29/06/2011 BBC Newsline

properly. Thousands as bent on drinks at the

Northern Ireland exams board. The man in charge admit mistakes.

The Police Federation calls for ex- prisoners to be put back in jail.

And a better day at Wimbledon. Not bad here either a. Join me later

for the forecast. The MTV Music Awards is one of the

biggest events on the music calendar. But the organisers have

discovered that this year's host is not so welcoming when it comes to

licensing laws. This huge event, which should generate millions,

will be staged at the Odyssey arena. But the guests will have to find

another venue for their party. The bars in the Odyssey close at

12:30PM. The licensing trade has renewed its calls for opening hours

to be changed. She is a pop icon, famed for her

flam giant performance is as much as her music. Last year, she

cleaned up at the awards, one of the biggest events in the calendar.

This year, the event will be held at the Odyssey and speak shown live

around Europe. But it is on a Sunday night, causing a snack for

the organisers. While the awards ceremony will take here, the

organisers also plan to have a party for the stars in the pubs and

clubs over here. It seemed the perfect venue. The ceremony first,

followed by entertainment under the same roof. But one important thing

had been overlooked. The licensing laws. His e-mail was sent from the

organisers. We want to host the party which

caters for the artists in the pavilion next door to the arena.

Shutting the bars is not an option. Some argue this illustrates how the

licensing wills need reform. So while the awards will go ahead at

the Arena, one solution is to split the venue fans take the stars to a

private venue at a Harland and Wolff painter Paul. The licensing

trade says the issue around the party highlights wider problems

with the law and opening hours. Where the rest of the UK had

additional hours for the Royal Wedding command our laws do not

allow any variations. This was really highlighted when MTV arrived.

So we cannot take the opportunity. We need to take the economic return

on the investment that has been made here. These people will be

socialising, and we have quite stringent laws about the selling of

alcohol. The Tourist Board and the city Council are paying more than

�500,000 towards staging the event. The hospitality trade says more

flexibility is needed to cash in on these special or major events.

you have an event that is different to the abnormal event, there should

be an opportunity for us to have as set up that works for that event.

We do not want to turn this into an industry where people can drink all

night long. But if it does retain to a particular event, there should

be a method of getting the best out of it. The minister responsible for

the laws was unavailable for interview. But in a statement, the

department said under normal legislation timetables, there would

not be enough time to introduce changes before it the 20th of 11. -

- 20th November 11. The feud between the Justice

Minister and the legal profession over legal aid continues to

escalate, despite a spending watchdog backing the claim that

payments here are higher than anywhere else. The Northern Ireland

audit office says the system is getting out of control. But

solicitors show no sign of backing down.

Members of the legal profession are engaged in a bitter dispute over

new, lower if thes for legal aid. Solicitors have labelled the fees

as yellow pack just as. David Ford says they are still more generous

than legal aid payments anywhere else. A report published today

supports that view. The findings of this report will be difficult for

the legal profession to ignore. The Audit Office is independent of

government, and its job is to monitor how taxpayer's money is

spent. It says the system does not offer value for money, and it is

escalating out of control. Criminal legal aid payments have almost

trebled during the past decade, and totalled more than �50 million last

year. But the growth in expenditure has not been matched by an increase

in the number of criminal 8 cases. In other words, solicitors and

barristers are being paid more per case. For it confirms what we have

been saying, that there is a serious overspend on the legal aid

budget, that legal aid costs run higher here than in England or

Wales, and that the Department of Justice is now starting to address

a legacy of many years'' look -- neglect. There was no doubt

instalment yesterday about the strength of feeling. The going has

been very good for your profession over the last 15 years. You have

made fabulous money, entirely at the taxpayer's expense. You have

been asked by the minister to take a small and realistic cut to you a

fee, having laid up a vast treasures over the past decade. Why

can I tell someone in the fish factory in Kilkeel that someone is

justified in making over �1 million per year after tax payer' expense?

The report criticises the system. The authors paint a picture of a

system that encouraged barristers to claim the maximum fee possible

with little challenge. They also note that members of the legal

profession were involved in setting defeats. The report says the

commission paid out almost 23 million pints of special fees on a

range of cases, even though they did not go to trial or last as long

as originally thought. The Law Society, which represents

solicitors, says it is unfair to blame members of the legal

profession, who are simply claiming what they were entitled to.

focus of the criticism is on the design of the cities is him -- the

system and the administration and auditing and administration of the

system. To that extent, perhaps criticism should be directed at

those who designed rather than those who simply used the system.

In a statement, the Bar Council said it is committed to achieving

value for money, but added it must be done without risk to their high

standards and quality of service that currently exist. Meanwhile,

the dispute between the legal profession and David Ford continues.

Solicitors have now withdrawn their services in 230 cases, leaving

nearly 300 defendants without legal representation.

