04/10/2013 BBC Newsline

Good evening. Our top story: European Union

funding for the Maze Prison peace centre is withdrawn. We'll be

assessing the likely impact with our political and business editors who

are at Stormont and the Maze. Also on the programme: the police

described a bomb alert in South Belfast as an elaborate hoax.

Recognition in America for their surgeons and their pioneering work.

And finally, the rain is stopping after a seriously soggy 48 hours.

Drier and brighter for the weekend. The prospect of a peace centre at

the Maze receded further today. The EU withdrew its offer of £18 million

pounds towards building it. The Special European Programmes body

says the project Sinn Fein say they have not given up on the project.

Here's our political correspondent. This is what the Mays peace centre

would have looked like -- this is what the Maze peace centre would

have looked like. The peace process resonates around the world. It is an

important theme and something that really moves the world forward. But

one man's peace centre was another's shrine to terrorism, and

when the DUP withdrew their funding, the EU was right behind them. In a

statement, the Special European Programmes body of Northern Ireland

said the project was no longer viable, therefore the letter of

offer was being rescinded. Do not be silly. We're talking about one very

small element of the overall government programme. We are not

talking about some major issue. We are talking about a building. There

are millions of pounds in capital expenditure that we are involved in,

so let's not try and raise this to a level where it becomes a bigger

problem. But it is a problem for Sinn Fein, and Martin McGuinness who

was visiting People need to come to their senses and recognise that we

cannot count how to this violence comments on the streets. -- violent

elements. There are people on the so-called Republican side who want

to bring the institution down. But genius who have campaigned against

the centre are determined to keep the pressure on. The innocent

victims of our society, all of those people who are not content with the

potential of a terrorist trying there will now be believed that this

project is not going ahead and that there will now be believed that this

£18 million is available for other projects. The EU say that should be

possible, but of more concern tonight, the site of the centre

itself. 5,000 jobs were promised, Let's get an assessment of the

funding withdrawal from our political and business editors. Mark

Devenport is at Stormont and John Campbell is at the Maze site. What

sort of economic effect will this have? The construction industry is

still on its knees. This project would have been welcome. When the

peace centre was built, it could leverage in more investment to

develop the huge site which leverage in more investment to

stretches away behind me. What happens when they get a construction

downturn and the government steps into the gap and start spending on

downturn and the government steps infrastructure? There has been the

will to do that, but in some cases, they're just has not been a way.

