Other News In Brief

Green New Deal Scheme Would Create 15,000 Jobs - Agnew

The Green New Deal home energy efficiency scheme would create 15,000 jobs, reduce fuel bills and cut carbon emissions, according to party leader Steven Agnew.

Mr Agnew, the Green Party's North Down candidate, said it is "unacceptable" that 40% of people in NI are living in fuel poverty.

He said: "Through investing in our housing infrastructure, the Green Party would improve the energy efficiency of 50,000 houses a year, with a target of having every home meeting modern energy efficient standards within 10 years.

"This will create 15,000 jobs, reduce fuel bills and cut carbon emissions. Its win win win."

SDLP MLA Slammed Over Complaint To Broadcaster RTE

An SDLP MLA has complained to national broadcaster RTE over its coverage of Sinn Féin's annual Ard Fheis.

Dolores Kelly has been slammed by Sinn Féin's John O'Dowd over her complaint.

Mr O'Dowd said: "This weekend on the eve of the centenary of the Easter Rising we will be holding our annual Ard Fheis in Dublin and the National Convention Centre will see over 2,000 delegates, visitors and observers taking part along with international guests.

"It's usual for all major party conferences to be covered by the media.

"The SDLP claim to be a nationalist party. If they stood for election across the island they may be entitled to the same coverage. That however isn't the case."

DUP Hit Out At Mike Nesbitt Over Nolan Show Interview

UUP leader Mike Nesbitt has been described as a "man of spin and no substance".

DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds made the comments after an interview on the Nolan Show.

Mr Dodds said: "Mike Nesbitt has always been known as a man that blows with the wind. All spin but no substance. He was exposed in this interview as not being across detail, as having no plan for Northern Ireland and as having performed a political somersault on reentering the Executive.

"After a sixty-minute interview on his own manifesto, he failed to be able to answer a straight question about his decision to withdraw from the Executive last year. It is now clear that that move was nothing short of a political stunt without an ounce of principle. It was a shameful tactical device to try and exploit people's fears.

"When quizzed about the detail of his manifesto Mike Nesbitt avoided many questions, instead deferring to 'the guy who does our policy' who Mr Nesbitt said was both a 'superstar' and 'a genius'. However, when Mike did answer specific questions he proved beyond doubt that it isn't genius which lies behind the UUP manifesto. We need only look at some of the biggest issues facing the people of Northern Ireland."

(CD/LM)