18/05/2016 BBC Newsline

Trouble for Sinn Fein as party workers express unhappiness over

Controversial ITV series The Secret - a government agency defends giving

more than a quarter of a million pounds to the programme.

Why are the parents of children with special needs having to wait

Until we are at breaking point and have broken and have fallen apart,

we will not get the help. Also to come on tonight's

programme... United in prayer -

how Muslims from rival branches of Islam are coming

together in Belfast. Celtic's biggest individual share

holder, Dermot Desmond, tells BBC Newsline Brendan Rodgers

is "a great manager and a worthy "candidate for Celtic" -

I'll have all this evening's sport And the weather will keep us

guessing over the next few days. The rain stayed away for most today,

but it'll be back tomorrow. Sinn Fein is abandoning its long

standing policy of paying its staff and elected representatives equal

pay due to changes The party says it does not

like new regulations on pay set by Stormont's Independent

Financial Review Panel, The BBC understand that some Sinn

Fein staff expressed unhappiness about the move at an internal

meeting. They don't like being asked to reapply by their own jobs and

potentially earning less than their counterparts in Dublin. Mark

Devenport joins us. Explain the policy and why it might be changing.

Until now Sinn Fein has been proud of its equal pay policy under which

its full-time staff and elected representatives as have all got what

is described as the average wage, around ?26,000 a year. That has

meant that others who earn more than that have plagued the extra into the

Sinn Fein covers. Now there is a new regulations set by an independent

panel which sets pay rates for storm and support staff at a much lower

level starting in some cases as low as ?16,000 per year. When this was

brought to Sinn Fein workers at an internal meeting someone very

unhappy at a pay cut. There were concerned that if there was going to

be a differential between them and MLAs it would be a huge ideological

difference. This they felt the pain was not being put out equally. A

spokesman I spoke to said that while the party does not like this it

thinks it is watertight and that the pay cut is so extensive that it

can't possibly subsidise the support staff to make up the difference to

the ?26,000. I gather some staff are unhappy about what they see as a

north-south divide. A few areas of our napping is. They are unhappy

about having to reapply in some cases for their own jobs. --

unhappiness. Also concerns that some staff in Dublin will be earning

more, around 41,000 euros. They more than here at Stormont. Sinn Fein

says it is concerned about the potential changes to the Kennedy and

Burke Kennedy sick leaves and rights so far as these regulations are

concerned. In terms of the bigger picture are we any closer to a new

government? Today the DUP and Sinn Fein were working on responding to

the Alliance Party demands in relation to taking on the justice

portfolio. This what we heard today from Martin McGuinness who was

meeting Charlie Flanagan, he predicted we would be in a position

to see new ministers appointed on Wednesday of next week. He predicted

the pressure would be on the other parties tomorrow. It is make your

mind up time over the next seven days. I hope the SDLP will decide to

come into the administration. We are involved in discussions with them

and I was involved with discussions with Arlene Foster and others

yesterday. There will be further engagement tomorrow and after that

they will have to decide. Tomorrow we should hear more after a

lunchtime meeting and then a nuisance of the Alliance Party

ruling council tomorrow evening. Thank you.

