17/12/2015 BBC Newsline

Good evening, the headlines on BBC Newsline:

The alleged former IRA chief of staff, Thomas Slab Murphy,

Big cuts to some Stormont budgets revealed, although health is to get

Not so much an election as a coronation: the DUP

will tonight formally install Arlene Foster as their new leader.

With more people buying online, how are local traders faring,

and how much are supermarket price wars helping cost of festive food?

A special award for the late Dr John Hynds, the motorcycling

paramedic who lost his life earlier this year.

And it's been another exceptionally mild day.

Find out how long it will continue for later in the programme.

The alleged former chief of staff of the IRA has been convicted of tax

evasion in the Republic. Thomas Slab Murphy was found guilty on nine

charges of the lunar gravity special criminal trial in Dublin. Lisa

McAllister reports. It was a series of raids by the criminal assets

bureau on Thomas Slab Murphy's farm which straddles the border, that led

to his prosecution for tax evasion. Among the items seized from an

outhouse, bags containing a quarter of 1 million euros in cash, and over

?111,000. A number of ledgers, documents were also seized. The

prominent republicans seen here in the middle at an earlier hearing,

tonight -- denied all nine counts. Judges at the Court in Dublin ruled

he was guilty and said he had furnished tax returns on his income

as a cattle farmer. Presiding judge Mr Justice Paul Butler

he was remanded on bail and will be sentenced in February. Meanwhile,

information on sentences handed down in at least five other similar cases

will be made available to the court will stop Lisa McAllister will stop

Former paratroopers who face questioning stop over

the Bloody Sunday killings in Londonderry have won a legal

challenge against being brought to Northern Ireland

asked the High Court in London to stop them being arrested

and brought back here for questioning by the PSNI.

Police said they would factor in the ruling as they continue

Health spending will increase by around 1% in real terms next year

But other departments will have to contend with significant cuts.

Our economics and business editor John Campbell is here.

so, what's happening across the other departments, John? The first

thing to say about this is that the first budget ever to reflect the

departments recruiting from 12 to nine departments. This is the first

nine department budget. That makes comparison with previous years a bit

more difficult but one key thing is that the health Department remains

the biggest the department. It concerns about half of Stormont's

?10 billion budget. If you protect that budget it will mean that other

departments suffer. If you take a look at a couple of the figures here

you can see the Department for the for the economy, the new Department

for economy is down by 3%. The new Department of agriculture and

environment is down by almost 6%. I was speaking to the Finance minister

earlier and he was saying that we were in an environment where the

money we get from Westminster is falling, so it is down to the

executive to prioritise work will spend. Back on the 25th of November

we were facing a lower budget, in terms of cash it was flat, but in

real terms were taking a reduction of 5.3%. We are working hard to look

at what are our priorities in terms of real the Northern Ireland budget.

We have allocated money to the Department of Health, significantly,

and also to schooling and police so we can help those priorities too.

The finance minister there and obviously soon-to-be DUP leader.

There was ?60m that the Executive had set aside to deal with impact

of tax credit cuts. What's happening with that money?

The Chancellor George Osborne was going to make big cuts to tax

credits, a huge impact here predicted. The executive set up

money aside to mitigate the effects of that, then the Chancellor did a

screeching U-turn, and so that leaves a ?60 million pots to do

something with. That money, I expect, will be going towards

welfare, but what is actually happening is 30 million has just

been spent across departments, and the other 30 million will be held in

expert review looking at welfare reform overall, so it is possible

that that money will go to welfare, although it could go to other areas

like education or other departments facing big cuts. Any reaction to

what has been heard so far? One thing to say about this budget is

that the SDLP and the Alliance members have been for it. Other

reaction from the Chamber of Commerce say that it will affect the

economy, and that could imply further and higher education cuts,

and a reduction in the workforce would would not be a good idea.

Senior members of the DUP are meeting now to formally elect

Arlene Foster as the new party leader.

She is the only person to put her name forward to succeed

Mrs Foster is expected to take over as First Minister next month.

So what difference might her leadership make to Northern Ireland?