Talking about how tax payer's money is spent, the exam body spent

thousands of plants on hiring a private plane, and thousands of

pounds on a drinks bill. We have already heard about the

staggering payments. But we have not heard from the exams body at

first hand. Did it tried to justified is bending? Some reasons

were given, but they also put their hands up to some failures. There

was a hire of a private plane at a cost of �4,000 to take staff to

Galway, and the acting chief Executive admits that

responsibility for that. I signed off on the decision to charter an

aeroplane to take people to Galway. That decision was made entirely on

a cost basis. It was made by looking at the comparisons of other

options that were available, and also looking at the cost and the

time of the people involved. member did agree that it would have

been more a cost effective to have a plane, but also looking bad it

was at drinks bill of �2,000 at a conference in 2005, and also, in

2008, �7,000 was spent to fly her great to Paris. That decision was

taken on the basis that this was the end of an eight year quality

journey, taking the body to being an organisation that won the

European Quality a ward. Was it all excuses, or did anyone take blame?

There was a lot of finger waving. They said it would not happen again,

there were very strict controls at the moment. But the acting chief

Executive did say he regretted some of the spending. On looking at some

of the expenditure, I have to say that there have been occasions

where that has been excessive. And I deeply regret that. What was the

reaction of the education committee? There were a lot of

people looking very disapproving and saying so. The chair of the

committee said it was a public- relations disaster and damage the

credibility of the organisation. Aid DUP member explained that it

was bringing the organisations into disrepute. The Department of

Education are saying it will not happen again.

Still to come: Buried in a box. The World War II plain that came down

in Donegal. We found the control panel, and helmet, the first aid

kit. There is nothing missing at all.

And and an address at less than on the golf course.

In an up-to-date version of an eye for an eye, a judge decided today

that 13-year-old boy charged with burglary he needed to know what it

felt like to lose something he valued. What happened?

An unusual case today, as their team year-old boy who faced a five

counts of burglary. He was appearing from the young offenders'

centre where he is in custody. His bail application was being heard,

and during the course of that application the young man was asked

whether he had anything that he helped -- held dear. He said that

it was probably a games machine. The judge said that in order from

and to understand what it felt like to have something taking away from

you, he would have to hand back over to the police and would only

get it back when the case has been concluded. It was not the only

condition that was opposed -- imposed. He was told he was not

allowed to have contact with any of the other accused. But it is

probably one of the most unusual conditions that we have ever come

The head of the Civil Service has defended the decision not to sack

Paul Priestley, who was found to have interfered in the political

process. Mr Priestley helped to draft a letter that criticised a

poll for stalwart committee. Separate figures told the committee

that Mr Priestley had suffered loss to his a rut -- salary and

reputation. He has not yet been reassigned.

The police federation says the PSI and government have been blind side

in by the recent growth in terrorism.

The annual conference was told that active members of the UVP should be

recalled to prison after last week's riots.

Delegates stood as the Secretary of State, chief constable and Justice

Minister took their seats at the Federation conference. They

listened to the list of attacks on police officers over the past 18

months, including the murder of Constable Brennan Kerr. The

chairman also had this message for -- following the recent riots.

UVP attacks resulted in gunmen making murderous attacks on police

officers and on civilians. If being a proscribed organisation is to

mean anything, action must be taken. The behaviour of the UVP demands

that any active members released by virtue of the Good Friday Agreement

should be recalled to prison by the Secretary of State for Northern

Ireland. Siege generate, 32 officers and

their families have been forced to move home because of terrorist

The intensity was shocking for us all. It was very local. And it is

individuals involved. We will look at their criminality. The reality

of the money should be spent on health, education, jobs, rioting

doing nothing for anybody. Terry spent was critical of the

Police Ombudsman and the performance so far of the policing

Her the chairman said that the PSNI The police are treating the death

of a woman in Carrick Fergus as murder. The body of the 29-year-old

was discovered last night in a house in Patterson's row. A 38-

year-old man arrested earlier has been released.

Councillors in Castlereagh have been asked to help in the inquiry

to how Iris Robinson's former lover of on a council contract. He won a

contract to run a cafe. Last month, when the council were shown a draft

of the inquiry report, the DUP its -- said there was nothing to

suggest impropriety. Fishermen fear Europe will impose a

cut in their catches this year despite the latest evidence that

many fish stocks in the Irish Sea are either stable or growing. Today

the Fisheries Minister met industry It has been tough, these last few

years, for many of the 140 boats working out of the counter

downpours. But finally, local fishermen are enjoying better times.

-- out of the County Down ports. The government has helped our

industry. Can't see is brimming with prawns

and help politicians. Here, people are saying that if it were not for

red tape and science, fisherman's life would be tolerable.

Out a bit of 1,500 tons of fish and prawns landed, 90% are stable. --

This should be good news but could be translated into 25% cuts.

It is the Fisheries Minister he will have to negotiate in Brussels

what local boats are allowed to Year-on-year it is the same battle.

