04/06/2014 BBC Newsline

in advance of the general election. That is all

This is BBC Newsline. Tonight's top stories:

The PSNI has refused to reveal information to the Police Ombudsman

about the bomb attack on Constable Peadar Heffron.

There's Unionist anger as Orangemen are prevented from parading

Muslim leaders say it's time to move on after the public apology

There are 33,000 uninsured drivers in Northern Ireland. I'll be looking

at new proposals to clamp down on defenders. Motorcyclists Michael

Dunlop wins again at the Isle of Man TT races. A cool and cloudy day

tomorrow, maybe a little warmer than today.

Last night we revealed that the Police Ombudsman is taking the Chief

Constable to court in an effort to get access to secret police files

Tonight we can report that the Ombudsman is investigating

whether police acted on information it was given before

a dissident republican bomb attack that seriously injured Constable

Michael Maguire wants to find out if there was appropriate action

after the tip-off, but so far the police haven't allowed

Our home affairs correspondent Vincent Kearney reports.

As captain of the PSNI's gaelic football team

and an Irish speaker, Paedar Heffron - seen here on the left - was

a high-profile target for dissident republicans aiming to deter

Three and a half years ago, he was critically injured

When a bomb exploded under his car as he left his home near

Randalstown. The Police Ombudsman later received a tip-off claiming

that someone had warned the PSI on a potential attack on an unnamed

officer. It may be that the warning was so minimal that nothing could

have been done to minimise the attack on the officer. There is so

little detail that the Police Ombudsman cannot reach any

conclusions, in effect he is no wiser than any of us.

The police have also refused to give information to Ombudsman

investigators probing the death of senior Sinn Fein official

Denis Donaldson, who was also a police and MI5 informer.

He was shot dead at this remote family cottage in Donegal in 2006.

He had fled there after being told the media would expose his role as

an agent. The ombudsman is investigating claims by his family

at PSNI officers may have exposed him as an agent. It is the kind of

information Michael Maguire yesterday said his office is eager

to get to. This gets to the core

of independence, it gets to those who are subjects of

investigation will determine what The PSNI said it has responsibility

for all information it holds and it cannot release that information if

it may in danger lives. The ombudsman and investigations have

top security clearance, which means they can have access to sensitive

intelligence material. Michael Maguire says because of that, the

PSNI has no legitimate in recent -- reason to re-fused to provide the

information he asked for. Justice Minister David forward says he hopes

it is not too late with the two sides to agree. It is important the

two agencies get together and resolve these issues rather than

have to have a judge decide for them. I have been told if any

material has come back from the police to the ombudsman so I hope

that will be a basis for discussions. The Chief Constable

will comment at a public meeting on the Policing Board tomorrow.

A number of families affected by the controversy have called

on the Chief Constable to hand over all the files which the

BBC Newsline's Mark Simpson now reports on the reaction to

The killings at the centre of this controversy stretch back to the

height of the Troubles. Among the 60 different cases is the murder of

Sinn Fein's Tommy Casey in Cookstown in 1990. At that time there were

claims of security force collusion in the killing. Almost a quarter of

a century later, some files remain secret in the Casey family believe

the Police Ombudsman has been let down by the police. He should have

got the materials he asked for. Why are they holding back this, what are

they hiding? They are supposed to be the law of the land as it is, that

we are supposed to live under and live by. Where do you go from here?

These cases require an effective investigation and a refusal by the

PSNI to hand over information relating to these investigations is

outrageous. Complaints were raised about the police investigation into

the at Sean Graham bookmakers on the former road, but it is among cases

where the ombudsman believes police may be holding back vital

information. I spoke to the family of one man who died here, and they

appealed to Matt Baggott to hand over the files. They said if he

didn't do it, they hoped his successor would win he takes over as

Chief Constable this year. But the police say they have acted within

the law. The stand-off continues and it seems a court battle is looming.

The Orange Order has again been told it can't march

along a contentious stretch of the Crumlin road in north Belfast.

It had applied to the Parades Commission to walk

The Ligoneil Orangemen have been trying to complete

their parade back-up the Crumlin Road to their Orange Hall

Today's decision once again stopping them doing that came

Means the Orangemen in two bands determination

Means the Orangemen in two bands will not get this far up the

Woodvale Road, they will be stopped there, which means the parade itself

cannot come up past Ardoyne shops on Ligoniel Orange Hall. Meanwhile the

loyalist protest camp here at Twaddell Avenue continues.

