On this day in Northern Ireland news history

Four-Year Delay In Police Misconduct Case Sparks Calls For Reform
A police officer was dismissed more than four years after the Police Ombudsman completed an investigation into his conduct, leading to renewed calls for faster disciplinary procedures.

Man Arrested After House Fire In Dungannon
Police in Dungannon have arrested a man following a serious house fire in the Cunninghams Lane area of the town on Monday, 3rd February. Officers responded to reports of a house fire, arriving at the scene before the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service.

Visit Belfast Unveils New Brand To Showcase City's Culinary Scene
Visit Belfast has officially unveiled a new brand positioning designed to enhance the city's reputation as a premier food and drink destination.

SDLP Calls For Executive To 'Achieve More'
The one-year anniversary of the return of the Stormont institutions is "marked by a lack of achievement from the Executive", SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole MLA has said.

PHA Urges Public To Be Aware Of Cancer Symptoms
On World Cancer Day, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people to be aware of any changes in their bodies and to contact their GP if they have any concerns.

Justice Minister Reflects On Achievements During Assembly Term
On the anniversary of the restoration of the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive, Justice Minister Naomi Long has reflected on the achievements of her department.

Health Minister Praises Rapid Diagnosis Centres On World Cancer Day
On World Cancer Day, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt praised the pioneering efforts of staff at Northern Ireland's Rapid Diagnosis Centres (RDCs) in improving early cancer detection and better outcomes for patients.

Man Arrested Following Drug Seizure In Derry City
Police in Derry City & Strabane have seized suspected drugs and made an arrest during a planned search in the city today, Monday 3rd February.

Suspected Drugs Seized In Ballymoney
Police have seized suspected drugs and other items during planned searches in the wider Ballymoney area on Monday morning, 3rd February. Officers from the Ballycastle Neighbourhood Policing Team, supported by District Support Officers (DST), conducted searches at two properties.

Paul Givan Resigns As First Minister
Paul Givan has resigned as First Minister as of midnight last night, resulting in deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill also losing her position. Givan's resignation means that while the Executive can still meet they are unable to take any decisions on outstanding legislation.

SF Calls For Early Election Following First Minister's Resignation
Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald has called for an early election following the resignation of First Minister Paul Givan. Speaking after the DUP's Paul Givan announced he is to resign as First Minister the Sinn Féin leader said: "The Executive and Assembly have work to do.

Additional Financial Support Announced For Nightclubs
Additional support for nightclubs which will see venues receive payments of up to £36,500, has been announced by Finance Minister, Conor Murphy.

New Health And Well-Being Services Announced For Retired Prison Officers
New health and well-being services have been announced for retired prison officers, Justice Minister Naomi Long has announced.

Minister Hails Success Of High Street Scheme
Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has hailed the success of "novel, bold and ambitious" High Street Scheme, stating that "it has achieved exactly what it set out to do".

Funding Allocated For Enniskillen Environmental Improvement Scheme
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has announced the allocation of £470,000 funding for the Quay Lane North Environmental Improvement Scheme in Enniskillen.

New Scheme Launches For School Eco-System Protection
A new scheme for schools to improve the health of eco-systems and protect bees and pollinators has been launched by the Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Edwin Poots.

Man Critical After Being Found In Layby
A man remains in critical condition in hospital after he was found injured in a layby in Co L'Derry. Police are appealing for information to establish how the individual, aged in his forties, ended up in the vicinity of the Foreglen Road, Claudy on Monday 03 February.

Police Cleared Of Assaulting Woman
A woman's allegation that she was dragged from her car and assaulted by police officers has been thrown out by the Ombudsman. The police watchdog launched an investigation following an incident in Magherafelt in January last year, however no evidence was found to support the allegations.

Strong Gales To Batter NI
A weather warning has been issued for Northern Ireland as winds of up to 80mph are forecast for this weekend. The strong gales are set to bring disruption across the UK as they pick up from around 6pm on Saturday 08 February.

Symptom Awareness This World Cancer Day
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting the general signs and symptoms of cancer in a bid to raise awareness and boost outcome rates this World Cancer Day.