We need to be more sustainable on this, possibly even a three year

approach. The new minister is fortunate that

fishing fortunes are on the up. As she heads to her first fishery

Council in Brussels this month, she has the strong support of local

trawlermen. If it is to continue, she needs to bring back tangible

results. In 1941, an RAF Spitfire pilot had

to buy it out of his plane on his way home from the Atlantic. -- had

to bail out. It crashed in the mountains near Red Castle.

It has lain there undisturbed until now.

At first glance, it looks just like wreckage, but this is a piece of

history which has been found in a peat bog. It is the remnants of a

Spitfire which came down here on a Sunday in November 1941. It was

unearthed to a chance encounter. Myself and my daughter are headed

out to find it, and spookily, we met everybody we needed to find at

once, within one minute. They guided us to this garlic aware we

found parts of the aircraft. -- to this Gali, Webby found parts of the

A team of archaeologists followed the trail and carried out an

extensive search to recover the plane. It has all been documented

for the BBC. You name it, we found dead. We

found the control panel, the helmet, the first aid kit, the straps on

the seat. There's nothing missing. You are very excited. It is obvious.

If you are a historian, sitting in libraries and dreaming about the

past, wondering what happened, here you have evidence for one moment

when a plane crashed hard into this The pilot who flew the Spitfire

similar to this one was an RAF officer from 133 Eagle Squadron, a

squadron composed of Americans. He was based in RAF Edmonton and had

volunteered for the British court has the US had not yet entered the

war. He was returning to base after maritime convoys when his engine

overheated. He told his base he was bailing out. Below him, a young boy

watched it all. I thought the pilot -- I saw the

pilot. And what about today? never thought I would see this. It

is great to see it being down. -- done.

During the operation, Irish army bomb disposal experts were put on

standby as ammunition were still on board. But the story was a

remarkable tale. Having survived the crash, the pilot was interred

for a while. He later fought on the American side and also served in

Korea and Vietnam. He died in 1994. The remnants of the Spitfire will

be taken from the site and cleaned up before being placed in a museum

Now, news of big medal hauls and lengthy suspensions.

A former Ireland cricket international has been banned for a

year following an alleged assault on another player. Desmond Dekker

Currie has been suspended following an investigation into a match

between his side and the Estonians. The game was abandoned after an

alleged assault. Curry has denied the charge and is expected to

appeal. Lisburn's Paul Lee McConnell won

five gymnastics medals at the Special Olympics World Games today.

-- Paulina. There was also a medal for the Women's Bowling competitor.

The medal also at by his 20. When it comes to winning big

tournaments, all the major golfing players will turn to the

relationship with the caddy is important. We thought we would test

the theory by using one of Allah and reporters. He carried the bag

for one professional golfer this Damian Mini is one of the most

experienced players taking part this weekend. -- Damian Mooney. He

gave me an insight into what is expected from the man in the back.

Make sure the clubs are clean, make sure there's only 14. Make sure it

is packed with food, drink me anything that might be required.

The caddie with, I imagine, have check the weather Corfe -- forecast.

I had not bothered to check the weather, but carefully -- factory

You want to be somewhere between They make between at 5% and 10% of

a golfer's winnings, but there's little job security.

It is one of those things. Golfers are temperamental and you will get

it. It depends on the player. There are players who want to blame the

caddie. The whole thing is based on individuals.

I was on the verge of getting psyched myself, working out yardage

Happy days. I think people might appreciate it

is not easy to be a caddie. It is physically demanding and you

have to be attentive and sharp. You have got to be quick. Although golf

is played at a slow pace, you have got to think on your feet.

I will give you a shout. Of course, yeah.

It is fair to say that I will not The GAA has reduced it is -- is to

reduce ticket prices in a bid to We are on BBC Two because of a

match at Wimbledon. No doubt it has encouraged a lot of people to get

out onto the tennis courts. And the weather has been good for it. Let's

get the forecast. As you can see, I'm not exactly on

the court. But I have got something better. I have got a great vantage

spot. A few rays of sunshine coming through, and of course, a big bowl

of strawberries. June has not been a great month for tennis. Now that

we have got to the end, the statistics are coming in and they

are proving what we all know already. It has been rather cool,

dull and wet. Rainfall is around 48% above the long-term average.

Those figures will have been added to in places today. Quite a lot of

showers on the weather radar crashing across Northern Ireland

and the South of Ireland, frequently as well. Still some of

those in the North this evening, but they are heading away. But it

is a mainly dry night. A bit cool in one of two rural spots, down to

four or five degrees. -- one or two rural spots. Tomorrow, don't go too

far without the umbrella because the showers will bubble up. Through

the morning into the early afternoon, they work East into down,

R Markham Main to County Antrim as well. -- it 2 Down, Armagh, and

I temperatures of 16 or 17. -- high If you need their umbrella tomorrow,

not for long, as the showers should head away. If you suffer from hay

fever, it is not good news. The pollen level is high. They are

likely to be high towards the weekend, but not much rain on the