The Parades Commission's determination

It stressed the level of tension since the parade was stopped.

We are disgusted and saddened that the threat of violence I dissident

republicans could stop us in our freedom of expression. These issues

need to be resolved and I believe they can be resolved so I understand

it determination causes hurt on one side and the next one might be

different, the one after that might be different again. We need to get

beyond that. Getting beyond that is the mediators have been seeking, so

far without success. A man's been arrested

after a woman's body was found You're watching BBC Newsline,

and still ahead A round-the-world yachtsman sends

a transatlantic message to pupils The Deputy First Minister is

visiting the Islamic Centre in Belfast this evening,

24 hours after the First Minister. Peter Robinson used his first visit

to the centre to make a public apology over controversial

remarks he made last week. The remarks were made as he sought

to defend controversial comments made about Islam and Muslims

by Belfast Pastor James McConnell. Our political correspondent

Martina Purdy has this report. It looked like an ordinary social

call but the purpose of this meeting was to end controversy and heal

relations with Muslims. Peter Robinson received a warm welcome on

his first visit to the Islamic Centre. He pledged it wouldn't be

his last and apologised for the offence his remarks had caught. The

last thing I would ever have on my mind would be to cause anyone hurt

or distress or to insult them, and I make that publicly clear in the

clearest possible terms, and I also pointed out that not only did I

apologise to these gentlemen at our last meeting, I went out and

publicly apologised them. I cannot spend the rest of my life

apologising. I can spend the rest of my life building the United Kingdom

-- community I believe we won. It was clear both leaders wanted to

move on. We have heard the First Minister apologise and I think we

have to draw a line under this issue. We need to think about moving

for. But not everyone was satisfied. It is something that will take a

long time to repair, even members standing behind say they are not

happy. You don't think he has gone far enough tonight? No, he was

talking about freedom of speech and this is an open society, and we

accept and I wonder what would happen at the same sermon was given

by an e-mail here in a mosque, I'm sure a lot of politicians would be

facing the media for a good score. He challenged Peter Robinson over

his support for Pastor McConnell. It is not the role of any politician to

give final opinions. It would be wrong for me to do that. I am not a

theologian, I cannot give a view, but I say people have a right to

free speech but everyone who has that right, whether they are in

politics, whether they are pillars of society or the press, they must

exercise that right with responsibility and care. The Deputy

First Minister's visit here this evening does seem a little odd for a

joint office, but it shows both men are focused on the issues, including

financial support. A former head of the team

of detectives set up to investigate unsolved killings says he believes

the Hyde Park bomb suspect Dave Cox, who stepped down from the

Historical Enquiries Team last year, was giving evidence to a Westminster

committee of MPs investigating the Government's scheme for dealing

with so-called on-the-runs. The scheme only came to light

when the trial of Mr Downey for the 1982 IRA Hyde Park bombing

was halted when it was revealed he had mistakenly received

a letter saying he was not wanted In your opinion, has Mr Downey, for

both the UDR murders in the Hyde Park murders, in your opinion, has

he been very lucky and got away with murder? I might ask him what lottery

numbers he picked. That is a yes? Yes.

Two friends of a girl who a Belfast musician is accused

of having underage sex with have told his trial about their shock at

One girl said her friend first told her about her alleged relationship

with Francis McPeake after she saw them acting inappropriately

Another said she witnessed the two kissing in a car.

The defendant, who's 72, denies 12 charges of child sex abuse

Tributes have been paid to a disabled Newry man who was killed

after his electric wheelchair was in collision with a car.

The accident happened yesterday afternoon.

Here's our reporter in the South East, Gordon Adair.

Mr Chambers was a well-known character here in Newry. He was a

foot all couch and played in a band, all despite having lost his

lower limbs because of diabetes some years ago. He was a resident here in

McManus caught and travelled to the city centre every day. His fellow

residents say he had spoken to them of his concerns about using an

electric wheelchair in traffic but that he found it impossible to use

that that Bass. Ironically he was on what should have been the relative

safety of the footpath outside his home when this accident happens --

footpaths. He was trapped when a car apparently mounted the pavement.