That has caused huge frustration. All of those projects would have use

local materials and provided jobs for local people in the construction

industry in Northern Ireland. Everyone pounds spent in

construction gives £2 to other industries. Could this money have

been used elsewhere? What has been industries. Could this money have

made clear is that it could not be used for the bridge project. I asked

someone at the EU about that and they said it was a separate funding

scheme and that the Maze money could not be moved across to that. How

likely is it that this project will be revisited? The commissioner in

charge of the money addressed a conference in Brussels and picked

out the Maze project as the prestige project that he was wanting to tell

the whole wide world about. As he made clear in his statements today,

he is saddened that this funding has been withdrawn, but he says that in

the next budget round, maybe after this peace programme runs out in

2015, they can revisit it and get the programme knowing again, but the

problem is that political support on the ground is lacking, and it is

unlikely it will be put back into place until we get through the

elections that we are facing in the place until we get through the

course of the next three years. Earlier this week, Sinn Fein's

farmer publicity director said that this has collapsed as it was

beginning to get closer. Actually, Martin McGuinness, while he decried

what has happened in relation to the Maze site earlier on today, he did

say that, as far as he was concerned, there was no threat to

the Stormont institutions. I am sure there has been a lot of

scaremongering and debate around the crisis, and I hear some people

speculating that institutions could fall. Institutions are not going to

fall. These institutions were formed as a result of the Good Friday

Agreement and Saint Andrews agreement, and our duty is to ensure

that those people who have confidence in those institutions,

that those people who have and they are the overwhelming

majority, the those institutions and move on. There will be some

difficulties and challenges and problems, but the institutions

Thank you. Dozens of families, who were moved

from their homes, during a bomb alert in south Belfast have been

allowed to return home. The security forces spent nearly 24 hours

investigating several suspicious objects along the railway line close

to Finagy Halt, which have been now described as elaborate hoaxes. As

our reporter discovered the alert caused major disruption to residents

and commuters. Families from several streets on

either side of the main health asked to Dublin railway wide -- line had

to spend last night with friends and relatives. For others outside the

immediate cordon, getting home was no easy matter. I was at a funeral

yesterday afternoon and I had difficulty getting in. I had to

leave the car and walked in. There was a church opens up there. The

church hall was opened for us and we got in there. I do not understand. I

think it is wrong. Someone pointed out that I could climb over

someone's thanks with a stepladder if I went to a particular street. We

went to that particular home and climbed over the fence. The local

school run was also badly affected. There was a major disruption to the

school. Many children arrived late and some did not arrive at all and

some students were afraid to come to and some did not arrive at all and

school. They are not familiar with the concept of a bomb alert and we

had quite a few calls from parents saying they did not feel comfortable

sending their children in. We had a re-route for the children and the

Lisburn Road and we are hoping that the children will be able to get in

and they can get picked up there. Two words sum up the last 24 hours,

frustration and inconvenience to my but now that the alert is over and

the cordon has been lifted, there is a sense of relief that people can

return home and come and go as they please.

The police say that they recommended that Gerry Adams should not be

prosecuted for allegedly withholding information about his brother's

abusing his eldest daughter. Yesterday, the policing Board was

told there had been no investigation because the legal advice was that

there had been insufficient evidence to begin one.

The story of Gerry Adams's involvement in his brother's IVs

trial has taken another twist will stop yesterday, the policing board

heard that... There was an examination of the case

papers as we had them at that stage, and it also involves taking legal

advice, and so this matter has been examined. There should be in it

opening them in nation -- investigation. The advice we

received was not to open an investigation. That did not happen.

But today there was a clarification. The police are now

saying they had sent a file to the Public prosecution service

saying they had sent a file to the recommending the prosecution, and

having looked at the material in it, the PBS had directed that the case

should go no further. The DUP member who brought up this matter is that

the police raised even more questions. They had made no mention

of the fact that no prosecution was recommended. There were other

questions as well. The public prosecution service hesitated to

questions as well. The public reinvestigate all files that were

sent. The matter what the reinvestigate all files that were

recommendation is, the question must be, and that they investigated

recommendation is, the question must properly themselves, and did they

come to the same conclusion, or was it not look that at all? The public

prosecution service said that a decision had been taken in October

2011 knots to prosecute as there had been insufficient evidence in the

case. -- not to prosecute. The decision on whether or not to

prosecute to a year and a half, before evidence was given at the

trial. Police say they will look at this court transcript again to see

whether or not they offer any potential avenues for investigation.

But one thing the ten scripts do show is, while Gerry Adams did say

that his brother had made a confession to him, it was only last

year when he told police that the confession came in the year 2000.

The Parades Commission is recruiting new members to the panel but this

time instead of seven members there will be five. The current

commissioners' time in the job is due to end in December. The

Secretary of State Theresa Villiers says the next appointments will also

be for three years but they could finish early depending on the Haass

talks. The Shadow Secretary of State Vernon Coaker says the recruitment

could be seen as a lack of confidence in the talks and that the

current terms should be extended for a limited

still to come: The oldest reserve squadron and the Royal Air Force

returns to its former base in pet two. -- in County Antrim. Over the

years especially, during the Troubles, local surgeons have

pioneered revolutionary treatments for traumatic injuries, methods that

are still being used today. That work will be recognised next week,

when Professor Roy Spence becomes work will be recognised next week,

the first surgeon in Ireland to address thousands of colleagues at

the prestigious annual IS Ravdin Lecture in Washington.

With more than 16,000 bombings in the course of the trouble here in

Northern Ireland, those attacks took the lives of 3600 people, but they

also injured 47,500 people, and many of those who survived did so because

of the techniques of surgeons like of those who survived did so because

Professor spend. Some of these techniques are still being used. We

learned back in the 1970s that a gunshot wound which recovers speedy

ventilation. To stop them struggling and being sick and raising pressure

on the head with cause more damage. We used titanium to cover defects.

