07/09/2016 BBC Newsline

This is BBC Newsline. Tonight's top stories:

After last night's BBC Spotlight revelations,

calls for a cross border inquiry into allegations of

Teachers can now officially prepare pupils for

We'll hear from the Education Minister.

The Gobbins Cliff Path in county Antrim will stay

I'm at the Venice Film Festival to see the new film about Ian Paisley

and Martin McGuinness. That's the first time you've said we.

As our Paralympians prepare to take the plunge in Rio,

confirmation of a ?1 million windfall for disability

After some really muggy weather over the last few days,

Rain tonight and a fresher mix of sunshine and showers tomorrow.

There have been calls for a cross-border public inquiry

into allegations of corruption at NAMA, the Republic's

That comes in the wake of a BBC Spotlight investigation

which revealed that, Frank Cushnahan, a senior Nama

advisor in Northern Ireland, accepted a ?40,000 cash payment

The money was handed over by a property developer

Here's our economics and business editor John Campbell.

Frank Cushnahan is at the centre of this story. An experienced

businessman and former banker, he was praised by DUP this is during

Stormont committee meetings last year. I made it clear that I'd been

friendly with Frank Cushnahan for many years. I learned to respect him

and I do still respect and still count as a friend. Ben the DUP money

to him to Nama. The Republic's so-called bad bank. Nama was set up

to manage the bad property loans which were threatening to think the

Irish banks in the wake of the crash. The job was to advise Nama on

the 1 billion loan of property here. Those loans were owed to the Irish

state by major developers. Spotlight obtained a recording of Frank

Cushnahan doing his own cash deal with one of those developers, John.

In return for his ?40,000, John was hoping Frank Cushnahan could help

him with the deal. He wanted to refinance his loans, get out of Nama

and retake control of his properties. This would represent a

serious conflict of interest for Frank Cushnahan. He has consistently

denied any wrongdoing. In a statement, John said...

Fast forward to August 20 15. By this stage, Nama has sold its entire

Northern Ireland portfolio to an American investment fund. Questions

are being asked about Frank Cushnahan role and the police are

investigating. Spotlight broadcast tape of another meeting in which

Nama -- Frank Cushnahan encourages John to lie if the police should ask

him about payments. Nama was again on the agenda at

Stormont today. The Finance committee members want more cancers.

There must be no hiding place for anyone, no matter who they are or

what position they held or still holds. There can be no hiding place.

We believe there has to be, it's irresistible now to have a public

commission investigation. If ever there was an all Ireland -ish --

issue, this is it and we feel it has to be taken outside. There were also

questions in the Dail, Sinn Fein repeating its call for a public

enquiry. There seems to be credibility in relation to what we

have been asserting. We have asked for an investigation into it and

it's pertinent that it's taken a lot of time for this to be discussed. A

public enquiry on either side of the border seems unlikely while criminal

investigations continue into Nama related matters. We may soon get

some fresh information. The Republic's spending watchdog has

completed an enquiry into whether Nama Northern Ireland lonely seal

achieved value for money. That report is expected to be published

in the coming weeks. John Campbell, BBC newsline.

And there's another chance to see that Spotlight investigation

It's also available on the BBC iPlayer.

The Education Minister Peter Weir has reversed Department of Education

Guidance issued to headteachers and school governors today means

that primary schools will be now be free to help pupils prepare

for the test, as our education correspondent

A new school year for primary seven pupils in Belfast has just begun.

Many will soon set transfer tests. In the past, their teacher couldn't

openly help them prepare but from today, primary schools will be able

to supply pupils with practice tests, teachers can carry it

practice tests with people think last and they can teach towards the

tests, coaching and exam technique. Will be able to sit down and discuss

with parents how we will practically implement what a primary seven year

will look like in real terms. If we need to do a test on a Monday

afternoon, we can teach from over the next year too, we have the

freedom to do that. For other principles, making selection more

straightforward, it's a backward step. It's short time and it solves

a minor problem. We all know parents want the best for their children,

everybody wants the best for their children but the best that their

children is getting an education with the shared future for everybody

so that you don't have a system with the haves and have-nots.

