23/05/2014 BBC Newsline

Good evening, the headlines on BBC Newsline.

The NI21 leader Basil McCrea confirms he's fighting allegations

of sexual impropriety - we hear from the woman at the centre of the

The clinic a political breakthrough in this week's elections. Instead it

seems the party is breaking apart. I live that Belfast City Hall with

the latest on the election counts. The family of County Armagh woman

Natasha McShane welcome a 90-year jail sentence for the man

who attacked her in Chicago. to deny he's leaving Celtic to join

another club. The debacle involving NI21 in a

moment. But first the election and as you can see the BBC Newsline

studio has been dressed for this evening's results programme. Some of

those results have already come in. Let's check the state of play in the

local district election. Here are the seats won by the

different parties so far. 462 seats are up for grabs in 11

super councils. We will talk to reporters in some of the centres in

a few minutes. The leader of NI21, Basil McCrea,

has revealed that he is facing claims of inappropriate sexual

activity. He denies he has done anything wrong. Last night the

party's Deputy Leader, John McCallister, spoke of the bitter

split between him and the party BBC Newsline's Mark Simpson

has been following today's events. When the new political party NI21

was launched, as McRae promised a new era in politics. Less than a

year later, the party is in turmoil. Basil McCrea faces allegations of

inappropriate sexual behaviour. On BBC Radio Ulster this morning he

made it clear he rejected the claims. The allegations were only

brought to my attention last night and at first reading of them I can

say that I deny them. On that basis, I will not go any further on the

description, if you like. It is obviously an issue I will have to

deal with and one of the things I am looking at is how best to deal with

the issues and this issue needs to be dealt with. It has led to a

public fallout with deputy leader John McCallister. Last night John

McCallister claimed that the party's sudden decision this week to

scrap its Unionist designation was an attempt to force him out of the

party. He says he is going nowhere. Not a chance. With and morale, there

is no way I am leaving at a point in time until these issues are

resolved. It has been an extraordinary couple of days. It is

difficult to imagine a worse set of circumstances for a new political

party. It is hard to see how they now survive. I can't describe how

disappointed I feel. I feel we have let down a lot of voters by having

this right now. I am very hurt and shocked and devastated and I think

Basil McCrea needs to have a fair process. It is important that people

do not judge people until the opportunity comes to have all of the

facts. All the work by everybody has just been ruined. The woman who made

the allegations has spoken out. Ashley Murray is a former party

worker. She says the allegations go back to next year but says she

hasn't gone to the police. He is respected politician with a lot of

power behind them. Who's come to believe me? That is the way I saw

it. Who will believe me? Why did you to going back to work? I needed the

work. I left school with no qualifications and found it hard

through employment. Basil McCrea was not available for a television

interview but has repeatedly said he has done nothing wrong.

In the election, counting has gone on all day. Our political reporter

has more. Candidates, family members and

supporters have spent the day in count centres across Northern

Ireland. 900 hopefuls are chasing 460 seats in elephant district

councils. Counters for Antrim and Newtownabbey were the fastest and

the elected the first counsellor, with low Byrne not far behind. --

Lisburn. We have stood the largest number of councillors. They are

doing well and working for the communities. The Sinn Fein MP and

executive ministers were interested observers here. The witness the

first independent candidate elected. Sinn Fein have high hopes for the

new mid Ulster Council. It is quite clear that we will overwhelmingly be

the largest party in the new mid Ulster Council. Reports from

elsewhere suggest we are doing well but as always it will come down to

the final count. In Belfast, one vote separated Sinn Fein and the

SDLP's candidates, who will both return to the council chamber. I'm

really pleased. I've worked as hard as I can in the last few years.

There were obviously changes, losing quite a strong ward for us but I am

pleased that the vote has held up. There were good moments for the

alliance party. It is a fantastic result for us and for me and my

whole team. There was much media attention on NI21's Tina McKenzie,

who had hoped to win a seat in Belfast. But her difficult week

continued. She received just 256 first preference votes. In

Londonderry, security was tight and scanners were used. The Ulster

unionists were hopeful they were vote would be strong in firm --

other places. So far the TUV have won two seats. It will be tomorrow

afternoon before we get all the results.

Our political editor is at Belfast City Hall. 60 seats they are. Any

surprises? So far we have heard the stories you

have just heard. Michael Long being elected in east Belfast, but one

interesting development in the last short while was that the People

Before Profit candidate who heckled Nigel Farage recently, he looks like

he might be on course for City Hall. There are a living new councils. Any

thoughts on how the NI21 events have impacted their votes?

It is hard to know how it would've if those stories haven't unfolded

during the course of the week. What is clear from the relatively poor

performance of Tina McKenzie in her own electoral area is that generally

speaking I think they are falling far short of their expectations. It

has been a case of them taking part as best they could in the air war.

Party election broadcast some such. But they didn't have the kind of

resources of the established parties for the ground war.