Well, earlier I spoke to the Secretary of State Theresa

Villiers and I asked her first of all if she was prepared to call

fresh Assembly elections in the event of a Justice Minister

I wouldn't have any choice. That is the automatic result of how the

legislation works. Let's hope it doesn't come to that because I'm

sure no one really wants to go through a rerun of an election which

has just taken place. I remain hopeful that these issues can be

resolved. It is important we find a candidate for Justice Minister at

that has the requisite cross community and cross-party support

and I encourage parties to work hard on that and I hope the alliance will

be prepared to put a candidate board. Today's Queen's Speech has

been described as also and no substance, is that because your

party is at war at itself? There is plenty of substance. We are focused

on rebalancing the economy, delivering improved life chances,

encouraging saving, improving judicial infrastructure. One

commentator said that over the number of proposals that have been

put forward we have heard 28 of before. We have a packed programme

of legislation. We are entirely focused on keeping people safe and

secure, so national security is a key priority. We are also determined

to do what we can to give the least well off better life chances and

real advantages and opportunities. That is a key part of our economic

man. We are also working to enhance our country's digital infrastructure

so we can compete with the best in the world. These all have I direct

relevance in Northern Ireland and in addition to that the Queen's Speech

reiterates our firm commitment to taking forward the implementation of

the Stormont is an Fresh Start Agreement for the benefit of

everyone. There might not be a United Kingdom if everybody votes to

leave the EU that everyone is talking about, the doomsday scenario

or picking up the union and yet you are part of that campaign to leave

the EU. Will you be campaigning here? I don't believe a vote to

leave the EU would lead to a break-up of the United Kingdom. I

think there is strong support for Northern Ireland's place in the

United Kingdom if you look at the opinion again its demonstrates real

support for the current political settlement. I believe if the UK

takes a democratic choice to lead the EU, that went in anyway

destabilise the coherence of the United Kingdom. Would you be

campaigning here? I have done some campaigning in Northern Ireland and

they may well be doing that over the next few weeks as well and indeed

around the rest of the country. You don't feel your position is at odds

with most of the political parties wanting to remain within the EU and

a lot of business organisations, people like Bombardier? The reality

is whatever side of the debate I was going to be on there was going to

find myself on the opposite side to either the First Minister or the

Deputy First Minister. I don't think it is unreasonable for me as

Secretary of State to take a position on the referendum. Theresa

Villiers speaking to me earlier. The government-backed agency

Northern Ireland Screen has defended helping to pay for the controversial

ITV series The Secret. NI Screen contributed more

than a quarter of a million pounds to the programme, which tells

the story of how Colin Howell and Hazel Stewart murdered

their spouses 25 years ago. Some relatives of the victims say

the series has re-traumatised them. Millions of viewers are watching it,

and it cost millions And now it's emerged that

some of that money came ?300,000 was invested

by Northern Ireland Screen, the agency that promotes the film

and TV industry here. They've been promoting

The Secret on social media. Here's one recent tweet,

which begins with the line, "More great drama for

your viewing pleasure." It's a drama based on the true

story of how Colin Howell and Hazel Stewart killed

their spouses - her husband Trevor Their daughter recently criticised

the TV series in a newspaper article for the Guardian.

She said, "Our family endured the PR and social media build-up with

We have been left trembling in the wake of it."

She now lives in England, and last week her local MP raised the issue

at Prime Minister's Questions in the Commons.

Today the MP said she was disappointed to hear public money

ITV and the production company have got a big questions to answer and

now potentially the funders of these programmes do as well and how they

treat victims in the development of programmes such as this. At the end

of each episode of The Secret, Northern Ireland screen is included

in the credits along with invest NI which provides much of the funding.

Defending the ?300,000 contribution to the programme, they said, this

investment was made as part of our overall strategy to develop the

industry in Northern Ireland. Tomorrow is the 25th anniversary of

the murders. ITV says that while making this theory they did their

best to try to minimise the distress caused to the families.

Orange feet on the Falls Road as a Catholic teacher training

college welcomes a visit by the Orange Order.

BBC Newsline has learned that families who have children

with challenging behavioural problems will have to wait several

years before getting overnight respite care.

They have been told the system is full to capacity.

One family was informed that it would have to be at breaking

point before they would be offered a place.

On hearing the parents' stories, the Children's Commissioner says

Our Health Correspondent Marie-Louise Connolly reports.

Micah Jennings is eight years old and has special educational needs.

He's also autistic and his behaviour means he requires

Despite meeting all the criteria for respite care, which means

he could have a night away from home, health professionals say

He's already been on a waiting list for three years.

We took all the buses. We have been told by many professionals we meet

all the criteria for him to be getting overnight respite. -- we

tick all the boxes. Until we are at breaking point and until we have

fallen apart we won't get overnight respite. What would it give you and

your family? We could sleep through the night. Sit down and have a meal

together without seeing to his needs first.

On hearing the parents, the Commissioner for

Children here says she felt compelled to intervene.

It's very upsetting and distressing and regrettably they are not on

their own. There are other families on the waiting list. People working

in trusts and in the Health and Social Care Board are determined to

do their best services to provide the best services they can, but

their hands are tied. They need resources and recognition within the

system to be able to deliver on their legal obligations that these

children's families. With ten suitable facilities

across NI, in 2014 around 1200 children just like Micah

received respite care. While that information is available,

not all of the Health Trusts could tell the BBC just how many

children are waiting for a place. According to some professionals

those figures should be available It's a serious issue and I would

like to see the Northern Ireland Executive taking this on board and

starting to real changes to fund respite places and to ensure that

the unmet need is recorded and used in decommissioning of services.

According to this mum, assessments can take their toll.