His friends say his unshakeable positive mood was

He had the same attitude all the time, cheerful and chirpy for all

his handicaps. Sometimes you would think of them -- look at him and

think how is he so cheerful? Another resident was one of the first on the

scene. He had gone to the hospital, we were hoping for the best, but the

worst happen. The driver of the car was also hurt. His injuries are not

thought to be life-threatening. Friday marks the 70th anniversary

of the D-Day landings in Normandy, an important battle in France

during World War Two. On tomorrow and Friday evening's

programme, Donna talks to two of the few local veterans still alive

to recall the events of that day. Tomorrow we hear from Bill

Eames who is 91 years old. He was an RAF pilot and honoured

for his gallantry. And on and particular type of

person? I don't think so. I don't think I was any better than anybody

else. You are just lucky, that is the thing.

More on that interview tomorrow at 6.30pm here on BBC One.

Still to come. Michael Dunlop clutches a hat-trick of wins at the

Isle of Man TT. 33,000 people driving are

driving without insurance here. Now Stormont plans to target them

with the threat of ?100 fines. The minister Mark H Durkan says it

could cut the cost of insurance Of

the one million vehicles currently driving on Northern Ireland's roads,

it's thought about 33,000 are uninsured, costing law abiding

motorists an estimated ?15-?30 pounds a year on their premiums.

Now the Department of the Environment wants to clamp

down on offenders. Motorist driving without insurance

are more likely to be involved in accidents, and are also often guilty

of other offences as well, such as driving without an MOT and sometimes

without licences. Under these new laws, it will become an offence to

own an insurance -- and an down on offenders.

not just to drive one. People without insurance would be

tracked down and threatened with a ?100 fine and,

if they still failed to pay up, they'd face a court appearance and a

?1,000 fine and their vehicle could be clamped, seized and destroyed.

But would that force people to pay up?

insured car a hundred known threat in this day and age, if you're

staring down being a six or ?700 premium, I don't think ?100 is a

stern enough action. I think the monetary value should be higher.

Yes, the initial fine is ?100. That is how to tackle this, to hit people

where it hurts. People might soon realised that after a feud finds,

they are better off paying their insurance.

people to pay up? A public consultation

on the proposed scheme started today and runs until the end of July.

Andy West, BBC Newsline. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh

are to visit Northern Ireland later this month. King and palaces the

royal couple will be here for a series of public engagements between

the 23rd and 25th of June. Londonderry is preparing to welcome

home the Clipper Round the World Yachts who're taking part

in the mammoth 40,000 mile race. It was an emotional return

for the local crew two years ago and thousands are again expected

at a big Maritime Festival later The skipper of the local boat,

which is currently in New York, has linked up with pupils

at his old school to share Here's our North-West reporter,

Keiron Tourish. The crew

of the Derry-Londonderry-Doire boat are in buoyant mood now that they

know they'll soon be setting off on their journey home.

They've faced raging storms and experienced stunning scenery and

even had a crew member overboard for 90 minutes before a dramatic rescue.

But now all the focus is on coming home.

Before that the skipper, Sean McCarter, lowered his sail in New

York to have a webchat with pupils at his former school Foyle College.

How many miles have you travelled so far? 38,000 miles, I think, at the

moment, that's what we have on the clock. Where is the best place you

have been so far? I had never been to China before, and it was quite an

eye-opener. It was a completely different culture. What is your most

favourite thing you are looking forward to, coming back? Certainly

in the last race, people are still talking about the excitement of

coming home. I keep telling the crew it will be massive.

at his former school Foyle College. Twelve 70 foot ocean racing yachts

are taking part in the Clipper round the world yacht race

which started in London last July. It has 670 sailors

representing 40 nations. They've been to Brazil,

South Africa, Australia, China and America.

I think it will be a difficult challenge, because you go through a

lot of highs and lows. China and America.

This Saturday the local crew will set off from their base in New York

for the journey home to Derry. They are expected to arrive here

on or around the 21st of June. In all they will cover 2850 miles.

To coincide with the return of the Clipper Round The World Yachts,

there will be a major Maritime Festival starting here on the 21st

of June. Or nine days, the foil will be the focus for books of all shapes

and sizes, and there will be food and

Michael Dunlop has been untouchable on two wheels at the Isle of Man TT

Michael Dunlop thought about quitting the sport earlier

but had a change of heart, signed with a new team

and today completed a remarkable hat-trick of Isle of Man TT wins.