Let's get a flavour of what is happening at some of the other count

centres. We have reporters in Lisburn, Londonderry, Coleraine and

Omagh. Results did come early. They are at it again and things have been

moving slickly. So far, seven DUP councillors are elected. Two Ulster

units. -- Unionists. One Alliance. Mary Kate Quinn was not elected.

They are on target to get to the 20 seat marked. We are being told that

despite the problems with leadership, NI21 are polling well

against the Alliance party. Kieran. The account is well underway here

in. We have had some results in the past hour. The SDLP in candidate has

been elected. So has the Sinn Fein candidate. It appears it is turning

into Independence Day here because their independents are doing well.

The STL peel look like the big losers and Sinn Fein will emerge

with 16 seats, the top party. What has been happening in Coleraine?

This new super council will cover a swathe of land across the top of

Northern Ireland. Four councils have become one. Carles Way Coast and

claims. It is likely to have a unionist majority when the votes are

counted. The councillors from the DUP. Russell Watson, a former UVF

prisoner has topped the poll. He is not elected but you has topped the

poll from a standing start. Julian. Traditionally, there is a large

turnout here in the West but even the fewer people have gone to the

polls. 70% and below 50%. Sinn Fein should be the biggest party here.

Four councillors so far on first preferences. Unionists also doing

well. One independent elected. The Ulster Unionists could lose out in

the towns and an anti-fracking candidate has been polling well but

he will depend on transfers. If any big result happens we will bring it

to you. The main election programme will be on BBC Two at 9pm. Still

ahead on the programme, Neil Lennon denies he is leaving Celtic to go to

another club. The mother of a woman who was left

brain damaged after an assault in Chicago has welcomed the 90 year

jail sentence given to her daughter's attacker. Natasha McShane

was with her American friend when they were beaten up by Heriberto

Viramontes. They were on a night out.

The four Natasha McShane travelled to Chicago, her life was bright and

full of promise. Her mother now faces -- her mother says she now

faces a lifetime of pain and misery. She and her friends were attacked

after a night out. Natasha suffered severe brain damage and remains

unable to walk or properly taught. The man used a baseball bat to beat

them and store their wallets. He has seen using their card 20 minutes

later at a petrol pump. He told the judge he felt remorse at prosecutors

played tapes from jail which painted a different picture. We wish to

played tapes from jail which painted thank the state's attorney office

and Julie who have done an amazing job. Her friend still suffers health

problems but acts as a key witness. Was left in tears during the trial.

Thank you to the city of Chicago, it is a beautiful place to live. I am

very excited about the outcome today. Natasha's family are now

under way home. It is understood she has undergone some signs of

improvement after undergoing therapy but the family says it is a great

struggle which has brought sadness to them all.

The former American diplomat Richard Haass says he won't be involved

in next week's party leader talks on the past, parades and flags.

But he said it was now an ideal moment to return to address

Our Dublin Correspondent Shane Harrison has more on this.

Dr Haass is having talks with the Dublin and London governments -

He added that he does not foresee a future role. He is of the view that

mediator's rolls can be exaggerated and it is up to the political

parties to reach decisions. What is decisive in our negotiation is the

willingness of the parties themselves to make difficult

decisions and then defend those decisions to their supporters.

Mediators can help. I will get thrown out of the union for making

this point, but the real work in our negotiation needs to be done by the

protagonists and leaders of the parties. If they are willing to do

that. If they are prepared to make difficult decisions, there will be

progress. Does that mean a more prominent role for governments in

the talks next week? The political parties are meeting on Tuesday while

the Secretary of State Villiers, will be in Dublin for a meeting. At

the meeting today Eamon Gilmore said the two governments should view that

urgency was now required. -- sheared the view. He also said Dublin fully

supported the proposals. That is not the case with London at the moment.

