18/10/2013 BBC Newsline

elderly residents of a care home in Sussex. And the police are

protecting moderate British Muslims after they were targeted in a video

by Islamist extremists. That's all from the BBC News at Six. So it's

goodbye from me, and on BBC One, we can now

Good evening and welcome to BBC Newsline. The headlines... After the

speech in the First Minister praising the GAA, a leading pundit

says it is no one else's has missed if clubs or tournaments are named

after republican paramilitaries. Hundreds of children schools because

of bomb alerts in Lurgan and Hollywood.

A new initiative to combat drugs in prison. We go behind bars.

but all club that never was. but all club that never was.

Ahead of tomorrow night's big boxing bill in Belfast one of the biggest

names in the sport - Ricky Hatton - joins me live in the studio.

And it's been raining all day but will it clear in time for the

weekend? I'll tell you later in the programme.

The high profile GAA commentator Joe Brolly says it's no-one else's

business if GAA clubs or tournaments are named after republican

paramilitaries. Unionist politicians say naming clubs and tournaments

after paramilitaries glorifies terrorism. Joe Brolly's comments

come after the First Minister, Peter Robinson spoke at a gala dinner and

acknowledged the GAA for its efforts in building better community

relations. Here's our political reporter Stephen Walker. Peter

Robinson told his audience that the side of the Unionist First Minister

at such an occasion would have been unimaginable years ago. He began

with a joke about what he told the organiser or his terms when

attending the event. I did lay down a very firm condition. I insisted

that he would not ask Joe Brolly to do the post-speech analysis. And

true to form, GAA, Judge Joe Brolly has entered the fray. Unionists have

written me criticised the naming of training grounds and druggies after

republican prisoners. Joe Brolly is says he is proud that the hurling

club in his hometown of Dungiven was named after INLA hunger striker

Kevin Lynch. We are very proud of Kevin and we are proud that the club

is named after him. It is not the else's business. It is as simple as

that. People can either like it or lump it. That is the way society has

worked and communities work. When he was Sports Minister, Gregory

Campbell often criticised the GAA. Speaking before the comments were

made, he said the sporting body has changed it needed to do more. We

should not have games and trophies or grounds named after killers. That

should not be the case. It should be obvious to everyone that should not

happen. That should be the case on either side. I think the GAA has

made significant progress but it needs to take another step. Last

night, Peter Robinson praised the GAA product in its ban on security

force members and he said respect was the key to the future. We

acknowledge the role that the GAA has made and it is testament to the

progress we have all made that tonight we can knowledge the GAA's

rule in peace building. The speech was welcomed by the GAA which said

it was a significant step to improving community relations. How

should the speech be interpreted? It is easy to say something dressed up

in your dinner jacket in a well lit hall. It is in tiredly different to

come good on those ideas. The First Minister says the occasion shows how

much political life has changed. The TUV leader Jim Allister says his

speech was Polly and he says the remarks of Joe Brolly proved the GAA

was not interested in reaching out to the Unionist community. -- was

folly. Hundreds of children missed school

today because of bomb alerts in Lurgan and Holywood. A special needs

school was among three schools disrupted. Fightback in the last few

minutes, police have said the device in Lurgan was viable. Kevin Sharkey

reports. Street after street was closed around this part of Lurgan

today. There have inform Agro points of disruption, to schools and a

hospital, or out of use because of the squadron. 50 families have had

to move out. A closed of entry to the hospital was visible, and from

another position, part of the empty school. Over 100 special needs

children were sent home. Most children would be delighted with a

day off. Our pupils will be traumatised. You cannot explain to

these children who have their uniform on, are waiting for the boss

these children who have their to come, that the school will not

the open because someone has put upon there. Outside the school,

Look at yourself, look at what you Look at yourself, look at what you

have done. It is despicable. In Hollywood, in nursery school was

closed before an object found in a hitch was described as a hoax. Over

500 pupils have been forced to stay at home today in this area and in

Lurgan. Three visitors have been arrested

after trying to smuggle drugs into Maghaberry prison. The arrests are

part of a new initiative by the Prison Service and the police aimed

at reducing the amount of illegal drugs available behind bars. Our

Home Affairs Correspondent Vincent Kearney reports. High fences and

barbed wire are designed to keep people inside Maghaberry prison. But

they are failing to keep drugs out of. Despite clear warnings about the

consequences, the prison service and police have launched a joint

initiative aimed at tackling the drugs problem. A police officer will

be based at Maghaberry prison for a three-month period as part of a

programme to reduce the drugs available on the level of demand.

