04/08/2011 BBC Newsline

Good evening. This is BBC Newsline with Mark Carruthers and Donna

Traynor. The headlines. The Facebook Page set to be putting

it the likes of police officers at risk.

A 68-year-old man appears in court charged with having guns and

explosives. A major hotel development gets a

new lease of life. Either Glens of Antrim been

overlooked as a tourist destination? People had been drawn

here by the promise of good music and good food.

As the British Transplant Games get under way, we are live at the

opening ceremony in Belfast. You may have dodged today's

downpours but you will not have escaped the humidity - fresher

weather coming our way. A Republican site on Facebook has

been shut down after it was criticised for putting police

officers' lives at risk. It called for people to post pictures of

members of the police and details of security operations.

The organisation that represents rank and file officers says

publishing pictures was an attempt to target its members for murder.

It was called Crown Forces Watch - and that is precisely what this

Facebook Page aim to do. It was set up and the last couple of months

and had 300 members. Is said it wanted to keep people up to date on

what it described as harassment by security forces. It asked members

to a post information about police and soldiers which made others

demand to have it closed down. People may have a problem with

police but there are many ways you can deal with that. There are

political and independent members of the police board to them you can

bring complaints. This was a nonsense from the start. It was the

potential to provide information to terrorist groups. A short time

after cost to close down the site, that is what happened. The group

itself close it down St bad publicity. Crown Forces Watch

claims its aim was to reports harassment only, not to endanger

life. I think they need to answer the question - why would the Sikh

members of the public to supply them with information about the

movements of police officers, the details of police operations

towards the terrorist activities and why would the as members of the

public to send photographs of police officers? I am very clear,

and it is my view as a police officer, it was for malevolent

intent. The Police Federation says the administrators should be

arrested and brought to justice and the legislation needs to be put in

place to discourage others from doing something similar.

A West Belfast man has been in court charged with having guns and

explosives. The 68 year-old from Suffolk Drive was arrested by

police investigating dissident republican activity. Thomas Maguire

is charged with having four handguns, 100 rounds of ammunition

and explosives. Belfast magistrates court heard that police found this

in Thomas Maguire's car, when he was arrested in West Belfast on

Tuesday. He faces another charge of having guns with the intent to

endanger life. The court heard this related to a security operation

last year. Police discovered what they described as a small fire arms

factory. The Prussia -- the prosecution claims his fingerprints

were found on a pistol. A barn late Thomas Maguire has 12 convictions

dating back to the 1970s minus ten of them are related to explosives.

A prosecution says there is a risk that the accused would reoffend

efforts failed. -- a prosecution lawyer. The defence lawyer argued

for bail, saying that Thomas Maguire suffered from serious

health problems. The district judge said there was a strong risk of

reoffending and he said that if that happened, the consequences

could be very serious indeed. He demanded the queues in custody for

a four weeks. As he was led away from the dock, Thomas Maguire blew

a kiss to his friends and relatives in the public gallery.

News organisations including the BBC have been ordered by a judge to

hand over all unbroadcast pictures of last month's rioting in Belfast.

Lawyers for broadcasters had opposed the PSNI application

because of fears it could heighten the risk to the safety of camera

crews and reporters. The BBC said it was disappointed by the ruling.

Plans for two new hotels in Belfast could be revived - a matter of

months after the initial project seemed to have been shelved. The

Jermon Property Group had been going to build the hotels on a site

known as South Bank Plaza. Now another group is planning to take

the project on. Our reporter was there. There might someday be 150

hotel bedrooms on offer right here - this Belfast site runs between

Victoria Street and Dublin Road. Plans were well develop -- advance

for work hotels. The name for the whole site was to be south bank

Lazard or South Bank Square. Then the recession made its mark. The

group went into administration and planning applications were

withdrawn. The whole project seemed to be finished. But now there is a

new owner and a new plan. It is understood the Republican's

nationalists management administration agency over stop the

sale of their site to South Bank's square limited. Its director has

signed a contract with them Mattel Group with a view to building the

tour tells on the site. A new application has been lodged with

the planning service to build a hotel right here which would front

on to Dublin Road and have 146 bedrooms. A further application

will fall for the next to tell. This will be the site where this

tower block currently stands. You do not have to try too hard to find

sites in Belfast for projects which came to nothing. This was to have

been the tallest building in Ireland. This revived project does

indicate that some companies are still looking for ways to build for

the future. That could mean more jobs.