The SDLP and Sinn Fein also support Richard Haass but the main problem

is the DUP, the Ulster in as Andy Amy Adams and not singing of the

same things sheet as the others. Sports next - Mark Sidebottom's here

- yesterday Neil Lennon left Celtic Yes - he wasn't giving much

away today but was clear that he has not quit as Celic manager to

walk straight into another job. he was speaking just before

leaving for Lisbon to watch this It will not sink in for a little

while. It will take some time to buy jest it. I am content with the

decision. The time was right. -- two digests it. It has been a brilliant

decision. The time was right. -- two two years. Success on the field and

topsy-turvy off the field. It was exciting period in my life. Time is

for something else. Do you expect your future to lie in the English

premiership? I have given it now thought. We will see what the future

brings. I am looking forward to it. I am very content with what we have

achieved in the last few years. I would like to thank everyone

associated with the club. BBC Scotland were given short shrift

beer. Onto golf. Rory McIlroy remains well

in contention at the An early starter

in today's second round, he's An early starter

roller-coaster. This error led to a double

roller-coaster. This error led to a hole. That has gone long. Where has

that finished? It has gone all over the road. Dangerously close to the

cut, this superb iron shot on the 12th kick-started a turnaround. He

is very good, he can play this boy! Hedwall that Pat and went on to

birdie three of the last polls to be from well-placed ahead of the

weekend. But he is still behind Shane Long on the leaderboards,

following another steady round. There's a bumper weekend of

Ulster Championship football ahead, tomorrow Down and Tyrone replay

in Newry. under the new broadcast deal we can

only show the match on televison if RTE does and they've opetd not

to but it is live on The replay comes compliments

of this injury time Sean Cavanagh But Down will take heart from their

strong second half performance and Donegal loved him and such was Brian

McIver's bond with the men from Tir Conaill that he said he'd never

manage another team against his adopted county- but never is a long

time, On Sunday, he's at the helm as Derry attempt to dump Jim McGuinness

and Donegal out of the Ulster Championship.

Here is Thomas Niblock. Here is Thomas Niblock.

I just thought at the time it would be very difficult to manage against

them. I enjoy football and enjoy being involved in it. I have enjoyed

working with the Derry lives. Donegal and Derry have always. In

2011, Donegal won their first title. In the 1993 final it was the

opposite result. But now, it is 2014 and the standout game is most

definitely Derry against Danny golf. Yes, it is a big test. 2012 was

disappointing. We are obviously hoping to put the records through

this year. We have a lot to prove on the 21st. The game is live on

Sunday. That's it thank you very much for inviting me to the big

table. Here is Thomas Niblock.

It's the final day of the Queen's Baton Relay in Northern IReland.

Ahead of the Commonwealth Games it is

visiting more than 60 countries. Chris Page has been

following its tour here. It was the endgame for the baton

relay in Northern Ireland today. Judo was on display. The flag bearer

lifetime is looking forward to his third aims. It is the only chance

Northern Ireland gets to compete for Northern Ireland in the multi-games

so it is very special. Sportspeople welcomed the battle on, including

the badminton team which features two sets of siblings. How does it

feel for you? It is amazing having it in northern Ireland. It has been

all round the world. It will be very special for me to compete. There is

a real sense of build up now? We have said before, this is when the

hard work starts. The next stop was then maybe Peters track where

children joined in the celebrations. This is it, this is the Queen's

Baton Relay. It is made of titanium. This reflects the industrial

heritage of Glasgow which chimes with Belfast. You can see the school

which contains the message from the Queen which will be read out at the

opening of the games in July. On the top this granite gemstone from Ailsa

Craig will stay in Northern Ireland. It will be given to the team here in

Belfast as a souvenir. Then the baton relay the Titanic Belfast. It

has been to some of our best-known sites as part of its remarkable

journey during -- throughout the Commonwealth.

This weekend Belfast plays host to some magnificent ships that

Our weather presenter Geoff Maskell tells us about the forecast

and the Maritime festival at Titanic Belfast.

Ahoy there and welcome on board the training ship. She is here to sell

the idea of sailing ships. What is the magic of field training? It is

all about teamwork and working towards a common goal, learning to

get on with each other on a closely confined environments. Come down and

see the ship, we are giving exciting tours. Wok the decks and see what it

is like to sail aboard a traditional tall ship. You have organised the

festival, what else is here? Everyone is coming to see the tall

ships but we have other naval vessels and there are lots of family

friendly things, lots of fun. There is loads going on here this weekend.

The key question is what will the weather be doing as we go through

the season. We have some rain working as we end from the eastern

half of Northern Ireland. It could be quite heavy tonight. The good

news is that as we go into Saturday morning, things start with rain but

that least us quickly and behind it it is a drier and warmer day with

decent spells of brighter weather. We could see temperatures up to 13

or 14 degrees. Things are cooler on the north coast. We will still have

that northerly breeze. Not a bad day and for spectators

that northerly breeze. Not a bad day dry. As we go into Saturday evening,

we will have more cloud and the chance of a few showers overnight

into Sunday. Sunday will be more of a disappointing day. We start off

with some drizzly rain and overnights it will be mild because

of the cloud cover. Lows of nine or 10 degrees. Sunday itself is not as

good as Saturday. Plenty of cloud cover around and some drizzly

ranging the day. Temperatures remain respectable. We will see highs of 14

or 15 degrees on Sunday. Towards the Bank Holiday Monday, there is a

chance for a bit of cautious optimism, some brightness amidst the

odd shower. Temperatures definitely on the week up. Whatever you're

doing on the weekend, have great one. It'll be a busy weekend on the

election. It's going to be a weekend

for those involved in the counting of votes in the local council

election and then the european election count on the bank holiday.

Before we go - this is how it looks so far with

the state of the parties. There's a long way to go but

at the moment. Let's look at the history

of BBC TWO with me, Simon Schama. 'Harry And Paul's

Story Of The 2s - part of 'the Big Bumper Bank Holiday

Comedy 50th Birthday Weekend.'