Our political correspondent Chris Page has been asking that

From young Ulster Unionists to DUP minister, and now leader of

unionism. Under Peter Robinson's unit ship she emerged at the

frontrunner to take over from him. She previously had roles as

enterprise minister, a high visibility job which required plenty

of high visibility jackets. Business people were generally impressed with

her performance. She went out there, she engaged, she has a strong

knowledge. We have a strong economy now and we need more corporation

tax, but we need to allow further investment in other sectors and

Arlene will fully understand that. The economy is one significant

theme, and another is the fact that the First Minister will be a woman

for the first time. This lady runs a trading investigation team for

women. It will open doors and aspirations for women and girls of

all ages. Will there be new opportunities for cross community

cooperation? This man thinks it's likely power-sharing will be more

stable. There have been occasional situations of tension, string vein

in government for example, and personal chemistry hasn't been

always there, I imagine that she will find ways on a pragmatic basis

of getting on with her job. And when it comes to policies, this political

analyst suggests there could be some subtle shifts. I think Arlene and to

a certain extent Peter Robinson know that Ireland is changing -- Northern

Ireland is changing, it is becoming more liberal, although you may not

think it, so there is a choice there. Decisions of our top

politicians have a major impact on peoples lives it. I much Northern

Ireland will change over the next few years will depend to a extent on

Arlene Foster public leadership but voters will deliver an early verdict

on how she's getting on. Assembly elections are due to take place in

less than six months' time. So what will Arlene Foster's

leadership of the DUP As a former Ulster Unionist will it

help to bring the two main Our south west reporter

Julian Fowler has been speaking to people in her constituency

where the fallout from her defection more than 10 years

ago still runs deep. And there is flash photography at

the start of the report. Tom Elliott's victory in the general

election shows that people can achieve great things were working

together. But last month DUP's conference Arlene Foster gave this

warning. I say unashamedly from this platform today that we should not

forget it was Ulster Unionists won the sheep from Sinn Fein, it was all

Unionists that won this seat. She used to work for James Gibb as a

solicitor. As of the Unionist chairman he was a Trimble ally, at

odds with his legal apprentice. Her decision to defect in the 2004, days

after her election to Stormont, remained a toxic episode. There has

been considerable bitterness in the Unionist party and Fermanagh which

still remains I have to say. It is often I think that we are as

Unionists proud that Arlene has a send it the political lander --

ascended the political ladder. She is someone who are stuck to her

principles. Officially, she was in a different party, and she was due to

that party, but I don't think she ever stabbed us in the back. Which

she could have done because of her beliefs, and because of what he

stood for. She didn't. It is unlikely that unionism will deliver

union that any time soon. If she opens up the DUP, she will be a

moderniser, a pluralist party that is open and transparent, then

perhaps union politics would move on, but I think there is a

considerable length to go for that. Arlene Foster's leadership will

undoubtably be influenced by her Fermanagh routes, but whether she

can bring Unionists closer together is a challenge that lies ahead.

Well, DUP politicians are gathering in east Belfast to formally elect

Arlene Foster as their first female party leader. Mark, what is

happening at the minute? Well, Tara, senior

DUP politicians have been gathering here at the Park Hotel during the

last couple of hours. We have seen Arlene Foster briefly, in the

corridors of the hotel, we have also seen Peter Robinson, who is of

course she is taking over from, making his way towards that

election. We know that there is only one candidate in the race and Mr

Robertson says he sees no reason why she shouldn't get a unanimous

backing of the 46 MLAs, MPs, and MEPs who have got votes in this very

tightly controlled selection contest. Do you think we will see

any drastic change in policy? Well, she says she will be a continuity

candidate, continue ending the same policies as Mr Robinson, his

emphasis on the economy and obviously his intention to keep the

union is strong but at the same time many people will be looking towards

a change of style, she doesn't have some of the baggage that Mr Robinson

has accrued over as many decades politics. She is a got the first

woman leader for the DUP and she is outside that pays the free

Presbyterian Church, which she will offering change of style, in terms

of content I cannot say so far. We'll only be a Tel Aviv next few

months. Who should replace as finance minister? She is keeping

that goes to her chest, she is not taking over formally until January

the 11th which will mean a ministerial reshuffle then. She may

fall on one of the current ministers, someone like Simon

Hamilton who has already helped the finance brief to take on that

rolled, so she could see a internal shovel. She might want to promote

some talent such as backbenchers Peter Whelan who is well thought of,

they might be in for promotion. As we say right now, she's not telling

us. Mark, thank you very much indeed.

