Daily updated Northern Ireland news from http://www.4ni.co.uk http://www.4ni.co.uk/news.asp 04/07/2009 : 14:06:29 b A further voice has been added to growing criticism of the police over their handling of the issue and retention of personal protection weapons (PPWs). /b Just days after it was revealed that the number of former police officers currently without personal protection weapons has dramatically increased, an Ulster Unionist MLA for South Antrim has slammed the PSNI on its policy.Former Army off..... http://www.4ni.co.uk/news.asp?id=96202 03/07/2009 : 14:06:29 http://www.4ni.co.uk/news.asp?id=96202 b The case against a former chef originally sought in connection with an embarrassing break-in at a highly sensitive security base in east Belfast dramatically collapsed on Friday. /b The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) confirmed that the official 'Test for Prosecution' is no longer met in respect of Laurence Jon Zaitschek for his alleged role in the break-in at Castlereagh Police Station (pic..... http://www.4ni.co.uk/news.asp?id=96197 03/07/2009 : 14:06:29 http://www.4ni.co.uk/news.asp?id=96197 b There's storm clouds gathering over Stormont today as it looks increasingly likely the Assembly's Executive will recall MLAs next week - despite being on their summer adjournment. /b Sinn Féin claim they are being forced to bring MLAs back to Stormont, (pictured here by Ada Cruz Tienda) in order to discuss the quarterly funding re-allocation.Sinn Féin Chief Whip in the Assembly, Carál Ní Ch..... http://www.4ni.co.uk/news.asp?id=96181 03/07/2009 : 14:06:29 http://www.4ni.co.uk/news.asp?id=96181 b More than four out of five day-trippers to Belfast in 2008 were from the across the border. /b Belfast City Council has said they also made up almost 25% of those staying overnight.Thanks to last year's rapidly weakening pound rate against the euro, record numbers of people from the Republic of Ireland made day trips to Belfast.That represented a massive growth on the previous year when c..... http://www.4ni.co.uk/news.asp?id=96176 03/07/2009 : 14:06:29 http://www.4ni.co.uk/news.asp?id=96176 b Stormont Environment Minister Edwin Poots has launched a new website and guide to the planning system. /b These new resources were created by Community Places, who are a voluntary organisation that provide independent advice and information on planning to both local communities and individuals. The Minister said: "I welcome the work of Community Places in supporting local communities and th..... http://www.4ni.co.uk/news.asp?id=96164 03/07/2009 : 14:06:29 http://www.4ni.co.uk/news.asp?id=96164 b A proposed Olympic-sized swimming pool in Co Down may not be finished in time for the London 2012 games, a local councillor has claimed. /b North Down Deputy Mayor Ian Parsley said it seemed "unlikely" the £40m facility near Bangor Leisure Centre would be ready in time for the international sporting event. Around £15m was awarded to the scheme by Stormont in 2007, and it was hoped the world..... http://www.4ni.co.uk/news.asp?id=96155 03/07/2009 : 14:06:29 http://www.4ni.co.uk/news.asp?id=96155 b A former RUC intelligence officer from Co Down could be the next man to head up the PSNI. /b It emerged today that one of the five shortlisted candidates to replace the current Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde - who is set to leave the position later this year - is Bangor man Jim Gamble.Mr Gamble is currently Chief Executive of the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre and still live..... http://www.4ni.co.uk/news.asp?id=96154 03/07/2009 : 14:06:29 http://www.4ni.co.uk/news.asp?id=96154 b Following a disappointing performance at the European polls, the Democratic Unionists Party has vowed to "spread the gospel of devolution". /B Unveiling his new Stormont minister team, DUP Leader Peter Robinson (pictured here with Robin Newton) said the Assembly should not pander to "wreckers".The First Minister said those who seek to bring down the devolved institutions - either through po..... http://www.4ni.co.uk/news.asp?id=96151 03/07/2009 : 14:06:29 http://www.4ni.co.uk/news.asp?id=96151 b On top of five new cases of swine flu being confirmed in Northern Ireland today, it has been revealed that a 19-year-old in London is the fourth person to die from swine flu in the UK. /b The Stormont Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey said that he will now move to a 'treatment phase' to deal with the pandemic as things escalate.Minister McGimpsey said antivirals would only now be offered t..... http://www.4ni.co.uk/news.asp?id=96148 03/07/2009 : 14:06:29 http://www.4ni.co.uk/news.asp?id=96148 b The money being spent policing NI parades was in focus this week. /b The PSNI Chief Constable, Sir Hugh Orde told the NI Policing Board yesterday that contentious marches with a 'high threat of disorder' divert tens of thousands of pounds of PSNI resources from other frontline services.He said that the cost of policing parades in Northern Ireland was £5m last year.It is understood the co..... http://www.4ni.co.uk/news.asp?id=96146 03/07/2009 : 14:06:29 http://www.4ni.co.uk/news.asp?id=96146