Still today in Iraq and Afghanistan, that same technique is used. You

also developed the also the techniques to deal with knee

capping. We learned in the mid-1970s that it

is best to restore blood flow as quickly as possible to the lower

limb. We used plastic chippings in those days, and that technique is

also used enough down a stamp and Iraq.

What will be a message to the audience in Washington?

One will be that what we did here in Northern Ireland still has an impact

in conflicts across the world, and also send the message that we are

great place to come and work will stop so that in our next battle,

come and help us in the war against cancer.

come and help us in the war against A bigger role for reservists in the

armed forces has breathed new life into an important part of our

aviation history. The oldest reserve squadron in the Royal Air Force is

returning to its former base in county Antrim as BBC Newsline's

Mervyn Jess reports. Four years after it officially

left, the RAF is back at Aldergrove. The beefing up of the UK reserve

forces could not have come at a better time for the locally based

502 Squadron. And it helped having a Belfast man among the current top

brass. I was among the chief of the air

staff as decisions were being taken. The air force were very keen

to ensure that we were able to maintain its print in Northern

Ireland. There is a rich history of the RAF in this part of the kingdom.

In the revamp of the Armed Forces and the change in relationship

between the reserves and the regulars, the RAF established five

between the reserves and the new squadrons, so we took our

opportunity and made sure that one of them was here.

The RAF reserve and train pilots any more, so by signing up, you will not

end up in the cockpit. But the reserves are important in keeping

aircraft like this in the air. The history of 502 Squadron and it's

time he is displayed photographs throughout the officers MESS.

They operated with total command throughout the officers MESS.

during the Second World War. They throughout the officers MESS.

have a very commendable war record. Sadly it was at the massive cost in

terms of aircraft losses and personnel losses. Hundreds of four

men of the squadron were killed during the Second World War.

502 reserve is currently recruiting up to 130 officers and other ranks.

The commanding officer says they are having no problem attracting

applicants, even though you could be called up to combat zones around the

world. That has an impact on family and employers.

There is the possibility of being mobilised once every five years in

the RAF reserves. We try to tie that in with the employer and the

individual. It generally works. We are grown up about this, it has to

suit everyone. The other key aspect of the RAF when we are on worldwide

operations. If your dream is to fly one of

operations. these, the reserve is not for you,

the part-time personnel all have these, the reserve is not for you,

their feet firmly on the ground. Our sports news comes from the

foothills of the Mourne Mountains - Mark Sidebottom is in the county

down village of Moneyslane. The sun has just slipped down behind

the hills, and we reckon we are in the presence of the most famous

sports shirt in the country. David Beckham added list of sports stars

have signed this. We will find out more in a moment. But let's get on

with the main event of the evening. Ulster are in Wales this evening.

After rape a start there looking for a third when. The ospreys are

unbeaten. It will be a tough one. Last year Ulster defeated the

ospreys. They finished top of the league. This year they have already

lost in Wales but have recovered after losing the opening two games

lost in Wales but have recovered and no need to topple the undefeated

Ospreys. We respect them, they have great

players and five Lions in the pack. But we have gone there before and

got wins. We have played well against them. They like to play

rugby and so do we. We want to go and concentrate on ourselves. If we

play a quick ball, and if we go forward, we have the backline that

because any team in Europe travel, and that's how we will approach it.

Perhaps a separate package, but leading the Renaissance in recent

Perhaps a separate package, but weeks has been Michael Allen. He

only made his competitive debut last season, but this season he has

already scored three tries. I feel confident in myself and my

ability. Even last season I wasn't sure I could play at that level.

This year I just try to get involved as much as possible and I'm just

happy that I'm firmly in the place for years out of school.

A win could leave early-season struggles in distant memory.

That matches live at seven o'clock. struggles in distant memory.

Derry City manager Declan Devine says he's vital they make it to

place in Europe. This evening's game is a must win.

It's been a deeply frustrating time for Declan Devine with only one win

in the last six games. The man who was given 14 years service to the

club as player, coach and manager has no intention of walking anyway.