Since the initiative was launched two weeks ago, 11 prisoners have in

court in possession of drugs and files have been sent the Public

Prosecution Service. Last night, three visitors were arrested trying

to smuggle drugs into the prison. Specially trained dogs have been

used trying to detect drugs and he has -- a solicitor has asked judges

not to send his prison -- plans to prison because drugs are so easily

available. He wrote to the governor of Maghaberry gale on behalf of a

client who complained he did not want to be surrounded by people

openly abusing drugs. He would have been horrified and terrified by the

amount of drugs there, the fact that other inmates were clearly under the

influence of illegal substances and eventually, we munched to getting

moved. The problem of drugs in prison tier has been highlighted in

a series of inspection reports. Earlier this month, the chief

criminal Justice inspector told police of his first-hand experience

in sight -- had bank Young offender centre. I went into the cell and the

smell was quite strong. A young man was off his head. Police will search

sales, prisoners and prison officers if there is intelligence information

to indicate they may be trying to smuggle drugs. Anyone who attempts

to bring contraband into the prison, whether it's prisoners,

visitors or staff, will face the rigours that we impose. Anyone who

brings drugs into prison will be dealt with appropriately. The Prison

Service and police say this initiative may be extended if it is

successful. A letter a DUP minister sent to

Glentoran Football club, raising the possibility of ?10 million in

funding, has been described as misleading. The comments from a

senior civil servant are contained in documents obtained by the BBC.

Julian O'Neill has this exclusive report. Glentoran is one of local

football's biggest clubs but it also has big financial worries and its

home ground is one of the worst in the Irish league. Two years ago,

Peter Robinson helped rescue the club by introducing a mystery

donor. Now documents we have obtained under the Freedom of

Information Act show that around the same time, more financial help

appeared to be on its way. Mr Robinson again apparently playing a

role. He asked his then Sports Minister Nelson McCausland to write

to the club. In his letter to club chairman, he told Glentoran that the

Executive had agreed funding for local soccer as outlined in an IFA

proposal. That included plans for a ?10 million grant to Glentoran as

long as it made the business case. Mr McAusland said the money was

secure. Things were looking good for Glentoran on telly senior civil

servant rang the alarm bells. In a memo, the civil servant said the

letter was misleading in several memo, the civil servant said the

ways. Crucially he said this. I do not leave the Executive were

agreeing the specific allegation to Glentoran as they had not been asked

the question. When Caral Ni Chuilin took over, she was briefed. A senior

civil servant told her at the request of the First Minister Nelson

McCausland wrote to Terence Branagan confirming ?10 million funding had

been earmarked for Glentoran. The memo said Mr McAusland's assertions

may not be borne out so definitively by the Executive decision. After

meeting senior officials, Caral Ni Chuilin concluded that previous

commitments to funding could not be upheld. As it stands, the money is

not there for Glentoran but sources have told me that the Nel -- the

letter from Nelson McCausland offered a financial lifeline and

they had not expect the money, but the letter was of huge comfort.

Tonight it would seem that the money is as far away as ever.

A short time ago the DUP said Mr McCausland's letter was factual and

how people interpreted it is for them to explain. It said the

officials concerned were not present at the relevant Executive meeting or

during discussions between Ministers.

You are watching BBC Newsline. Still to come. Did you know Belfast is

officially a healthy city? We will ask what makes it so?