Unsurprisingly, the minister who voted -- who visited Victoria

College in Belfast today disagrees. This is not a major divergence on

this basis. There has always been the option of parents to either opt

in or opt out and that is something that will be respected in that

regard. This is providing freedom. Sinn Fein ministers always bad

schools from providing kids from preparing for the tests. In the

classroom when it some pupils are being coached towards a test and

people are being defined and labelled on the basis of their test

scores, other peoples are going to be effectively silent. Parents seem

as divided as the politicians. From a parent 's perspectives, it is

fantastic news. I don't agree with the transfer tests in the first

place, I think they're wrong. Albot opens up the debate again in terms

of the whole system. Peter Weir isn't bring back a state run 11 plus

system as that would be an unwinnable battle for hearts and

minds at Stormont and beyond. What he's done today will mean that

schools and parents will have to decide again abrade the stand on

academic selection. Well, earlier I spoke

to the Education Minister, Peter Weir, and I asked him why

he was supporting a testing system which the children's commissioner

says discriminates against children I would disagree with the analysis

of the children's Commissioner. We have a much more egalitarian system.

If you look at the alternative to academic selection which is in

England, it is very much based on the public school system where it is

selection with the ability to pay. We've seen a much better result in

Northern Ireland. Today's decision is about giving freedom to schools.

It's about seeing you have the autonomy and the choices to whatever

preparation that is their former pupils. It's also based upon the

realities in respect of anybody's views on education, it is clearly

here to stay and through obstacles in the path of people doing transfer

tests, we should make that as easy a process as possible. You have gone

with the views of parents are brighter children. I would say that

the life opportunities through academic selection for pupils from

disadvantaged committees is much greater than is elsewhere. It is not

an either or. This is getting an opportunity for schools to have the

freedom of opportunities themselves. We have had a situation of advice

and guidance from the Department, some of which and some schools have

divided by the back door and not admitted it, some have abided by it.

That creates unequal situation. I want to say that I want to remove

the threat and sanction to schools and let schools have the autonomy to

decide for themselves the level of preparation they provide. Some

schools want want any level of preparation, that is their choice --

but for those that do is, it gives them the opportunity to do that

without this threat hanging over their head. It is the first time

you're asking teachers to prepare pupils openly protests that are

unregulated. The department has no ability to oversee your supervisor.

We have robust testing. We were told whenever tests were brought in that

this would all collapse. We have actually had very well prepared

tests. But they're not regulated, do not part of your department. That

doesn't actually mean that they're wrong in that regard. I want to see

if we can beat a situation between the commuting bodies to see if we

can get a single test and work with those organisations. I am

recognising the reality that academic selection is there and

there's not a political consensus but if going to have academic

selection, let's try and make as easy for parents and pupils as

possible. That seems to be a fairly common sense way forward. What is

your bigger picture for children are disadvantaged? If you look at

research from protestant boys from pillar backgrounds were

underachieving, the bottom of the list in the UK table. It will be

enhanced. Part of one of the concerns I have about the argument

about age 11, if we haven't changed that disadvantage by the time

children have reached 11, we have almost missed the boat. What about

teachers? This will increase their workload especially for those pupils

that set both tests. Is that not under pressure? There is nothing

being prescriptive from the Department. It is up to the schools

to decide what way they handle this. Whether they embrace this at all in

that regard. Schools will find sensible ways forward with the mat

and what we are seeing any number of schools, this is something that's

already happening but instead of a covert way, it can never happen out

in the open any proper way and Fairway for everybody to have some

level of chance. You are happy with the system? I'm always looking for

improvements in the system and I would like to see the organisations

providing the testing coming together to provide a common

position but I'm also realistic that there are various position as

regards academic selection on both sides and it's unlikely politically

that gap will be bridged. I'm dealing with the reality on the

ground rather than involving wish fulfilment in terms of politics.

You're watching BBC Newsline. Still to come on the programme:

We're live in Venice as the new movie about Ian Paisley

and Martin McGuinness has its world premiere.

A serving police officer has been remanded in custody accused

of trying to acquire a gun, ammunition and a silencer

in suspicious circumstances. He faces a total of six charges.

Our reporter David Maxwell is at Belfast Magistrates Court.

What more do we know, David?

In the dock today was 30-year-old Alan Kennedy, his address was given

as Strang ten police station and he was arrested in Belfast on Monday.

