01/08/2014 BBC Newsline

That's all from the BBC News at Six, so it's

Good evening. The headlines on BBC Newsline:

The First Minister Peter Robinson calls the abuse of young boys

at the Kincora home in east Belfast a "national scandal".

We are now being told that there were agencies of the state who were

aware of it and did nothing. That is the most serious allegation that can

be made. The controversy over a UDA parade and a memorial in South

Belfast. It's all smiles at Exploris

in Portaferry as the under threat aquarium gets

a financial lifeline from Stormont. It means that Portaferry will not be

dead on its feet. If explorers had closed, the town would be

devastated. Northern Ireland's medal tally

continues to rise - join me live for all the latest

from the Commonwealth Games. And we can expect some wet

and windy weather this weekend A "national scandal" -

that's how the First Minister today described the child abuse at the

Kincora boys home in east Belfast. Peter Robinson said Kincora needs to

be included in the Westminster investigation into sexual abuse

in institutions across the UK. A former army intelligence officer

has told the BBC that MI5 stopped an investigation into abuse

at the home five years before the police discovered that

teenage boys were being sexually It was set up as a place where

teenage boys could be cared for. But inside the Kincora home in Belfast,

many were abused. In the early 1980s the scandal was made public and

three men, including loyalist William McGrath, were convicted of a

series of offences. But it is claimed that years before a police

inquiry, MI5 stopped an investigation into the home. In

1975, Brown Gemmill was gathering information about the Army and he

gathered information about Kincora. He told me to not just stop

the investigation into Kincora and McGrath and what happened

but to drop Royal Flush. After recent revelations involving

Jimmy Savile and others, there are many who feel it is time

to re-examine exactly what happened at Kincora, especially as there are

allegations that establishment Today the First Minister said he had

written to the Prime Minister about what he described as a scandal. He

is calling for it to be included in the Home Office inquiry into

historical abuse. There are matters which when you put them together

indicate clearly there was a knowledge in very high positions in

Northern Ireland at that time. I have heard the rumours, I have read

some of the documentation in relation to it. There is certainly a

case which would merit an investigation. There have been

enquiries in the past but they were limited in terms of their powers of

investigation. A former Army press officer who has long called for a

new investigation believes the links to Kincora may stretch across they

are safe. Paedophile groups in the 70s form very close alliances for

protection, and it may well be that some of those links are very

important when we look at why the Army and the police were not allowed

to take action. One abuse victim from Kincora revisited the house

today. Clint Massey has long argued that there was a cover-up. I have

passed it many a time and a hairs on the back of my neck though up and I

just want to see the building gone. I want to turn up and see an empty

space. Then I will know it has gone. Industry around what was a care

home, Kincora is a name associated with shame and scandal, and a key

question remains, how much is still secret?

The Housing Executive has defended spending ?11,000 on a new memorial

garden in South Belfast, which was part of a UDA parade last night.

The Executive says it's a garden of reflection marking the First World

War and not designed to promote any paramilitary organisation.

A publicly funded war memorial garden and a public tribute to the

UDA. The Housing Executive paid for this memorial to be built. It cost

?11,000. And last night it hosted a UDA event which began with a parade

down the warmer road. -- the warmer road.

It was held to remember UDA members, including Joe Bratty and

Raymond Elder, shot dead by the IRA 20 years ago.

They were both suspected of involvement in the Sean Graham

bookmakers attack in which five Catholics were killed.

But nothing was ever proved, and at the opening of the memorial garden,

The two men's names were on a plaque unveiled. Everyone who was involved

in organising tonight, fantastic job, something to be proud of. The

Housing Executive insists they garden was designed to commemorate

the First World War and there are poppies on the memorial plaque. An

executive spokesperson said... The UDA plaque and flags have been

removed. The parade here last night has once again brought into focus

the issue of remembering the past where it should be done, how it

should be done, what is appropriate and what is inappropriate. A new

tribute to hunger striker Bobby Sands was unveiled today in West

Belfast. Afterwards, Gerry Adams was asked about last night's UDA event.

People have the right to commemorate and pay respect to those who fail in

the struggle and who they may have an affinity with, that is entirely

appropriate, but if it is not lawful, if in some way, as I hear

suggested, public money has been used to finance that, that is a

different question. Some used to finance that, that is a

the parade insist they did nothing wrong.