Teen Killed On Co Down Road Named
A teenager killed in a road collision in Co Down on Sunday has been named as Deaglan Moran. The 14 year-old died following a crash on the Flying Horse Road in Downpatrick. He had been travelling as a pedestrian at the time. Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

PSNI Recruitment Drive Launches
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has launched a fresh recruitment drive for a new intake of student officers. The service hopes to take on as many as 600 trainees over the year, with applications open for the next three weeks.

Further Strike Action At NI Universities
Lecturers and support staff at Queen's University Belfast and Ulster University are set to take further strike action. University and College Union (UCU) members will take a further 14 days throughout February and March due to ongoing disputes over pay, workloads and pensions.

Calls For Autism Training For NI Teachers
Education Minister Peter Weir is under pressure to introduce mandatory autism training for teachers and classroom assistants across Northern Ireland. Autism diagnosis has doubled in the past six years, with one in 30 children now confirmed as having the disorder.

'Smart' Loading Zones Prove Popular Across Belfast
A 'Smart Belfast' pilot project at two of the city's busiest hospitals is proving popular with drivers. Belfast City Council introduced the smart loading zone scheme in a bid to tackle urban transport delivery and parking challenges through the use of the PARKUNLOAD app.

What's Next For Local Firms After Brexit?
The UK formally left the UK on 31 January 2020. Under the terms of the withdrawal agreement, a transition period is now in effect until 31 December 2020.

SciLeads Marketing Intelligence Platform Set For Expansion
Belfast-based business SciLeads is set to grow its team and enhance its generation and marketing intelligence platform which is used by a growing number of customers in the industry.

PM To Visit NI In Hope Of Winning Brexit Support
Prime Minister Theresa May is set to visit Northern Ireland tomorrow, 05 February, in a bid to win support for her revised Brexit strategy. According to a Downing Street spokesperson, Mrs May will address business leaders in a speech centred upon the crucial Irish border issue.

Man Injured In North Belfast Assault
Police have launched an investigation after a man suffered facial injuries in an assault in north Belfast. The victim, aged 32, was allegedly attacked on Sunday 03 February at around 7pm in the Upper Crumlin Road area.

Graveyard Altercation Leads To Weapons Seizure
An incident at a County L'Derry graveyard over the weekend led to the discovery of a haul of weapons, it has emerged. Two loaded shotguns, knives, blades and suspected acid were seized on the Altinure Road in Park on the morning of Saturday 02 February.

Two Die In Serious Collision Between Dungannon And Moy
Two men have died and three other people have been injured in a three-vehicle collision just outside Moy in County Tyrone. The incident happened at around 1.40pm on Sunday 03 February.

Appeal For Witnesses After City Centre Robbery
Police have issued an appeal for information after a commercial premises in Belfast City Centre was robbed. The business on High Street was targeted on Sunday evening, 03 February, when a man entered while armed with a large kitchen knife.

Man Arrested Over Threats To Kill
A man has been arrested on suspicion of a number of offences, including making threats to kill, after an incident in Dunmurry over the weekend. The 38-year-old was detained after and aggravated burglary in Juniper Park at around 6.15pm on Saturday 02 February.

UUP Demand A More 'Constructive' Approach From The EU
An Ulster Unionist MEP has called for a more constructive approach from the EU as the UK seeks a workable deal to facilitate a smooth Brexit. Jim Nicholson's comments follow a debate with EU leaders in Brussels.

Over 100 More Jobs To Be Created At Belfast International Airport
A further 115 jobs are to be created at Belfast International Airport. The jobs, which are being created by six firms, include 85 full-time positions and 30 part-time posts.

L'Derry Firm To Invest £900,000 To Boost Sales In GB
Oak Grove Cabins in L'Derry has announced it is to invest £900,000 to boost its business sales in Great Britain. The firm alsoplans to create 15 new jobs. Based in Maydown Industrial Estate the company designs, manufactures and erects high quality park homes and log cabins.

Jennifer Dornan Murder: Man To Be Extradited To NI
The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) has confirmed it has started extradition proceedings for a man to be prosecuted in connection with the murder of Jennifer Dornan.

Two Injured In Carrickfergus Collision
Two people are being treated in hospital following a crash in Carrickfergus, Co Antrim. The collision occurred on the North Road at around 9.30pm on Wednesday. The road has been closed in both directions.

Lisburn Train Hit Piece Of Construction Equipment - Translink
A train has struck a piece of construction equipment on the railway line in Lisburn, Translink has confirmed. The incident happened at around 6.45am on Thursday and disruption was caused to some train services. No-one was injured in the incident.