Later in the programme we will find out why hospitality business --

hospitality businesses in the Glens of Antrim feel they're being left

out by the tourist board. The tourist trade makes up about

five per cent of Northern Ireland's business and while efforts are

being made to increase that, today we have had a pessimistic

assessment that our economy, as a whole, faces an increasing risk of

slipping back into recession. The Northern Bank says growth here

continues to lag behind the UK average. Our business and economics

editor is with me. We did think the recession was over, so is that

going to change? The recession is over but, like every horror movie,

there is always a sequel, it is a question of when. The Northern Bank

is saying that the likelihood is that it will come sooner rather

than later. There is a one-in-five chance of going back into recession.

We are seeing some growth. A bit less than the UK average. That

growth is so fragile that any big shock could send us back into

recession. Unfortunately, today we're saying tremors in the

international markets. 15 billion went off the value of such shares

in London today. Just the sort of thing we do not want if we want to

avoid recession. There are businesses working away in Northern

Ireland, Even if the margins are tight, what needs to be done to

boost the economy on words? sector looks out words and sells

out towards - that is manufacturing and food production and it is doing

well. The other sector is the one which looks to consumers here which

does not do so well. We need to ensure that our manufacturing

experts continue to do well and that our and some economy, like

lawyers and retailers, picks up. If we had the answer to that, we would

be rich. Is there anything that our politicians can do to help? Local

taxation is simply rates. Previously they froze the rates and

now they can do that again to boost consumer demand. This is something

really for the Bank of England which has kept interest rates at

have a percent. It is something for the Chancellor and international

politicians as well. -- half a percent.

Social services in Dungannon have intervened to protect four children

were left at home when their parents went on holiday. The eldest

child is 14 and the youngest five. It is understood that children are

now staying with relatives. The head of the NSPCC in Northern

Ireland says there is no excuse for leaving children so young to go on

holiday. We are not at all saying that

parents need to be feeling like criminals were leaving children for

a short period time but clearly, the length of time involved here,

risk can be generated and something could go wrong.

You're watching BBC Newsline. Still to come on the story -- on the

programme - at touch of Baywatch for a beaches.

The Northern Ireland connection to the 1936 Olympic Games.

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board says it is trying to double the

number of visitors here, more than 3 million sampled our hospitality

last year with the Giant's Causeway seen as the big highlight. Some

tourism businesses in the Glens of Antrim feel they're not getting

their fair share of the publicity push. They are doing their

promotion themselves. Our district journalist has more.

The waterfalls - it is not difficult to see why this part of

the coastline is betrayed as an E area of outstanding natural beauty.

-- is betrayed. It is not the only duel along this stretch of coast.

Many in the tourist industry here feel they do not get the promotion

they deserve and are missing out on vital business. So how the Glens of

Antrim seems to be neglected. We're not sure why this happens. Perhaps

because we're so close to the Giant's Causeway. We are only 25

miles away. We feel that self-help is the answer. And so the Antrim

glens tourist group have created their own pocket guide which they

say will be like taking a local alongside. It details everything

from walking and fishing to local folklore. A lot of people come and

do a whistle-stop tour. They go to the Giant's Causeway and then go

back to Belfast. We want them to stop in this region and spent time

here. Everyone has spin-offs from that, not just accommodation

providers but the restaurants, bars and taxi services. We want to try

and build up Community Support. That is very important and

sometimes that has been missed in the past. The to his board denies

failing to promote the glens at the expense of the Giant's Causeway and

other attractions. We see it as very much one of her signature part

-- projects. As far is been left out is concerned, we are more

concerned about promoting the whole of the region. Once we get people

into the region, they can look good local maps and attractions that are

supplied. It is very unique and the Rhone culture year. We do not see

it as being left out. Details of the pocket guide will now be

available on the to his board website. For those in the Glens of

Antrim it is a chance for them to The summer months can be a busy

time and for the RNLI. It is known for its daring sea rescues but is

now looking for a power to keep people safe in and out of the wades.