A court's been told tensions in Omagh remain high over

the death of a local woman whose partner is charged with her murder.

The comments were made during a bail hearing for Noel Knox

In February this year, the police were called to a house

There, Mairead McCallion told them 50-year-old Noel Knox had grabbed

her by the hair, banged her head off a wall

The 36-year-old woman had suffered head injuries.

Knox, from Knockshee Park in Omagh, was charged with her murder.

He was granted bail with stringent conditions earlier this year.

Those conditions included staying out of Omagh and living

Today, the High Court was told Knox had surrendered voluntarily to

custody in June, after the hostel closed down.

A new application was being made to give Knox bail

A crown barrister told the court he'd spoken to police,

and that tensions in the town were still running high with regard to

But he said Knox had complied with all the conditions imposed

Mr Justice Maguire granted Knox bail at his relative's address.

But he told him some areas of the town, where he might encounter

members of Mairead McCallion's family, were off limits to him.

A financial lifeline for the under-threat Exploris

Tax workers here have been striking today in an ongoing dispute

The Public and Commercial Services Union, which represents 1500

workers, says the action is against the closure of inquiry

The strike has been timed to coincide with the deadline

for tax credit renewals and self-assessment payments.

Gardai have sealed off part of a waste recycling plant

in Dublin after a human leg was discovered there last night.

It was among waste material at Thornton's plant in Ballyfermot.

A second body part was also found during a forensic examination

A protest has been held outside the BBC's rod casting house this evening

calling for an end to the Israeli bombing of Gaza.

Hundreds of demonstrators, many waving Palestinian flags

and placards, said they were angry at what they called the BBC's

The BBC has reiterated that it stands by its reporting.

As part of remembering the sacrifice of the First World War, the public

are being asked for their ideas for the creation of a centenary wood.

Although it'll be based just outside Londonderry, it'll mark

the contribution of all soldiers from across the island of Ireland.

Here's our North-West reporter, Keiron Tourish.

It is an ambitious project, transforming this ancient land into

a Saint hearing -- centenary would to commemorate all soldiers who lost

their lives in the Great War. It will recognise the sacrifice of all

those from the island of Ireland. We have acquired 53 acres and that

would be the commemorative would not just for Northern Ireland but

All-Ireland. We are conscious that people from the island, something

like 200,000 went to work, 40,000 never came home, they were part of

the great effort in the 14 to 18 war. Similar woods are being created

in Scotland and Wales and England. The Princess Royal met some of those

involved. That is a nice picture there. Among them was Stanley and

his wife Roberta. Stanley's 26 rolled uncle went off to war with

the Royal Irish Fusiliers, never to return. There was an officer in no

man's land who was Moon did and he went out with a stretcher -- who was

wounded and he went out to get him, a German shell exploded and they

were all killed by shrapnel. His grave was never found. The family

have many mementos, including this brooch with pictures of arrive at

Edmund Gray and his fiancee. This lady was known to have walked the

roads for many weeks afterwards trying to deal with grief. There

were not many ways of dealing with it and I suppose this was how she

dealt with it, and I think it was eight or nine years before she

married. Tragically, she died at the birth of her first child. The mayor

of Derry says it is important to honour the memory of all who lost

their lives in the war. We have to remember there were a lot of Irish

people who died in the First World War and they have largely been

forgotten, so I would be going out and attending events to mark the

100th anniversary of the First World War and I think this is a great way

to market. The Woodland Trust wants the public to become actively

involved in this process. It wants to hear from individuals, groups,

even schools, about how to develop this vast 53 acre site.

Coming up shortly, we have all the latest from the Commonwealth

Games in Glasgow, including boxer Michael Conlan's win in his

The Stormont Executive has approved funding to save the

Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry, which had been under threat

?900,000 of capital funding has been earmarked for the aquarium.

At their fingertips, a whole new world just waiting to be explored.

Until yesterday, the future of Exploris was unclear. It has been

given a lifeline. Never mind banging on tanks, these fish have been under

stress since it was first suggested the aquarium close in September.