It takes a lot to admit that you need help for your child and to go

to that step and be told, well, yes, we know you need that help but we

can do anything for you. It is very disheartening.

The Belfast Health Trust says while it can't discuss individual

cases, it remains in contact with both families and

Four former partners at accountancy firm KPMG who were suspected of tax

evasion have won permission to challenge the legality of court

warrants permitting searches of their homes and offices.

Lawyers acting for Eamonn Donaghy, Jon D'Arcy, Paul Hollway

and Arthur O'Brien told the High Court that Revenue

and Customs officials had misled judges into granting the warrants.

The men, who have since retired, were arrested last November,

but were never charged with any wrongdoing.

A critic of the Isle of Man TT road race has weighed in to call

for the North West 200 and similar races in Northern Ireland to be

stopped because they are far too dangerous.

His call comes after Malachi Mitchell-Thomas was killed

while competing at the event on the North Coast on Saturday.

But the North Antrim MP Ian Paisley says road racing should continue.

The North West 200 is getting faster and faster.

This year some riders posted speeds of over 200 mph.

At last year's Ulster Grand Prix, Guy Martin survived this crash

This man has been campaigning for years to have the Isle of Man

Every year there are going to be deaths and injuries. Not just riders

but also here on the Isle of Man because we are so congested, there

are probably a lot more depth of spectators outside the race. It

makes you wonder, as an entertainment, are we a bit cool is

that we allow this to go on? But I have tried to do is avoid a knee

jerk reaction after what is a tragedy. A tragedy for family and

for export. I am aware there needs to be a debate about this and I

welcome that people are interested to engage about this but that's

debate leads to one conclusion in my view. There has to be more financial

support given to road racing across Northern Ireland that would lead to

greater safety. This former champion was the risk. He quit the sport last

year but he is back. At the Northwest 200 in Tantric key, we

have a medical team every 2000 years and marshals letting you know what

is around the corner. It is the safest environment if you want to...

Here were the Ulster Grand Prix is held, the event will continue as

usual. There was a first on

Belfast's Falls Road today. Two members of the Orange Order

were invited to give a formal presentation about the Order's

history to a staff and student seminar at St Mary's

University College. Our Education Correspondent

Robbie Meredith was also The latent hatred of catharsis in

which I witnessed their was really shocking. -- Catholicism.

Some tough talking to members of the Orange Order from a small

but significant audience of staff and Catholic trainee

Saint Mary 's is a university institution of higher is --

education in the Catholic tradition. You have that diversity but that

doesn't mean we can't engage. The qualifications of

an Orangeman state... So, do events like today

really change perceptions? We are not an anti-Catholic

organisation. We are pro-Protestant. We find exercise is like this

valuable. If we can make a single step of change, we want to change

everybody, but it is progress. -- we won't change everybody.

Geography students from St Mary's have also visited the Museum

My perception is largely based on encounters in the media. It would

generally be quite negative. It has allowed me to develop much better

understanding of the background of the Orange Order and it allows me to

see it isn't just the top of July. By coming to this University College

in the heart of West Belfast, they are effectively explaining their

history people from another religious background can never be

members. These are small steps but they hope that by sharing their past

and talking frankly about the present, they will at least to

change some perceptions. Aspects of life here are often seen

as either orange or green, But sectarianism is not

unique to Christianity. In the second part of his series

looking at our local Muslim community, Rick Faragher explores

the ancient divide between Sunnis and Shias, and asks

whether sectarianism plays a role The congregation arrive

in South Belfast. They're from dozens of countries

and vary in ethnicity. When we started in the main period,

we only had about 30 or 40 people. Now we accommodate about 400 people.

In our main office, the seats are on the floors of soap people come --

Sunni and Shia worship side by side here.

Soon there's no room to move so people pray

They regard themselves as the orthodox branch of Islam.

Counties like Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia

All Muslims are guided by the teachings of the Prophet

But the main difference between Sunnis and Shia is that Shia

are also guided by the wisdom of the Prophet's descendants through

Iran and Iraq have among the largest communities.