Up to 40 firefighters were needed to deal with a blaze in Belfast city

centre until late this afternoon. They were called to a shop in

Rosemary Street shortly after 5am this morning. The fire was spotted

by a passing police patrol. There were fears it could spread to the

adjoining buildings, including an old Masonic Hall. Nearby shop fronts

were left blackened by the thick smoke. It's not yet clear how the

blaze started. The Senior Coroner has warned both

the Chief Constable and the Justice Minister that he won't allow further

delays to the inquest into the death of Arlene Arkinson from Castlederg

who disappeared in 1994. The PSNI has yet to hand over all the

documents relevant to the case. The coroner, John Leckey has given them

until the end of the month to comply and advised the Chief Constable to

ask the Justice Minister for more resources if necessary.

The bloodstained clothes of an Armagh student brutally attacked on

a Chicago street have been shown in court, during the trial of the man

accused of the attack. Natasha McShane was left badly brain damaged

after she and her friend were robbed and beaten in the city in April

2010. From Chicago, Julie Kirby reports. A family member quietly

sobbed as the cream-coloured jacket of Natasha McShane was pulled out of

the brown paper bag. Photographs from the scene work she and her

friend were mugged and beaten were also presented in the County

criminal Court. They showed the jacket intertwined with than all of

college jumper and pools of blood on the ground. It was another emotional

day in the trial of 84-year-old Heriberto Viramontes who was accused

of attempted murder. He denies the murder. -- 24-year-old. A worker at

a petrol station testified that the defendant was trying to use the

credit card stolen from the women. Images were shown of him at the

petrol station. The man who served him admitted under questioning he

did not see any blood on the accused that morning. His lawyers maintained

he would have had blood on him if he had carried out the attack. The case

continues. There is plenty more to come. The

head of the big fight tomorrow night in Belfast, a boxing legend joins us

in the studio. What do you think makes a healthy

city? Is it cafes selling wholesome affordable food, play areas for

children or more cycle lanes? Next month, Belfast Healthy Cities is

hosting awards to acknowledge those projects which have made a

difference. Our Health Correspondent Marie Louise Connolly has been out

and about taking a look at what's been changing. Believe it or not,

this area on the Shankill Road in Belfast used to be an eyesore. It

was a derelict space, and some were no one wanted to work or live. But

now, it is transformed into a place for people can come to work and for

others can work and live and make plans for the future. It is

transforming areas like this that is part of the Belfast Healthy Cities

rebid. It can be challenging. Agencies have their own remit but we

tried to encourage them to look at the benefits and health benefits of

the work they are involved in. The fields of change have turned slowly

but steadily since Belfast was designated a healthy city by the

World Health Organisation 25 years ago. To mark that milestone, it is

looking for suggestions from groups that can change the city. It got us

thinking. What makes a healthy city? Would it be making more of the River

Lagan? And make all cycle lanes as good as this one? Or just make

better use of the wide open space that could be available right in the

heart of the city? While pedestrianise in the City Hall area

is idyllic, some think compare to other European cities, Northern

Ireland needs to step up. Here the figure is less than 5% compared to

Copenhagen where it is 46%. Transport spaces have breathed new

life into areas across the UK and Europe, promoting better health and

attracting tourists. Here in north Belfast, these pupils from a local

primary school no fault they want from their city. More green space

for the children to play. No burning things and no throwing stuff into

the river. I would like to see more pictures and more vegetable patches.

Transforming Belfast means more pictures and more vegetable patches.