Another busy day on port Stuart Strand. This summer, the watchful

eye is being kept on those enjoying the waves. RNLI lifeguards will be

patrolling seven beaches along the north coast. For the last five

years, we have had an in house Life Guard Service. The opportunity came

on board to work with the RNLI. In the current economic climate, there

are a lot more people staying at home. We encourage people to come

down, have a fun-filled day. Beautiful beaches and above all

feel that they are safe. This is the type of emergency the Life

Guards may have to deal with. Bringing an unconscious were too

sure. The team is ready and willing to put their training into practice.

I heard the RNLI were coming in, so it was a fantastic opportunity for

me. We try to talk to the public as much as we can to spread the

messages. Most people, once you explain and advise them are very

positive. They have trust in youth. You have to be aware of the people

that are in the water. Many people might think that being

a lifeguard is very dramatic, dashing into the ocean and saving

people. There are those times, but most of their job is spent

preventing accidents before they happens. We advise all swimmers to

swim between the red and yellow flags. Looking at what these guys

did yesterday, over the course of the day they did 73 preventative

actions. When we do training we have a saying that a Good Life

Guard never gets wet because they do all of the groundwork before. If

so whether it is going for a dip, or just watch him -- walking the

dog, rest assured there is someone are looking out for you. Belfast

City Council, Belfast city centre should I say, is holding a special

opening ceremony around now. They are hosting that glamping over the

next four days. -- they are hosting the British transplant Games.

600 athletes had just made their way through Belfast city centre.

Most have been on a journey only a Libyans could dream of. One of the

organisers is here. Tell us about what is happening. It is fantastic.

We have the British transplant Games coming to Belfast. It is like

no sporting event we have ever seen. Not only is the competition fierce,

but every one of these athletes have got their own story about

getting the gift of life and the defence that has made to them. It

is about the message we are trying to get across. Each athlete will be

in fierce competition with each other. It will be brilliant to

watch. It is about the message of organ donations. These lives have

been saved due to organ donation. How can this event raised the

profile? These events make a huge difference. We have seen Belfast

responded tremendously to the Games. We have got many more on the organ

Donor Register and we won that number to keep rises. The youngest

competitor is four, the oldest is about 80. The youngest is here. It

is a special weekend for everyone? Absolutely. We are celebrating

three years yesterday of our daughter's transplant. We never

dreamed she would be representing Belfast in a sporting event. She is

really looking forward to it. We have been practising today and she

is raring to go tomorrow morning. They are so many athletes competing.

Yes, there is. We recognise one or two children we have seen in

hospital. It is great to meet up with these people. Hopefully we

will see more and more of these events around the United Kingdom.

We will move on to Golfs. They could be seen less of Rory McIlroy

Roy over the next year or so. He has given an indication he is going

to rejoin the the the US Tour. Speaking in the States, he has been

talking about house-hunting. I feel as if I play my best golf over here.

Am very comfortable in this country. I am going to look at a few houses

in Florida. High and it definitely are looking towards coming back and

playing a full schedule over here. At the World Golf Championship

event in Ohio, he had a reasonable start. Graeme McDowell finished one

over and Darren Clarke has just teed off with Tiger Woods. Moving

on, the Irish Football Association along with its Welsh and Scottish

counterpart are opposed to a British team at the Olympic Games

next year. There was a British team their 75 years ago, and a Belfast

man was on it. Jesse Owens was undoubtedly the

outstanding athlete of the 1936 They were the first Olympics to be

televised live. And politics featured as prominently as a sport.