The first Friday prayer session has just finished and, as you can see,

many people from all denominations of Islam have crammed

It's not even a mosque, but it's the closest thing they have

It is very important for us to pray five times a day. This is not enough

for us it is only a house. There are so many people inside. There are

people sitting in hallways. About 500 people. Sometimes we play in the

seats because there is not enough space. -- pray. There are people

from Afghanistan, Nigeria. I am a Muslim from Nigeria, but I am

Belfast to. Irish man and British together. We live here together. It

is nice to live in Belfast. He moved here from Lebanon 36 years

ago and quickly realised the quirkier side of local

sectarian differences. In the early 80s you were in your

20s, football mad and you came here to botanic Gardens. We used to come

here and play football with some friends and local boys. They asked

me one day you are Catholic or a Protestant and I said, I am a

Muslim. They said are you a Catholic Muslim or a Protestant Muslim? They

asked me, how do you say it? He believes sectarian

tensions between Muslims If you look at the Islamic State, it

is the same thing in sheer, they are not all fanatic. They are looking to

divide us. Honest to God, I never had any problem with sheer work user

needs. We all there is no such thing as any

difference between us in Northern Ireland.

Sectarianism is nothing new in our society.

But through shared experiences, and practicality, some traditional

And on tomorrow's programme, Rick looks at the role of local

Muslim women and asks whether Islam is a male-dominated culture.

Carnlough's Brendan Rodgers is this evening emerging as the frontrunner

to take over at Celtic Football Club.

Earlier today Stephen Watson caught up with Dermot Desmond.

individual shareholder, Dermot Desmond, who was playing

in the Irish Open Pro-Am event, and asked him how many candidates

had been interviewed for the vacant post.

More than six. Is Brendan Rodgers one of them? I can't tell a lie.

What are your thoughts on him as a manager and what he did at Liverpool

and at Swansea? Is a great manager. He is proven at Liverpool. I think

he is a worthy candidate for Celtic. Add all the other candidates are.

Well, he is yet to win the Irish Open but Rory McIlroy is the

bookmakers favourite. However Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell also had

their eyes on the prize is Stephen Watson report. Celebrities from the

world of music and sport teed off today alongside some of Europe's

best players including the Ryder Cup captain. For Darren Clarke the K

club is an unforgettable venue. Ten years ago he won an emotional Ryder

Cup here just days after losing his wife Heather to breast cancer. I'll

never forget the reception I received here from all the fans.

Probably the most special golfing week of my life. A lot of meaning to

me this golf course. One of the luckiest shots ever in golf and it

bounced back of the rocks at 18 when it was going to the water. Trying to

make Captain Clarke's team later this year is another Northern

Ireland major winner, Graeme McDowell has been an automatic

selection for the last four Ryder cups. We had a bit of dinner with

Darren last week. A few veterans have been there a few times and it

was inspiring to sit around and talk. Just visualising myself being

on the team and helping from a confidence point of view. Always

nice to get a text message from the captain saying keep going. Coming

here, like I said, I would love to compete as we can. I feel like I am

playing well and can do so. As for possible Ryder Cup star of the

future, 13-year-old world kids champion Tom McKibbin enjoying his

day sample in the big-time. Now Cecilia Daly has

the weather forecast. There will be some rain in County

killed there over the next couple of days but not all the time. They

re-emerged to stay away today -- Kildare. It will stay dry the sleet

tonight. Some fine sunshine at the moment. Temperatures could get quite

low over the countryside just for a time. The rain is not too far away

and it will be marching eastwards through the course of the morning.

It is not a complete write-off. There will be some dry gaps around.

It is dry in many eastern areas so you might find in the East or

Belfast you might get to school or work drive. The rain coming in from

the West light and patchy but still some splatters of rain from time to

time. Mid-morning onwards we are expecting more heavy rain. Quite wet

late in the morning around lunchtime. They re-emerged moves an

and it brightens up in the afternoon but as temperatures recover some

quite hefty showers kicking off and possibly one or two could be

thundery. The Irish Open tees off tomorrow in County Kildare. There

will be some gaps in the rain but there will be some golf umbrellas up

on both Thursday and Friday. Hopefully dry on Saturday. On Friday

it starts trying across many areas but the rain coming up from the

south-west. It will be a wet day in the north through Friday evening but

it could start to dry up again in the south around Dublin on Friday

evening. Hopefully that means thing was things will improve just-in-time

for the Ulster against Leinster match. There is also coverage on BBC

Two in Northern Ireland. There are uncertainties this again. This is

Friday. This will move away and will gradually see pressure rise from the

Atlantic in the second half of the weekend. Still some unsettled

weather and showers. Hopefully some drier weather to come on Sunday. In

the meantime it is umbrellas and raincoats. Thank you. Our late

summary is at 10:30pm. From everyone on the BBC Newsline team,