19/09/2011 BBC Newsline

The headlines: Martin McGuinness tells this programme he has no fear

of standing before the people of Northern Ireland. I will say that

some things that the IRA did was wrong. We test the opinions of

voters. I don't agree with him coming in. From the stories I have

heard, I don't think he will do well for Ireland. A court herds --

here's how this pensioner may have been sexually assaulted after her

murder. We hear from the rugby here RIAS --

for rugby heroes after their momentous win against Australia.

Martin McGuinness insists his past as an IRA commander should not

prevent him from coming Irish President. He was speaking as he

prepared to step aside from the Deputy First Ministers job for the

duration off his presidential campaign. We look at the last few

hours of his role. He has already been pressing the flesh out of the

control -- campaign trail. He will come under scrutiny in the recent

weeks. Later, we will hear from him. First, Gareth Gordon reports on the

handover of power. At St Luke's primary school, this

was the current President of Ireland this morning. She had come

north on the day that be would be President of Ireland was preparing

to go it self. He exercises the functions of the office of Deputy

First Minister. Mr McGuinness will see is to be Deputy First Minister

at midnight. The man who will replace him and says it will be

business as usual. We have come together with being a working

relationship. I don't think confrontation hasn't been Martin's

style and it would be my style. They still the business of

confronting the past. I remember in 74, A was the early 70s, a reporter

reported that I had boasted about killing eight British soldiers in

the Free Derry area. That was a total and outright lie. I would say,

if I get in to answering question for question at the questions of

the media in that regard, I will be answering those questions from now

to kingdom come. I have heard three different answers now about when he

left the IRA. He said he left in the 1970s, 1974 and I have heard

him say, "it doesn't matter". He had the opportunity to clear all

this up and chose not to do so. He wants to be evasive about his past.

We know it is passed will be an issue in deciding his future.

Tension in the Republic is expected to focus on Martin McGuinness' role

in the IRA. I asked him how he can represent the country when he was a

leader of the IRA. The picture so far of the announcement that I am

going to be a candidate, obviously informs the media that they should

adopt this type of approach and questioning. You don't think it is

a reasonable line of questioning? It is an attempt by the media to

bring up the feelings of victims and use them. You think they need

whipping up? I do believe they have these feelings but the media play a

role in trying to sensationalise and manipulate the situation.

sensation what it -- what is sensationalising about this

statement? I thought the first question in my interview would be

about the role in aiming to become President. But, it is not. The

media have this element and agenda by be tried to use victims and we

put the situation against my campaign. The reality is there has

been a bitter conflict for more than two decades. There were many

participants in that conflict. The IRA it was a participant and I was

a member of the IRA. I don't diverse my responsibility for that.

I believe I have a responsibility, given that I was a member of the

IRA. I have resolved that conflict with many British soldiers and

others. Some civilians lost their lives. I believe the people of

Ireland we look at my record in the round. They will see me as a

peacemaker, as someone who has tried to inspire people in the

North in favour of the peace process. You have talked about the

need to having a duty to heal the wounds of the Republicans. Part of

that would be saying, "I'm sorry, it was wrong.". You are never say

that, were you? Do you expect me to say I was wrong to say I was wrong

to join the IRA? Many would say you should. I will never do that. Many

things were wrong. I don't take away my responsibility with the IRA.

You may have to meet the Queen if you were to be president. That is a

change in principle because the party refused to meet the Queen

when she was in Ireland earlier this year. Why the change in

principle? Going forward in this election, I am going forward as

Martin McGuinness in my own right. I am not going forward as a

representative of Sinn Fein. Does that mean your allegiance to the

state will be your greater to your republican movement? My need is for

a conversation about how we get to a new island and a new republic. As

part of my responsibility, if I were lucky enough to be elected as

president of my country, it would be to represent my country on the

world stage and to meet with foreign dignitaries without

exception. I asked the question because you told the several

tribunal that you couldn't give details because of the republican

code of honour. I asked to go, would John Regis to the Irish state

be higher to that republican code of honour -- I asked you if you're

Irish state would be higher than the republican code of honour? In

another generation, Sinn Fein would be ready to be elected as president.

It is just too early. I don't think you are the person to make that

judgment. The people of Ireland will make that judgment. I stand

regularly on an important Irish constituency made up of the

citizens of South Derry. I have been endorsed it regularly by these

people who know where I have come from in the past and know the role

I have played in building peace in this country. I have no fear what

somewhere for about going before the Irish people. His entry into

the race has given fresh impetus to a campaign which many display --

say is lacklustre. With support from Jennifer O'Leary, we have this

report. It is the morning after the formal start of the run for the

Irish presidency. The competition already trying to deflect the

attention away from Martin McGuinness and back on themselves.

I chaired myself on a number of occasions and I have seen first-

hand the great things that can happen at the bringing together of

both communities. I welcome that and people have contributed to that

through the years. If I were president, I would continue that

work and continued to promote the peace of the Good Friday Agreement.