A Belfast man experienced the game's first hand as part of the

Great Britain football squad having turned down the chance to go

professional with Manchester United. I definitely saw Hitler. To be in

the same stadium as Jesse Owens, a suppose if I had signed for

Manchester United that would not have happened. Nowadays,

professionals can go to the Olympics. To me, he was a real

Olympians. Magnificent leadership qualities and indeed I would say

that if I was selecting an international 11 of all Ireland

players, he would definitely be the full-backs.

Bertie died 22 years ago, but this official handbook gives an insight

into how different things were for the players them. Can you imagine

the superstars of today been told to bring their own soap, but that

their shirt, knickers and stockings would be provided. The games ended

in disappointment as they were defeated in the quarter-finals by

Poland. We all like to win. His big regret was the Cliftonville

goalkeeper was not on the team. He always maintained that if Fred had

been doing goals, they would have won at least a gold medal. I do not

think he was too happy with the English goalkeeper. He did not

return from Germany with a medal, but every participant in Berlin was

presented with this memorial medallion. It has now been handed

down to Bertie's nine-year-old great-grandson.

Rugby and three Ulstermen had been named in Ireland's starting 15 for

the World Cup warm-up game against Scotland. Paddy Wallace, Andrew

Trimble and Tom Court all get the chance to impress in Edinburgh.

Robert Kearney returns in full-back for the first time since November,

and his provincial team-mate Leo Cullen will captain the side. Kick-

off is 2:15pm. Still no sign of any sunshine. The

parade are still ongoing for the British Transport games. There is a

reception tonight in the Waterfront Hall.

Let's see what it is like at the annual Taste Fest in botanic

gardens. A all sorts of food will be

showcased in the next few days. I mention Glastonbury earlier, it

is not unlike it. The rain is falling. In here it is cooking.

Some of Northern Ireland's top chefs. What is the big seller

tonight? So far it is pork belly. Let's walk along here. Some of our

top chefs. Selling everything from Stratford Proms to my goals. About

the end we have kangaroo on the menu. The man who is cooking the

kangaroo is here. All the way from Australia. Can you cook me

something in a minute question mark we will give it a go. Over here we

have a member of the organising group. What is this all about?

is a celebration of food and entertainment in Belfast that

celebrates everything in Northern Ireland in terms of culture. We're

very proud of this event. It began as a Taste Fest about 10 years ago?

In 1991 we introduced it as a Belfast taste best. It eventually

evolved to taste and music. rain is falling, let's hope it

picks up. Let's see what the chef is doing. We have a little kangaroo.

Tastes a lot like Rennison. I have never tried a kangaroo before. Not

too hot? Not too hot, just right. Skippy will never seem at the same

-- Skippy will never see me the The I am trying to make a pathetic

link about hopping over to the Just as we thought we were getting

away without any showers. Humoured and warm today and wet in some

areas. -- humoured and warm. Showers will start to ease away in

the next hour or so. Some of them are still quite a sharp in eastern

counties. When they fade away things gradually freshen up in the

West. Not as muddy as it was last night. Hopefully more comfortable

for sleeping and it will feel much fresher tomorrow. Tomorrow will

stay dry in most places. Showers will be fairly isolated. If fresher

feel tomorrow, a more noticeable breeze. Pleasance spells of

sunshine so. By cannot guarantee no showers tomorrow, there will be one

or a two and more likely across the north-west. As we come further

south and east we're more likely to state drive. When the son is out,

and the breeze is easing off it should feel quite pleasant. Not as

warm as today but for most places it should stay dry. A pretty good

day if you have to do anything outdoors tomorrow. Much more

unsettled conditions likely for the weekend. Fortunately the festival

goes on until 10pm so there will be some dry weather at times over the

weekend. For Saturday quite cloudy in the morning, it should gradually

start to dry up from the West later in the day. On Sunday it is the

opposite. A dry start before the Finally, a reminder of the stories

making the headlines tonight. The Republican side on Facebook has

been shut down after it was criticised for putting police

officers' lives at risk. Plans for two new hotels in Belfast

could be revived after the initial project seemed to have been shelved.

The economic crisis is spreading. The EU Commission has warned debt

contagion threatens Italy and Spain. Major human rights groups have

decided to boycott the independent inquiry into what British security