Other News In Brief

Man Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A man has been convicted for claiming benefits he was not entitled to at Downpatrick Crown Court.

Ambrose Kearney claimed Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £48,701 while failing to declare employment. He was given a six month prison sentence suspended for three years.

He is also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

SF Slams SDLP's Election Manifesto

The SDLP's election manifesto is full of "shallow promises", according to Sinn Féin.

Michelle O'Neill said it reads like a "wish list".

She said: "Senior spokespersons have claimed that their promises are fully costed but in the absence of any detail this smacks of Alice in Wonderland economics.

"They have claimed time and again that £225m spread over four years will magically pay for all of their uncosted and unfunded promises.

"They cannot even tell the electorate if they will be in government or in opposition.

"Their manifesto is frankly a poor piece of fiction, lacking in any knowledge of budgetary processes and is a transparent attempt to buy votes with empty and undeliverable promises."

Council To Investigate Members' Declarations Of Interest

Belfast City Council is to begin an immediate investigation following several serious allegations raised in the media over members' declarations of interest.

Alliance Councillor Nuala McAllister said the on-going refusal of some Councillors to reveal all their personal interests could have a significant impact on on-going Council business - especially the planning committee.

She said: "The Council must be completely open and transparent at all times, something the Alliance Party has consistently championed.

"The Council cannot allow the local media to investigate this issue, but take direct action. I am glad they will investigate to reveal when each Councillor submitted their interests. We must know if they were forthcoming with the information, or were they forced into action through the level of press scrutiny."

(CD)