I remain focused on my at campaign and on the message I want to bring

to the average people. I want to do for enterprise and jobs what Mary

Achilles has done for the peace He held his fire when asked about

Martin McGuinness' pass. We have a very bright future if we make the

riced -- make the right choices. What about the younger people? What

do they make of Martin McGuinness? At least he was politically engaged

when he was younger, even if he was using massed up at Mathers. It is

People in Ireland should move on from the past. He has done a lot

for the North. I don't agree with him coming in. I don't know much

about him but from the stories from my parents, I don't think he will

do well for Northern Ireland. He shouldn't deserve to get the

President position. There is other people out there who deserve it

more. It is too early to gauge the impact of the presidency. The final

roll-call has yet to be confirmed. With only 40 days to go, the

election is now a major EST and the stakes for all those running remain

high. Mark Devenport joins as. If Martin McGuinness becomes the

central focus of this campaign, for that lead to the detriment of the

other candidates? -- will fat lead. They want to cut the profile in

their own right. Whilst there may be some who will try and dig up

more in relation to his past, it looks like Sinn Fein of relaxed.

They will say, "we are not about the past, we are about the future.".

They will save even if that publicity is hostile, they are

still up on points. Are they taking the lead because the field of

candidates was deemed to be unexciting? They sensed an

opportunity, especially when the Dida made that decision that his

party would not feel the candidate. There is a gap there and they can

exploit this. Their belief will be even if Martin McGuinness doesn't

emerge as a winner, if they build on a successful election, that will

contribute to the oil -- All Ireland project. They said the

peace process was like a bicycle, you have to keep moving. This has

given them another election to focus on. For what effect will the

substitution of Jonno doubt have on the whole Assembly? Not a vast

amount. They take their decisions corporately and bring them back to

a think tank and come up with the decision. If they some dramatic

event up there, they may miss Martin McGuinness' handling of that.

John O'Dowd will focus on what Martin my guess will be her --

focusing on. Getting agreement from the party's for a programme for

Government. He will be balancing that with his educational

priorities. He was relating it to a He was a murder that shocked he

city and the wider community. End - - and 81-year-old widow beaten to

death on Christmas Day. The trial began of the woman who killed Moira

rare Rankin and the story that she may be sexually assaulted after her

dead -- after her death. The court heard she had a

supportive family and an excellent quality of life. The widowed mother

was found dead in her home on Christmas Day 2008. She had been

viciously assaulted. This is the woman accused of her more -- murder.

She owned the house next door. She admits being in her home on the

night of the Morda but claims she had only come to share a Christmas

drink. She says when she left a short time later, Moira Dunn was

still alive. She says there is compelling evidence, DNA, record

evidence. Karen Walsh, far from being a well-intentioned neighbour,

The jury was told it would hear evidence of the head and chest

injuries that would kill her. That Mrs Rankin had been found naked and

badly bruised, and that she had been sexually assaulted, possibly

after her death. The Crown claimed Karen Walsh carried out the murder.

And, that while the wrong code was used, the digits dark matched his

mobile and business numbers. A brother in law was the person who

found her body. The family had been anxious because she had not

answered the phone on Christmas morning. Mr Morgan broke down as he

was asked to look at photographs of the murder scene. In the public

gallery, other members of the family wept openly as well. This

afternoon, two of her daughter's gave evidence. They painted a

picture of a woman with little interest in alcohol, who transpires

for medicinal purposes. She told the trial her mother was meant to

come to her on Christmas Eve night, but insisted on staying on her own

home to recover from an illness. Mrs Rankin said it was the first

Christmas Eve night her mother had ever spent alone. She said she had

been deeply affected by that thought ever since, but added, it

we were not to know what was going to happen. The case continues.

The police have come under attack from petrol bombers during a major

security alert in Lurgan. At least six petrol bombs were thrown at

officers at the Kilwilkee estate in Lurgan. Police in full riot gear

came under attack as a suspicious device was being examined by army

technical officers near the railway line. No one was injured in the

attack. Local residents were moved from their homes and the railway

line has been closed for most of the day.

Still to come on the programme: A real rugby special - the biggest

world achievement for Ireland ever! And a bit of a dismal end to the

day, but tomorrow should be a bit more cheerful.

After all the disappointing performances recently, Ireland's

rugby team came good when it mattered. And what a time to find

their form! Here's Stephen Watson. Ireland turned the Rugby World Cup

on its head with one of their greatest ever performances,

upsetting the odds to beating the much-fancied Australians. Ulster's

Stephen Ferris and Rory Best played key roles in the fantastic win.

Ireland are now favourites to top their pool, and if they beat Russia

and Italy in the two remaining games, they will set up a quarter

final probably against Wales, Samoa or Fiji.

The biggest World Cup achievement by any Irish side ever. Reason

enough for the smart and celebrations after Saturday's

already famous victory, Ireland produced an intensity that the

Australians simply couldn't match. Everything appeared on the line for

a first ever World Cup victory over Australia. We said this would take

all the squad, and we spoke last night, we knew we would go home

tomorrow. Everything just build up fast, and when the motivation and

hype is created, you have to deliver, and we did.