This guy is taking it all in his stride. As for these three, it is

all they are talking about. Even the Rae is jumping for joy. It is very

important to Portaferry. It is dear to our hearts because we are proud

of it. The people Portaferry are proud of it. It didn't come with the

fight. In September, Ards Borough Council voted to close Exploris

because they could not afford it. There was a stay of execution.

Everyone here local has done so much work to do this, and it is such good

news for Portaferry and a whole Ards Peninsula. It is proved that if we

pulled together and get support from people, old and local parties can

achieve something. These little fellows are orphaned seals given

sanctuary. The council hopes to accept the offer but says it will

not decided until it has considered the detail at a meeting next week.

We have challenges as to how we get more people through the door,

especially in winter months when it is more quiet, and how we build up

utilisation of the facility and get more revenue. That is a challenge,

how we market this better and get more people in, but this is a good

step and we are delighted more people in, but this is a good

to build on it. Was busy today, people voting with their feet,

to build on it. Was busy today, to see a more certain future. A door

has been opened and a lifeline loan. to see a more certain future. A door

The future of Exploris now lies in the hands of the council.

The good news keeps on coming? Yes, absolutely.

The overall total of medals has now climbed to 12, after our lawn

But first, the focus is very much on boxing. Nine fighters in semifinal

action today. Two have bowed out but will still

go home with a bronze medal. And two won and are through to

tomorrow's finals, This bot light was on Northern Irish

boxing today. -- the spotlight. Flyweight Walsh faced off with an

Indian fighter in the first fight. And the 21-year-old made her mark in

the ring again, to progress after a split decision victory. I was very

nervous. It was a big fight for me, I saw this morning that she beat the

five-time world champion and Olympic medallist so I knew it would be

tough. Her win sets up a final bout against the Olympic champion.

tough. Her win sets up a final bout final, you both want to win gold, I

want to win gold, I want final, you both want to win gold, I

Michaela Walsh has just laid down a marker for the rest of the Northern

Ireland boxing team. Up next is Olympic bronze medallist Michael

Conlan. The first word that springs to mind for this semifinal is mouth

watering. For the second time at these games, Michael Conlan was cut

after an accidental clash of heads. But he was awarded the win because

he was ahead on points. And now he faces a nervous wait to see if the

doctors will pass him fit to fight tomorrow. Hard as nails, I can take

anything. I got cut in my third or fourth fight, so I am happy enough

for tomorrow. You would have to cut my head off to stop me from

fighting. It wasn't to be for Sean Duffy, but he was still delighted to

win bronze. Very proud to be winning a medal, I took a couple of years

out and to get to that standard I am proud. Shaw McGlinchey lost his

semifinal but exceeded his own expectations. I got a gold medal.

That's back I got a bronze medal I would have been happy with a gold

but I was up against a good opponent and I wish him well. So two silver

and two bronze medals are guaranteed. The trail for Gould

continues tonight. And that is now three bronze medals because within

the last couple of minutes, Alanna Audley-Murphy has just lost her

semifinal am so she gets a bronze as well.

Now to the bowlers, who secured their second medal

The women pairs team beat Jersey to win bronze.

