have been making huge strides. We have got a good relationship with

the media and they are catching on that the game is growing. There is

hunger to watch it. How are you able to attract a champions league

qualifying tournament to Belfast? put in a really good application and

we had the backing of the Irish football Association. Crusaders

Strikers are playing at half past seven this evening.

Bangor Rugby Club are just back from a trip to Italy, and it's one they

won't forget in a hurry. The plan was to play a couple of games of

rugby over there and have a bit of a holiday. But they ended up playing

against Benetton Treviso, one of Ulster's opponents in the Pro12.

Sometimes sport throws up surprise results but rarely are teams shocked

by their opposition. Buying's part-timers were in for a night they

would not forget. We still had thought they might have a few

Academy players. We read the newspaper and it showed the starting

team. We realise that some of those guys had played for Italy. It was

about one hour before kick-off. There was one penalty from about 35

yards up from the post. He slotted it over and he told me his legs had

been like jelly. We were winning against them, it was incredible.

They went on to lose 92-3, but they won the hearts of the locals.

best thing was, when the fans realised it was our club song, they

started clapping along. It was the most special bit about it. In the

end, the Italians did the job, but Bangor hit all the high notes.

Maybe they should quit while they are head!

The governor of the Apprentice Boys of Derry says he believes there is a

greater understanding of Protestant culture from the Catholic community.

He was speaking during the Maiden City Festival ahead of the main

parade on Saturday. Bluegrass music dominated the

opening weekend of the Maiden City Festival. There was a host of

performers in and around the city centre. One of the members of this

band says traditional attitudes towards the UK City of Culture are

changing. If you look at the city on the news, it is never really a good

impression you get, particularly in Irish history and the way things

have gone. When you come up here, you are maybe apprehensive coming

into it, but it is as friendly as anywhere I have been. The Maiden

City Festival wants to showcase a Protestant culture of tolerance and

openness, while at the same time making it positive contribution to

diversity within a majority nationalist city. We are reaching

out, in particular talking to the Catholic and nationalist community

in the city. It is appreciated on both sides. We appreciate they want

to talk to us and there is appreciation on the other side, I am

sure, that we are making the effort to reach out. For Canadian visitors

like this family it has been a hectic few days. David took part in

the World Police and Fire Games and his daughter is an avid dancer, so

they combined the two. I go to Niagara, Ottawa, all over the

place. What is it like being here? It is fun. A unique musical

collaboration takes place this evening, when this group join three

marching flute bands, an Irish traditional flautist and an opera

singer to perform a symphony. AT flutes will making sweet music in

the column 's Cathedral. -- AT flutes. These terrorists were

impressed. It is very nice. We did not expect to hear such music.

was lovely. It brings light into our hearts. There have been more people

killed in there with falling masonry than there has been in the entire

city in the siege. The Apprentice Boys of Derry say they have been

delighted with the success of the festival, the culmination of which

will be the parade this Saturday. They say they are looking forward to

a peaceful day's parading. Let's catch up with two of the

competitors at the World Police and Fire Games. The retired FBI agents

have become quite the celebrities since appearing on the programme.

This is the moment retired FBI Agent Miles was about to compete in the

open swim. Little does he realise what he is in for... Definitely not

for the faint-hearted! Two miles later, that Daniel Craig moment. The

tired Agent Miles emerges from Belfast Lough. He was greeted by his

very own Bond girl. That was the coldest water I have ever swam and

in my entire life. I am glad I did this. I completed it. Not bad for an

old guy! This is my fifth Games. I did not think anybody could top

Stockholm in 1999. This is by far and away has been the friendliest

games and people, the best support, the best organisation, the best

opening ceremonies I have ever seen. You guys really have hit a home run.

It was also a home run for his partner. She had two gold medals, in

the bench press and push pull. The organisers wanted it to be the

friendliest games, has that been the case? Absolutely. So many people

have been saying they saw us on the TV. We have had such a great time

and had a lot of fun. We plan on staying at least another week.

you find any craic? We talked about that. I do not want anybody at the

FBI headquarters hearing that we had lots of craic! Home and dry for this

husband and wife team. I am told there are lots of

engagement during the Games as well. lot of rain tonight as this weather

front comes through tonight bringing rain to all parts. It is a cloudy

night, meaning temperatures are reasonably mild overnight. Plenty of

people were up bright and early this morning. There were loads of

pictures of the sky at dawn. I cannot promise a similar picture to

morrow. There will be plenty of cloud to begin with, but it will

brighten up through the day. Friday is not looking too bad, some

reasonably clear skies through the day and these are spills of sunshine

just about everywhere. -- decent spells of sunshine. There is fresher

error behind the band of rain and it will be cooler than we would expect

at the time of year. As we go through the evening and overnight,

we will get some rain around. It is a cooler night as we go into

Saturday morning. A mixed bag if you are camping out at Hillsborough this

weekend. They will be playing the game of dodge the showers. There is

plenty of brightness on Saturday, but it is mixed in with rain as

well. Temperatures not looking too bad. If you are heading to

Derry-Londonderry, for the Maiden City Festival on Saturday,

reasonably dry to begin with with a shower in the afternoon. That is the

picture as we head towards the weekend. Sunshine and showers is

very much the story to be told, and that lasts into the start of next