quirky cabbies like this be used on the Titanic Quarter. Its managers

says creativity must be encouraged. Everything is donated and people

come in for coffee and they leave whatever they can. So I could leave

you 50p or ?50? It would be up to you. We would not know. Belfast city

has come a long way but with more ideas like this one, it can go even

further. The Belfast boxer Carl Frampton

headlines a sold out bill at the Odyssey Arena tomorrow - but he's

Watson is with the multiple World Watson is with the multiple World

Champion, Ricky Hatton. Delighted to welcome the five time

World Champion Ricky Hatton - The hit man to his fans - into the BBC

Newsline studio tonight. Ricky is in Belfast as the promoter and coach of

exciting local prospect Ryan Burnett, who's on the undercard

tomorrow night. Great to have you here. You never fought in Belfast

but you know all about the heritage. I did so many things in my boxing

career, but I know the boxing heritage here. Everyone is so

passionate and we will see that tomorrow night. I know how the fans

get behind the fighters. I know when I boxed against a mini did many

moons ago, there was a fantastic reception. It would be great. As we

saw at the way in there was a great atmosphere. You know what it is like

to have a whole city like Manchester behind you. How difficult is it for

this young man from Belfast, Carl Frampton? He was very mature beyond

his years. He is working out at a high level and he has wanted to be a

world champion. You must have the temperament, the attitude, you must

to your advantage. He comes from a good stable with Barry McGuigan. He

has good people around him that will keep him on the right track. You are

looking after Ryan Burnett and he was a glittering young amateur who

won a gold medal at the youth Olympics. He has been cleared from

his brain scan but it has been a difficult time for him. It was

character building for him. It would have been easy to chuck the towel in

and say I have had enough. He was in the gym every day. By the time his

debut came he was like a miniature seasoned professional. He is a nice

kid and a joy to train, very easy to train. He has so much talent, it is

frightening but I do not want to put too much pressure on him. Carl

Frampton is his hero and I could see him going for Karl has been. He

wants to follow him. Great to see two giants of boxing, you and Barry

McGuigan as promoters. Does that help replace the boys of fighting?

It does a little bit. It will never be the same. I am sure Barry is the

same. -- the buzz of fighting. It gives a little bit back. Barry

McGuigan has been a massive success, like I had been. It is nice

to give a little bit back. We have had a wonderful life and we want to

give someone else the chance. Thank you very much.

By the time Carl Frampton gets into the ring we will know whether

Ulsters rugby players have won in Europe. Ruan Pienaar will make his

first start of the season for Ulster in tomorrow's Heineken Cup clash

with Montpellier. The away trip to France is arguably the toughest test

in the pool stages of the European Cup this season for Mark Anscombe's

side after both teams won their opening games last weekend. After a

mediocre start to the season, Ulster rugby or flying high. They are into

the top four of the PRO12 in the European cup. Tomorrow, this current

Ulster squad faces there most of the capacity to date as they play

Montpelier. They are the best team in France. It will be a massive

game. We are going believing we can then and we can then. We have got to

believe that we can go all the way and win this game. Bolster rugby won

this game once before back in 1999 and it is a long way until the final

-- final in May but is this team good enough? You have to believe

that we are. -- Ulster rugby. Leinster have shown that they are

well and able to take on any team in Europe and I think we have the

players and the squad to do that. A victory tomorrow would help pave the

path for special days ahead, just like it was back in 1999! There is

live commentary of that game on radio Ulster tomorrow along with

local football and the first two of the International Rules matches.

Finally Rory McIlroy shot a two-under par 69 in his second round

at the Korean Open and is now two shots off the lead.

Described the weather today. How was it looking for the weekend?

If you are in the North and East there is more heavy rain on the way.

It will be a better picture for the west across County Fermanagh and

County Tyrone. Eventually that rain will ease and for most places it

will clear. It will not be eight cold night and temperatures will

stay around 11 degrees. That is higher than expected for this time

of year. Tomorrow morning it will be dry at first and you should not need

an umbrella. Some places will be grey and Brisley -- drizzly but

there will be plenty of clear skies on offer. Towards the afternoon, the

cloud will thicken and rain will come in. Some of the rain will be

quite heavy. With the ground already well saturated, you should see some

localised flooding. Temperatures will reach around 15 degrees, well

above average for the time of year. Eventually they rain will ease from

the south, but it will take a little while to clear from the North Coast.

It is not great weather for the International Ploughing

Championships. Tomorrow night it will dry up for a little while and

temperatures will stay around 11 degrees. Looking towards Sunday, we

can see some more low-pressure systems moving in. We can expect

further showers and some of them will be quite heavy. In between the

showers there will be some bright will be quite heavy. In between the

weather. Temperatures will stay above average, reaching 14 degrees.

The unsettled weather will stay with us into next week. It will be a

mixture of sunny spells and scattered showers with high

temperatures. That's all from the BBC Newsline

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