Do you expect to be here next year? It will be my decision, but all I

can do is show my commitment. That'll be a decision for other

people. One thing you are guaranteed is that I will give 100%.

It all started so well for Declan Devine in his first full season as

boss. The Candystripes won the cup in a thrilling final. They started

this campaign in impressive fashion, also. But the recent run of results

has seen the team leaking goals and short on confidence.

It's disappointing, because it's a reflection of how this players are

doing it manager is under pressure. reflection of how this players are

Certain players, including myself, we haven't stepped up to the mark

and played as well as we would have liked. The focus is still on

finishing the season strongly to try to qualify for Europe next year. It

is understood that no decision will be taken on the future management of

the club until that has been the comments of review of the club's

performance this year. And Ballymena Borough Malaga playing

tonight in the Premiership will have the score on the label. Six of the

GE all-stars are part of the Ulster champions will stop the draw itself

for the Ulster championship was made last evening. Tyrone and down more

meat in the preliminary. The winners of that game will take on the

remaining champions. Elsewhere it is doing all versus Derek, and any

other game it is Fermanagh against Antrim.

This man and this shirt is the reason we are in Moneyslane. This is

arguably the most famous sporting show in the country. Dammit what it

is like for being 12 months as Moneyslane's most famous citizen,

and to be in receipt of the shirt? It's been a great year for myself

and the club. The PR that the Unsung Hero has made has been immense. We

have had a lot of beneficiaries and sponsors coming on board.

We were at the gallant knight, David Beckham, Didier Drogba, it was a

memorable night. And you said it was very important that the BBC

continues with this Unsung Hero. We are looking for another one. Someone

who voluntarily their time. Encourage the applications to

comment. Absolutely, I would encourage

everyone to vote for the unsung heroes among the organisation.

Could you put a price on this? This shirt is completely priceless

and will never be sold. Those 12 months for this club, the

profile that it has garnered has been immense.

For the whole local community, this is a very rural area, and it has

brought the community together. This Saturday we had a massive event with

the helicopter coming down to land in Jubilee party to launch the event

we have coming before Christmas. Thanks very much. It is

straightforward to enter. If you feel you have and unsung hero, go to

the BBC website the usual address. Organisers of the Giro D'Italia see

no worries Belfast, it will be Organisers of the Giro D'Italia see

coming next year, despite allegations of fraud would have cost

three managers suspension in the company which runs it. We will bring

you the very latest from Milan on BBC newsline on Monday.

Moneyslane in County Down. Now the weather: I don't like the look of

your crystal ball. your crystal

The long soggy week is almost behind us, but we're not out of the woods

yet. We have a future as head of us as the temperatures drop to eight

yet. We have a future as head of us degrees online degrees. As we head

into Saturday it is going to be a much better day ahead. Generally

drier and brighter. Those showers overnight mean we do have a bit of

cloud around to start the day, but overnight mean we do have a bit of

as we go through Saturday we start to see a few holes punched in a

cloud. It's not going to be a bad day at all. Temperatures are around

17 degrees. Some brightness and day at all. Temperatures are around

sunshine it will go quite pleasant. The best day we have seen all week.

If anything, Sunday is probally even better. Some rain overnight Saturday

If anything, Sunday is probally even going into Sunday, but then it

becomes much brighter. The rain works its way in Saturday night over

Sunday. Another soggy night. Low temperatures of 12 degrees. As we go

into the morning Tom it is a lot better. Generally a dry and bright

day on Sunday, top temperatures 18 or 19 degrees. A very nice day. We

can to get out and take the dog for a walk, or just hang your washing

outside. And what a contrast from the 40 hours that we have just had.

These are the rainfall figures for Wednesday and Thursday. County Down

took the brunt of that soggy weather. Looking forward, we have a

weather front coming through on Monday which promises to bring

showery rain for the start of next week. After that things settle

down. The message over the next few days is get out and make the

absolute most of the weekend whatever you are doing with yours,

and have a good one. Have a good weekend yourself. Our

late summary is at 10:25pm. You can also keep in contact with us via

Facebook and Twitter. From BBC Newsline, goodnight.