After five Commonwealth Games, this was their bowl which clinched a

first medal for Barbara Cameron. Its yield a thrilling one point victory

to spark celebrations with her partner, Mandy Cunningham. This is

unbelievable. I think I am still shocked. That last bowl, the bull

that won the game, I will never forget it. We have looked all around

at the scenarios of if it came out the side or the Jack went out the

back, and we thought, just go for it, you will not get this chance

again, and it worked. Barbara Cameron, the experienced skipper for

Ireland, will be proud of winning a medal. 20 years of trying to get to

the stage and eventually a Commonwealth Games medallist. You

could give me any colours, as long as I got on that podium! This could

be me finished. Before I came away, I made my mind up, get some am out,

so 75 international caps this year, I think this is a time to bow out. A

fitting way to sign of a brilliant bowling career. You never know, she

might be back. It was a good day also for

our netball team, playing at their Ranked 12th in the world, they had

aimed for a top eight finish here. And they've actually exceeded

that with a comprehensive 58-36 win over Wales this morning to

finish seventh overall. The Games are already over

for many of our competitors, but for cyclist Sean Downey,

they're just about to begin. The 24-year-old will ride

in Sunday's road race, and has just arrived here fresh from

some tough training with his younger Sean Downey is hoping his delayed

arrival in Glasgow could prove to be perfect timing. The 24-year-old has

swapped the bars of the athletes village for extra training hours

into more. I hope I am a little bit better here and staying focused and

the last few weeks has been pretty hard for the training, I have been

training up to 200 miles a week. Sean was part of the pursuit team

that clinched bronze in Delhi four years ago. This time he moves from

the track to the road race and expects the streets of Glasgow will

be challenging. The city centre is like a criterion with steep climbs

and twists and turns, it will stretch the bunch out and then you

have hills and it is going to be aggressive from the start. That

seems to be a sentiment that resonates with the family. Sean's

younger brother Mark has just returned from junior European

Championships in Portugal, where he won a silver medal. While Mark is

focused on being selected for the 2018 games, this weekend his

priority is supporting Sean's bid. Absolutely cracking, he is motivated

for this and I hope he can pull something. There may be another

medal added to the family collection come Sunday. Good luck to him.

It's finals night at the Dale Farm Milk Cup youth football tournament.

In the junior section, there was disappointment for County Antrim.

They lost 2-0 to Corinthians of Brazil.

It's half time in the Elite game between Northern Ireland and Canada.

At 8pm, Manchester United take on French side Vendee in

The matches are live on the BBC sports website.

Last night we heard from two Ulster women's rugby players who were

in the starting line-up for Ireland's first game

at the World Cup and they are off to a great start, having beaten

Ailis Egan got Ireland's first try before Niamh Briggs added a second.

Next up for Ireland, a clash with defending champions, and Pool B

A big All-Ireland gaelic football double header tomorrow.

Armagh take on Meath, while the beaten Ulster finalists Monaghan

take on Kildare, only too aware of their abysmal record at Croke Park.

It's been well documented in Monaghan that we haven't won a

championship game here, but we're looking at kill their and it has

been no surprise they had a run in qualifiers this year, they do it

every year, so to see them in the last 12 was no surprise, they are a

good team and have their act together and they will be ready for

us. Both matches are live on

Radio Ulster. In golf, Open champion Rory McIlroy

is back in action for the first time He lies five shots off the lead

at the World Championship in Ohio. He shot one-under-par 69

in his opening round, this approach to the 18th setting up

a closing birdie. Graeme McDowell is Both players tee off shortly

after 7pm. That set from Glasgow. There are

four more boxers in semifinal action tonight. -- that's it.

Paddy Barnes is next up in the boxing at 7:45pm.

You can see that fight live on the BBC.

And we'll have how he and the other three remaining semifinalists

Keep your fingers crossed. We will indeed, Stephen, and good luck to

all the boxers. Let's find out what the weather has in store for us. The

mini heatwave from last week seems like a distant memory. This day last

week it was the hottest day of the year! Nothing like that today. This

weekend there will be wet weather. Not everywhere, the best of the dry

weather will be across the west, especially Tyrone and Fermanagh, but

when the rain sets in in the east it will feel cool and perhaps on the

tumble side, but fortunately the whole weekend is not a wash-out --

autumnal. We have some showers around and there is another clump of

rain heading up Sligo and Fermanagh and some of that will be around this

evening, especially in southern counties and the east, but later a

lot of showers will fizzle out and where skies clear, temperatures will

drop. To begin tomorrow there will be dry weather and the bulk of the

rain will fall across eastern counties. It is all down to this

area of low pressure which will move up over the weekend, bringing heavy

rain to England and Scotland, we will monitor it for Northern

Ireland, and also some north north-westerly winds behind it. To

begin tomorrow, a lot of places dry but Shaba is never too far away from

Belfast and the south-east, and that creeps onto the east coast. Further

west it is dry with sunshine and will be present, at that rain will

set into eastern areas, expecting Belfast pride, the Parade, it we'll

feel cool when the rain arrives, the best of the weather towards the

south-west, maybe the odd shower but temperatures could reach 18 degrees.

Tomorrow night that rain will become more widespread and then on Sunday

the rain will still be there to begin with, especially towards north

and east, but it will gradually move away so Sunday is a getting better

day. Thank you, Cecilia. From all of us here, good evening.