He is accused of the attempted possession of a handgun, ten rounds

of ammunition and a silencer in suspicious circumstances and with

intent to endanger life. The court heard that Alan Kennedy was already

suspended from duty due to unrelated matters. He faces a number of other

charges as well, including the possession of class a drugs with

intent to supply. He spoke today in court only to confirm that he

understood those charges. A detective said he believed he could

connect the accused to the charges. A defence solicitor made no attempt

to apply for bail and is serving police officer was remanded in

custody and he will appear here before Laganside Court by video link

in four weeks. David, thank you. A ?7.5 million tourism

attraction opened 12 months ago will stay closed

until sometime next year. The Gobbins Coastal path

near Islandmagee was developed with money from ratepayers

and from Europe. But it has been beset by problems

since the beginning. Our agriculture and

environment correspondent It was meant to be a key part of

Northern Ireland's tourism offering but the ?7.5 million Gobbins cliff

path has now been closed almost as often as has been opened. The

council which runs it says it would now be back in business until next

year and they're not seeing a friend in 2017 that will be. The problem

this time is loose rock on the 50 metre cliffs. It needs to be

dislodged, something that has to be done by hand. It means more

disappointment for tourists turning up to the attraction. I wouldn't say

we're embarrassed, we're disappointed but I do have to stress

again, health and safety. The cliffs are made of bath salts, a block that

is characterised by lots of cracks. When water gets in and freezers, it

expands, forcing bit. There are complications with that and here

they are. Gobbins is an area of special scientific interest and an

important sea bird leading ground. Denying them access to nesting site

is likely to be a nonstarter and finding way around that will add to

existing delays. When you get people coming from Europe and come to the

car park and then told that it's closed, that's not good enough. Rock

falls and erosion were a problem on the original Gobbins pass. Opening

in the 1900 due to its closure in the mid-50s, it's going to take an

innovative solution to overcome what our long-standing challenges on this

impressive but exposed walkway. The Prime Minister has described

the 1994 Loughinisland killings Six people died when loyalists

attacked the Heights Bar as customers watched the Republic

of Ireland play Italy In June, a Police Ombudsman

investigation concluded that that there was collusion

between some police officers Responding to a question

in the Commons from the South Down MP Margaret Ritchie,

Theresa May said any allegations of police misconduct

would be taken seriously. The Government except the police

ombudsman 's report and the Chief Constable 's response. It's

important where there are allegations of police misconduct

they are taken seriously and those I looked into if there has been

wrongdoing, it must be pursued. It is now a matter for the PS NI. The

Chief Constable has been a very clear that he wants to ensure that

he is determined that where there has been wrongdoing, people will be

brought to justice. Now, two of our politicians

as you've not seen them before - Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness

as they're portrayed in a new movie. The world premiere takes place

tonight at the Venice Film Festival of The Journey, a film

about the friendship forged BBC Newsline's Mark Simpson has been

speaking to the two main actors in Venice before tonight's

big event. It's a long way from Stormont, isn't

it? The lights, the cameras, the paparazzi, the red carpet. I've just

seen the movie and I think just like Stormont, it is potentially going to

be quite controversial because it takes the tragedy of the troubles,

the complexity of the peace process and turns it into showbiz. There is

humour, jokes, that a gamble. That is a risk, does that work? To the

main actors make it work? Here is a sneak preview. Make own mind up.

What are you here for? Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness, the movie. A

fictional drama based on the real-life relationship that these

two former enemies somehow forged. I don't know. I'll tell you why we are

here in this godforsaken church. The film tries to recreate the surprise

there was when Sinn Fein and the DUP finally came together. How can we

even contemplate doing that? What? That's the first time you've

said Lee. -- free. The actors playing Ian Paisley and Martin

McGuinness didn't need to be experts in the peace process but they did

need to look the part. How did they do it? I had some help. I had

prosthetics and which is so good. I said to my wife, what did you think

of the gym? She said, what Chen? Was sleep they made me taller. All of

those little snippets. You try and build a big picture from within

rather than something that is a preconceived idea. There was less

work involved to try to recreate Martin McGuinness. I had a good bit

of Great Britain. I don't think it was quite necessary but they thought

it was. I was familiar with him as a political figure. Had you met him

before? He ran for president and I supported him in that campaign. I

thought he was the best candidate and was qualified. Ye have been

asked to betray your tribe, I've been asked to betray mine. The main

characters are played by a Dublin and a Londoner but the writer was

local, novelist Colin Bateman. What is the reaction been so first year

at the Venice Film Festival? It's been a real roller-coaster. We've

heard the reviews from the London National Sprint going to be very

good and we felt really down and then a Variety came through which is

the biggest and most important review of all and it was an absolute

-- the aptly loved it. The mood is very buoyant and I think will be

breaking open a vintage bottle of Buckfast tonight. The release date

for the movie is yet to be announced. It may not be out until

early next year. Much may depend on how well tonight's world premiere

goals. Last minute preparations are nearly complete. Of course, Martin

McGuinness isn't here, nobody from the Ian Paisley family are here

either. It is early days but as you heard there, opinion so far has been

mixed. What do you expect? You make a movie about Northern Ireland

politics, of course there will be divided opinion. The world's premier

kicks up here at 9pm your time. I'll have much more on late Belton but

from Venice, goodbye. Mark, thank you. From Venice to Rio now.