He followed up yesterday's Superstock victory with

a dominant display in the second Supersport race.

The 25-year-old from Ballymoney led from start to

finish to win by 10 seconds from New Zealander Bruce Anstey.

Michael's brother William Dunlop was third.

Michael now boasts ten career TT wins, and has the opportunity to

equal or better his tally of four victories last year when he competes

Boxer Carl Frampton will fight for a world title this September

He will take on Spaniard Kiko Martinez for the

The outdoor venue is still to be confirmed.

We understand Balmoral Showgrounds beside the Kings Hall is

This could be Carl Framptons time to shine.

But it has on taken a huge fight purse to convince Kiko

Martinez to defend his title here. this year this will attract an

enormous audience, and it has the potential to put 20,000 in there. 15

or 20,000 wouldn't surprise me at all. The Kings Hall has been

suggested, or 20,000 wouldn't surprise me at

all. The Kings Hall has is that still an option? Your Mac the Kings

Hall is too small, the Odyssey is too small.

Martinez to defend his title here. The spaniard Martinez feels he has

unfinished business with Frampton after the belfast boxer knocked him

out at the Odyssey 16 months ago. I think he doesn't like me, I

genuinely believe that. On my part, it is a laugh. I don't think he

likes me, no. I don't mind the guy, I respect him. It is tough to get in

the ring, let alone go home a champion. But there is going to be a

lot of tension. He is a hothead, and he will see a lot of both things.

That is just the hype. Unbeaten as a professional, this is undoubtedly

the biggest challenge of his career. Victor in 19 would make him a world

champion. Ireland's rugby players have had a

couple of days to get acclimatised in Argentina ahead of this

Saturday's test against the Pumas. The squad

which contains seven Ulstermen had a light work out in Buenos Aires

at the aptly named Hurling Club Despite the fact that Argentina

will be without their European based players Ireland know the two

test series will be demanding. They will be a very tough team to

play. They are a different element. I expect nothing less of them. It

will be quite an intimidating atmosphere to go into. It is a

challenge that most of the lads are looking forward to. We are looking

forward to taking a fume steps as a team, so that is our challenge.

We'll stay in South America and move from Argentina to Chile,

where Northern Ireland are in friendly action

It's Northern Ireland's second game of their tour

after a fine defensive display resulted in a creditable 1-0 defeat

Manager Michael O'Neill will make a late call whether to play

Conor McLaughlin, and uncapped teenager Liam Donnelly

The match kicks off at 1.00am tomorrow morning and we'll have

We'll have the weather forecast in a moment.

But first, people around Lough Neagh were treated to

This waterspout formed during a thunderstorm

and was caught on camera by a number of BBC Newsline viewers.

The waterspouts occur when funnel clouds touch down on water.

When they touch down on land, they become a tornado.

Always quite a thing to see. Always dramatic. Absolutely fantastic

pictures. It has been a bit of an unexciting day to day in terms of

weather. As we go into this evening, it will be dry, if a little

cool. As we go through the evening, any showers will die away. Tomorrow,

we will have some rain working its way in. Temperatures could be down

to 56 Celsius in some places. A bit warmer than that along the coast. --

five or six Celsius. Quite a cloudy feel tomorrow, a feud showers

around. As we go through the day, we will see a bit more in the way of

brighter conditions. That will help with the temperatures, so as we go

through the day, we could see 15 or 16 Celsius. That is better than to

day. A feud showers always a possibility as we go through the

day, but generally it will feel a good bit brighter. 70 years to day,

weather forecasters made one of the biggest decisions ever. They decided

to delay the D Day landings. A few want to normal or about that big

decision, there is a special feature on the BBC website. I will tweak a

link to that shortly. They made all of those decisions without

temperatures and satellites. Our temperatures are showing that we

have a low pressure system heading in for Saturday and Friday. It means

that Friday will not be a bad day, certainly a bit warmer. It looks

like the rain will be coming in over on Friday into Saturday, and

Saturday might be quite reasonable. Make the most of the next few days,

because there is certainly more rain in the forecast for the weekend.

Thank you. We are back at 10:25pm. Join me for that. You can also keep

in touch via Facebook and Twitter. Have a very good evening. Goodbye.