Then, it was the turn of an emotional player as his final few

weeks will be playable stop I am struggling at the moment. It is

massive, I am done with Ireland in a few weeks and I have had a great

time. It is a great team and a great bunch of lads and means a lot

to us. At temps are continuing to convince

them to prolong his career. -- attempt. But for the time being,

players and supporters can enjoy island's best ever World Cup result.

For Ulster, it's three wins out of three in the Pro Twelve after a

routine 23-3 win over Cardiff Blues at Ravenhill. Two first half tries

from Darren Cave sealed the win for Brian McLaughlin's side in the

driving rain. Despite being 17-0 up at half time, Ulster failed to then

secure a bonus point after the break but the win moved them up to

second in the table. It was a strange kind of game. I thought we

defended well, and I didn't think they would give us too many

problems. There were 25 goals scored in the

Carling Irish Premiership at the weekend. Matthew Tipton scored two

crucial ones for Portadown to help them beat the champions Linfild to

move into joint first place at the top of the table.

It is a nice, definitely. We have studied this season very well. We

knew there were a lot of games coming in, and we just took one at

that time, and we got true her high There were two scores to pour more

misery. And after three league games without a victory, they got

back to winning ways at the Oval. It was a thrilling climax to the

Gaelic football season. Dublin beat Kerry to win the All Ireland

Championship for the first time in 16 years. And it was the goal

keeper who was the hero, but not for his saves.

If Stephen Cluxton was nervous, he did not show it. The heartbeat of

Dublin's support erupted. It was a victory that looks so unlikely just

a few minutes earlier. Kerry have won more crowns than any other

county, and while it wasn't a vintage display from the asked the

Giants, they found themselves four. Up with time ticking down.

Substitute Kevin help them to believe once again. 82,000 fans

were on the edge of their seats as both sides swapped the lead. But

this was to be Stephen Cluxton's day. He became the first goalkeeper

to score in an Ireland final, securing a titled their fans feel

is long overdue. Nearly everyone has heard of Red

Rum, even those who don't follow horseracing. Today the sport is in

mourning today with the news that the legendary national hunt trainer,

Ginger McCain, has died. McCain famously saddled Red Rum to win the

Grand National three times, in 1973, 1974 and 1977, firing the public's

enthusiasm for the race. Then, more than 25 years later, he won the

world's greatest steeplechase for a remarkable fourth time with

Amberleigh House in 2004. Heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury

remains unbeaten after winning his latest bout in Belfast on Saturday

night. Playing heavily on his Irish roots, Fury entered the Kings Hall

very much a new local hero, but he was rocking in the third after

being caught by a flurry of punches by his American opponent Nicolai

Firtha. Fury rode out that scare and went on to dominate the fight,

forcing a fifth round stoppage for his seventeenth straight career win.

Meanwhile, in Paris, Great Britain and Ireland, captained by Paul

McGinley, won the Seve Trophy, beating Europe 15.5 points to 12.5

with Darren Clarke, on the extreme left here, contributing 1.5 points

to the winning total. And the Belfast Giants are top of

the Elite League after back-to-back weekend wins, including an 8-1

demolition of the Edinburgh Capitals on Saturday night at the

Odyssey. Finally, Ireland's cricketers have

beaten Canada by 133 runs in the It was on this day in 1819 that

John Keats referred to those of mists and mellow fruitfulness. We

haven't seen a lot of it so far though. Apart from the odd dry and

bright spell, we have got more of rain on the way. We are talking

about hill fog and damp weather. It is raining just about everywhere

across Northern Ireland, and is likely to stay that way. Some

moderate path is of rain around, and if you are in the South East,

you might notice the breeze picking up a little bit. But the weather

will not last all night. So many parts turn drier throughout the

night. We might get the odd pocket of mist here in their. For most of

us, we are talking at a tavern at ten Celsius was up for tomorrow, a

few showers. By the end of the rush hour, those showers will appear.

They will continue on and off into the afternoon, but becoming fewer

as the day wears on. Stump places will avoid them altogether. Parts

of Belfast could stay dry throughout the day with pleasant

spells of sunshine. Today we saw highs of 18. Tomorrow it will feel

fresher: Highs of 15-16 degrees at best. Hopefully, the showers will

not be like Friday afternoon. Her elderly, the evening will be

clearer. That breeze will pick up and continue to pick up through

tomorrow night, but more so towards the north and west. We will find

showers starting to become prolonged by the end of the night.

That band of rain gradually works its way south. We are in for a wet

and windy spell for a time. There will be more showers to come for

Finally, a reminder of the stories making the headlines:

Martin McGuiness tells BBC Newsline he has no fear of standing before

the people of Ireland for the Irish Presidency.

A court hears a Newry pensioner may have been sexually assaulted after