Coming up on BBC newsline, a special award from the BBC to honour the

late motorcycle medico John Hinds. Late-night shopping is on offer

on many high streets at the moment to encourage people to head

to their local shops to buy But the latest statistics show that

more people than ever before Donna Traynor is in a shopping

centre in Belfast this evening. Clearly, people here this evening

have chosen But for the likes of CDs and books,

many people prefer to click a button on the internet and get a delivery

to their front door. Shortly, I will hear how local

business is being affected by that. First we focus on food,

and the supermarkets battle for customers is

driving down prices. Our buying habits have also changed,

as Colletta Smith found out. Supermarkets are struggling and they

need to get people through the doors. For those queueing at the

tills that is good news in the run-up to Christmas and stop after

years of price hikes, things are eventually getting cheaper, and that

means this year by 's Christmas shop is going to cost you less. In fact,

over the last 12 months, inflation on food has been at its slowest rate

for four years. Here are some chips! If you're in charge of the shopping,

you have been feeling that already. I'm am always dread get a bargain,

reduced this or reduced that, where possible we can save money. Lots of

food is now cheaper because of competition. Discount stores are

biting a big share out of the market once dominated by Tesco, Asda, and

Sainsbury's. We have change from doing the traditional large weekly

shop once a week perhaps, in one of the major supermarkets. We are

trying to spread it out a bit more now and trying to go more local,

more responsible. We buy small amounts more often. Lots of families

are doing the same thing. Just do a wee bit every day, grab what I need

as they need it. You know? How about in the run-up to Christmas? Your

shopping everyday, so you are. Every day before Christmas! And suddenly

smaller local firms stand a chance again. Over the last I suppose six

months of VCA, we have seen a lot of price deflation, and the grocery

trade is down 2.3%, and this Christmas looks to be another Saenz

rings -- one of save rings this... We are 30% cheaper on gammon joins

this year, and the humble Brussels sprouts looks retailing cheaper.

What kind of difference will those savings make for people doing the

Christmas food shop? A lot, extra money! In my house, we do a big

shop, every week. It is definitely easier at Christmas. I buy chocolate

and different things, because all these offers that are going on, it's

brilliant! In the middle of the supermarket wars, this Christmas

customers will be able to lift a bargain.

You may find your Christmas food bill is cheaper this year.

With me is Hugh Black, President of Belfast Chamber

of Trade and Commerce, and Dr Andrea Reid,

from the Ulster University Business School, who specialises in retail.

I was looking at the stacks which sort of surprise me. Retelling the

UK, online over the year, 13.8%. But how niche a market is that? I

wouldn't say... Research within the Ulster University business School

doesn't really consider it that is it is niche. It concerns the

consumer is changing. Over the year that sick figure may not seem too

high, actually when you look at events that happen such as Black

Friday, for example Amazon sold 7.4 million items that state. That is 86

items per second. Really, if you are thinking about the bricks and

mortar, how would a store cope with that amount? The thing with online

would be that they hold events, they are very good at discounts, and they

are very good at the seamless integration with the bricks and

mortar store. Hugh, as president of the Belfast Chamber of Trade and

Commerce, how difficult is it for retailers at the moment is to deal

with online? It is less stressful, I would assume, to be clicking that

button at home. I think they all have deliberated, there is no doubt

online sales and retail is here to stay. It is going to grow, so all

the retailers in the market now really had to look at that and say

can I do both and well? It is about being adaptable will stop can local

retailers hope in the long term with that? I think they can, I think they

know they are in the retail market, that online market is going to grow,

and they have donated their business to make sure that if there is an

online requirement in their business that they cover that. Andrea, is

there a difference between big cities between Belfast and

Londonderry and perhaps more provincial towns who also don't have

the same collectivity with Wi-Fi? Yes, there would be obviously a big

difference but what we have been finding with our research we have a

specific marketing and research group. They have been looking at

SMEs in regional towns, and working with businesses like Brand espresso

bars, you wouldn't necessarily think that they would be able business

embracing online, but you only have to go online and see the offering

they have two show that social media is absolutely fantastic, and you get

rewards for it. I don't think presidential town should be written

off when terms of online activity. It is not necessarily purchases that

are made online, it is the online presence, and the way that they

seamlessly integrate this with their bricks and mortar stores. I actually

think Northern Ireland is pretty leading edge in that research, and

we should be proud of our small retailers, our small retailers who

are embracing that technology. Andrea, Hugh, thank you for joining

us on BBC newsline this evening. Well, if you choose to shop online,

you may be interested in an article in our online website. It is all

about shopping safely, and if you haven't shouted on the Christmas

shopping list so far, you need to get a move on, because this day next

week, the light in this shopping centre and many other shops will be

turned off. Before the big day will stop Tara, it's back to you in the

studio. It's understood a report has

rejected allegations of bullying made by the safety expert who raised

concerns about the redevelopment plans for Casement Park

Stadium in west Belfast. The report was commissioned

by the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure, after Paul Scott told

a Stormont committee that he was bullied by officials

after he questioned emergency exiting at

the proposed new stadium. The report said it had found no

basis for the allegations, but said it recognised his

concerns over public safety Hamilton court is due to be sale,

and another in Antrim, and another imbalance.

Of the ten families from Syria who've been in Northern Ireland

since Tuesday, most are Muslim, the rest Christian.