On the day the the opening ceremony for the Paralympic

games takes place in Rio, Stormont has confirmed a windfall

for disability sport in Northern Ireland.

Almost ?1 million will be awarded in grant support.

Just over a year ago, Disability Sport NI

was contemplating closure as a result of funding cuts.

This new government money will be used to support not

only our Paralympians but all those those with disabilities here wanting

There were no medals for the Olympians from

Northern Ireland in Brazil, but there are high hopes

for our Paralympians - among them swimmer Bethany Firth.

The transformation from Olympic to Paralympic city is complete and

despite financial problems in the build-up, and the pre-game ticket

sales, Rio will once again play host to the world and while there are no

local Olympic medals to cheer, there are plenty of reasons to believe the

Paralympics will be different. Jason Smyth is double double Olympic

champion from Beijing and London. This time, reclassification means he

can only go for glory for Paralympics Ireland in the 100

metres. There's always that extra pressure to go out and perform as

the previous champions and hopefully do the same again. Verney, I've

always enjoyed the opportunity to go out and compete to be under pressure

-- for me. I was think it's better to be there and expect to win rather

than be expected not to win. I'm enjoying it and hopefully things can

go well. Jason Smyth's middle-distance runner partner has

three gold medals to his name and Michael McKillop has cerebral palsy

and has only one opportunity to add to his collection in the 1500

metres. She has taken part in her first games and will make a Team GB

debut. I'm thrilled and the first person from Northern Ireland to be

representing the sport at the Paralympics. I'm just thrilled and

hopeful that in the years to come, people will follow me in the GB

pathway and they can experience the success like I have and just lived

like this. The first to hope for a local medal will come in the

swimming pool when 2012 gold medallist Bethany Firth what hope to

defend her title. The 20 rule to now competes for Paralympics GB is

chasing four medals. It was an amazing feeling to have that gold

medal around my neck and I really want to do it again and hopefully in

Rio will have more events and more medals. It's a lot of pressure but I

love the pressure, I thrive on the pressure and everyone to push myself

and show people what I can do. She begins her campaign tomorrow. We'll

let you know how all our Paralympian get on.

In Gaelic football - Mickey Harte's request

to have his contract as Tyrone's senior manager extended beyond next

season has been rejected by the county board.

Earlier this year, he steered the county to the

Ulster championship and division two league titles.

But last night, in a surprise move, Tyrone county executive officers

said no to the manager's request to remain at the helm until 2018.

Harte, who has guided Tyrone to three all Ireland football titles

since taking over in 2002, has one more season of his existing

Warren Gatland has been appointed head coach for the 2017 British

The 52-year-old masterminded a 2-1 series victory over Australia three

years ago and will begin a sabbatical from his position

Things are about to change. The last of those nights where it has been

difficult to sleep. We are starting to transition with our weather into

something cooler and fresher. There are some significant weather system

is heading in our direction of the next few days, it's not all bad

news. There will be brighter spells in the mix. A lot of activity going

on out in the Atlantic this week and by the time we get to Friday, this

area of low pressure here in the associated weather fronts are going

to be bringing some significant amounts of rain across Northern

Ireland and dampening down the end of hour working week. That changed

into something fresher begins overnight tonight. This weather

front moving slowly across, bringing an inch of rain in some places

tonight. Behind it, some cooler temperatures so the end of the night

should be easier for sleeping. Tomorrow is the day of sunshine and

showers but the real difference is going to be in the feel of the

weather. Today, highs of 21 and 22 degrees, tomorrow, at best, 17 and

18 Celsius is really all we can hope for. Shoppers will be moving through

during the day, driven in south-westerly breeze. Not all bad

news, some breaks, some brighter spells too. That is the feel of the

day that is going to be just so different down by four or 5 degrees

onto the's temperature and the Prix Tsurenko the mat. Overnight Thursday

into Friday those showers will gradually start to fizzle out and

the set up very very nice start the day on Friday. Don't be fooled.

Friday morning starts up nice dry and bright but don't go out without

your coat. This is why. This weather front working its way in from the

Atlantic, slow-moving and bringing heavy rain with it. Dampening things

off the end of hour working week. Saturday is the day to get the

outside jobs done. Thank you. Our late summary

is at half past ten.