Ombudsman Rejects Claims Police Attacked Man During Arrest
Claims that police punched and kicked a man when he was arrested at his home in Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, in July last year, have been rejected by the Police Ombudsman.

Woman Left Badly Shaken After Distraction Burglary In North Belfast
An elderly woman has been left badly shaken following a distraction burglary in north Belfast. The incident happened in the Prestwick Park area between 2.30pm and 3pm on Tuesday. The woman answered her door to a man who claimed he was there to work on the electrics in her house.

Thieves Steal iPads And Laptops From Primary School In Antrim
Over 50 laptops and computers have been stolen from a primary school in Co Antrim. The incident happened at St Joseph's on the Greystone Road overnight on Tuesday. The thieves stole 50 iPads and around 30 laptops.

Avex To Expand Its Business Operations In Britain
Avex Cable Jointing, based in Limavady, has been assisted by Invest Northern Ireland to invest £376,000 and create five new high value jobs to expand their business operations in Britain.

Three People Found Guilty Of Benefit Fraud
Three people have been convicted at Belfast Magistrates’ Court for claiming benefits totalling over £10,000 they were not entitled to. 59-year-old Martin Burns of Breach Close, Belfast claimed Housing Benefit totalling £3,747 while failing to declare he was living with his partner.

Game Of Thrones Tour Operator Achieves 5 Star Status
A Belfast bus operator that runs tours visiting filming locations for the Game Of Thrones has achieved five-star status under the Tourism Northern Ireland Quality Grading Scheme. McComb's Coach Travel is the first company in Northern Ireland to be awarded the star rating.

Long Only NI MP To Vote For 'Three-Person' Embryo
Alliance deputy leader Naomi Long was the only MP from Northern Ireland to support a new 'three-person' embryo law designed to help prevent serious diseases passing from mother to child.

Ballycastle Punch Victim Released From Hospital
A man from Ballycastle, County Antrim has been discharged from hospital in Australia after being left in a critical condition when he was allegedly punched by his brother. 31-year-old Patrick Lyttle fell and hit his head in Sydney on 3 January.

NCA To Operate In NI
The National Crime Agency (NCA) is to operate in Northern Ireland, after a motion to introduce it in the region passed through the Assembly with 68 votes for and 26 against. The NCA has been described as the UK's FBI and will operate in Northern Ireland from as early as May this year.

Five Arrested Over Tobacco Processing Plant
Five people have been arrested by HMRC officers after the discovery of a raw tobacco processing plant involved in a suspected £110m tobacco fraud. Assisted by the PSNI, HM Revenue and Customs officers searched nine addresses in counties Down, Tyrone and Armagh on Tuesday morning.

Police Appeal Over Three Armed Robberies
Police are appealing for information following three armed robberies in north and west Belfast on the evening of Tuesday 3 February.

NI Planning To Adopt 'Town Centres First' Policy
The Department of the Environment has said Northern Ireland's planning system could be reformed to adopt a "town centres first" policy.

Public Workers Stage Day Of Action
NIPSA and UNISON trade union members have staged a day of action to protest against a lack of rise in pay over the past four years. Public sector workers protested at Belfast City Hall and at the Guildhall in L'Derry as part of a UK-wide demonstration calling for increased wages.

100 Jobs Created At Antrim Car Plant
A Japanese-owned car part manufacturing plant in County Antrim is to create 100 new jobs through a £32m investment. Ryobi Aluminium Casting (UK) Limited is investing the money in its Carrickfergus plant. The company manufactures aluminium die casting products for the European automotive market.

Ryobi To Invest £32m In Carrickfergus Plant
First Minister the Rt. Hon. Peter D. Robinson MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness have announced Ryobi Aluminium Casting (UK), Limited is to invest £32m in its Carrickfergus plant, creating 100 new jobs.

£10m For Special School Development
Planning approval has been recommended by the Department of the Environment (DOE) for a new £10m building for Arvalee Special School in Omagh. Environment Minister Mark H Durkan made the announcement today.

Belfast Council In 2nd Successive Rates Freeze
Belfast City Council has agreed to freeze the district rate for 2014/15. The decision marks the first time in the council's 41-year history that there has been no increase for two successive years.