Among those helping them to settle in is the Women's Group

Will Leitch has been to see the ways they are offering help and support

Well this is a time of year when the people of Northern Ireland are very

generous and they have been thinking about that at Belfast Islamic

Centre. Since the Syrian refugees arrived earlier this week. There is

a lot in this room and I'm going to speak first to Anwar who can tell me

a bit about some of the things that we have gathered. Why is it

importance to you to see what you can do for these families much at

most of whom are Muslim. We feel is it a duty for us, of the Muslim

community to participate with others, welcoming our new brothers

and sisters, to tell them that you have some brothers and sisters who

live here and they will be a sort of support to you. What have you put in

the packs here? We put some prayer mats? This is a copy of the Koran,

the holy book for Muslims. This is a bit of in the nation in Muslim

organisations and other organisations in Northern Ireland.

And this is a yearly timetable, we have monthly timetables to come

timetables will be prayer, and is to decide times of prayer. Anwar, thank

you very much. Now I will move to a completely part of the room, because

these backs looked like there's a lot more fun going on, for the young

people? What is in each of these? The is Alexandre made a pact fur

each one of the Syrian children arriving, so we're got toys,

toddlers, scarves for the Northern Irish weather, some colouring books,

one for each one of the children who are coming. Thank you very much

indeed. You can see all of these packs are ready to go for the Syrian

families and so, they need to see tonight what they Belfast welcome

really is. He has retired but he keeps

on winning coming. Chamion jockey Ap McCoy

is to pick up another award. Thomas Niblock is here

with this evenings sport. The 20-time champion jump jockey

is to be recognised with a lifetime achievement award at the BBC's

Sports Personality of the Year show The 41-year-old from

Moneyglass, who retired in April after a record-breaking

career, will be honoured at a star-studded ceremony

in the SSE arena. McCoy joins a list of winners that

includes Pele and Seve Ballesteros. HE said "It's a huge honour and I'm

thrilled to be accepting it Today, a special award was given

on behalf of BBC Sport to the family The 35 year old from Portaferry

who worked as part of the medical team at motorcycling events,

was killed at a race meeting in Skerries last July.Today's

accolade celebrated his Known as one of the flying doctors,

John Hinds was passionate about en scene faster medical response

treatment. It is a tragedy because his life is cut short and Hugh did

truly truly good thing is not only nationally but also internationally.

He was really putting Northern Ireland on the map. People talk

about Frank Patrick and what he did for cardiology in the 60s, he

effectively brought Belfast right in the centre of the world stage there.

John Hinds would have done the same for trauma management, prehospital

will stop highly respected within the medical community, he was a

humble hero who saved the lives of many riders and spectators at modal

events. The awards celebrated his selfless work as a volunteer within

sports. It was received by his partner Janet and mother Josephine.

We accept this forward John, but also for the volunteer team that he

was part of and I think this is as much for their matters it is for

him. And us. And finally this evening,

some good news for Cliftonville as the club has just announced

the signing of Daniel Hughes The striker will join

the club in January. Now, here's Cecilia

with the weather forecast. Well, we have had crazy things in

going on in people's gardens, roses and their food is December!

Temperatures have again been close to 14 degrees. We haven't broken the

record is yet, the record for the highest temperature recorded in

December was at Malluch in 16 degrees in 1994. We have been here

before. It is going to stay mild over the next few days, and it is

mild the night. There are showers around the night, and cabbages fall

a little bit lower than last night dude is clear gaps in the Scout.

Tempted to single figures. To begin with tomorrow you will need to be up

whirly to joy the dry weather, because it is going to be fairly

wet, damages recovering again, but not as nice today, and we had some

sunshine around for a while. First thing in the morning, the rain is

patchy across the eastern counties. Here there were some dry weather if

you are early, but as you go through the day, the rain set in across

western counties in particular because there is a lot of servers

warder building up on the roads. There aren't any rainfall walling

out, but we need to monitor it because across parts of Fermanagh

the rain will be quite heavy and the ground very saturated. It is drying

up across on Friday, so you have your out tomorrow night for the

party, there will be dry patches for another dollar per rain moves into

during the early hours. Once that moves away by Saturday morning, the

weekends doesn't look too wet at all, some decent dry weather and

some rain showers, but nothing compared to tomorrow, and it will

still be mild on Saturday, before cooler air moves in on Sunday and it

will be some breaks any clout this weekend so we have one or two

stunning sunsets to looking forward to stop Saturday puzzling detail

again, not see many showers initially so is showers moving

through in the early evening was stop pretty windy, mind you, but at

least it will be dry on Saturday night for anyone out at the

Christmas party, and then on Sunday temperatures starts to drop. A wet

week to start off with next week and no sign at this stage of a wet

Christmas -- White Christmas. You can also keep in contact with us

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