Other News In Brief

Man Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

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

Thomas Newberry claimed Jobseeker's Allowance, Pension Credit and Housing Benefit totalling £999 while failing to declare employment. He was given a 12 month conditional discharge.

He is also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Department for Communities.

Work To Start On Resurfacing Project In Co Tyrone

Work is to start on a £100,000 resurfacing project in Co Tyrone.

The work will take place on the Parkanaur Road in Castlecaulfield on Monday, 20 February and is expected to be completed in March this year.

The resurfacing works extend from the junction of the Caulfield Glen with the C636 Parkanaur Road for a distance of 1000 metres towards Old Ballygawley Rd.

Diversions will be put in place during the works.

Concerns Raised Over Foster's Claims To Scrap Petition Of Concern Mechanism

Alliance Deputy Leader Stephen Farry has questioned the validity of Arlene Foster's claim she would like to see the petition of concern mechanism scrapped.

Mrs Foster told the BBC she wanted after the election to talk about "getting rid of" the controversial veto, which has been used to block equal marriage as well as other legislation.

Dr Farry said it appeared to be just the latest in a long list of pledges by the DUP which would not be followed through on.

He said: "The DUP and Sinn Fein promised to reform the petition of concern mechanism in the so-called Fresh Start deal and then refused to do anything about it. Only last October, Arlene Foster stated she would continue to use the veto to stop marriage equality.

"Prior to last year's election, the same DUP made a show of talking about how they would support donor transparency. Once again, we are awaiting the party to make a move in that area.

"During the negotiations around the Justice Ministry last May, one of Alliance's conditions was reform of the petition of concern. Arlene Foster banged the table in anger and said she would not do so. We wished to see a limit placed on the veto, so it would be used as it was originally envisaged - relating to matters of either national identity, the legacy of the Troubles or the Good Friday Agreement institutions.

"Therefore, it is quite obvious to ask if this is an actual commitment or yet more pre-election talk from the DUP, which we will hear no more about after polling day?"

(CD)