European Bill On Cancer Care Launched By Queen's Professor
A European Bill of Rights on cancer care is being launched today by Queen’s University Belfast’s cancer specialist Professor Patrick Johnston.

251 Arrested In Winter Drink Drive Campaign
251 motorists were arrested by police during the 2013/14 winter anti-drink drive campaign, according to figures released by the PSNI. The figures show a decrease from 273 during the 2012/13 operation, and include motorists who were unfit to drive, or who were unable or refused to give a sample.

£145k Allocated To Giro d’Italia Towns
£145,000 has been allocated to the towns and cities in Northern Ireland that lie along the route of the famous Giro d’Italia cycling race. The Giro d'Italia is the world's second biggest cycle race and begins in Northern Ireland on 9 May.

Green Light For Omagh Retail Development
Planning approval has been given the go-ahead for a new retail development in Omagh town centre. The application is for the extension and alteration to existing retail premises to provide 2,274 square meters of floorspace.

Man Arrested Over 1976 Murder Of Paul McNally
A man has been arrested in connection with a suspected 1976 sectarian murder in north Belfast. Paul McNally, 26, was shot as he left Sean Graham's bookmakers at the junction of Brompton Park and Crumlin Road on 5 June. He died two days later in hospital.

NIFRS Launch Major Recruitment Drive
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has launched a major recruitment drive for Retained (part-time) Firefighters in 37 Fire Stations across Northern Ireland and is encouraging more females and those from ethnic minority backgrounds to apply.

Traces Of Pork DNA Found In NI Firms Halal Products
Northern Irish manufacturer McColgan's Quality Foods has been identified as the source of halal food found to contain traces of pork DNA.

Met Office Issues Snow Warning
The UK Met Office has issued a yellow warning for snow in Northern Ireland today. The warning is in place from 4pm and Met Office has said there will be heavy, squally showers.

Administrators Appointed To New Tenancy Deposit Schemes
Minister for Social Development, Nelson McCausland has announced the appointment of four administrators to operate new Tenancy Deposit Schemes in Northern Ireland. The Assembly recently approved legislation requiring an independent third party scheme to protect tenant’s deposits from 1 April 2013.

Sir Ian McKellen Awarded Honorary Doctorate
Actor Sir Ian McKellen has been awarded an honorary doctorate from staff at the University of Ulster on Sunday. The Lord of the Rings actor was given the award by James Nesbitt.

Viable Pipe Bomb Found In Carryduff
Police have confirmed the device at the centre of a security alert in Carryduff on Saturday night was a viable pipe bomb. A suspicious object was discovered at flats at Doon Park and a number of homes were evacuated. Army experts attended the scene and made the device safe.

Belfast Triumph For National Holiday Parks Summit
Belfast played host to over 400 holiday park owners and operators from across the United Kingdom who gathered in the city for their annual business convention recently (29-31 January).

Glazing Firm Fined After Scaffold Fall
A Yorkshire glazing firm has been sentenced after an employee was hurt when he fell more than ten feet from an unsafe scaffold. Phillip Pears, then 20, broke his wrist in the incident while replacing fascias for Premier Security Glazing Ltd at a house in York in June 2009.

Forecourt Victim Named As CCTV Probed
NI's Police Ombudsman is today investigating the fatal shooting of a man by an off-duty PSNI officer during a suspected robbery in east Belfast yesterday.

Royal Visitors Welcomed To Palace
There's a royal visit underway in NI today as the Prince of Wales, accompanied by the Duchess of Cornwall dropped into the 'Palace'.

Belfast Sex Predator Flees After Challenge
The PSNI are investigating reports that a woman was sexually assaulted in south Belfast early this morning. The victim, who is in her 20s, was walking along Marcus Ward Street in the city at about 1am on Friday when a man thought to be aged in his 20s, attacked her.

Windy Weather Batters Ireland
While NI hasn't seen such tragedy as yesterday's Dublin fatality, heavy rain and gusts of up to 60mph have been battering Northern Ireland overnight and into today.

Public Housing Cuts 'Will Hit Builders'
The amount of funding available for public housing in NI was discussed this week as the NI Social Development Minister, Alex Attwood met with housing, construction and charity representatives to discuss the draft housing budget.

Single Blow Killed Whitehouse Victim
The Inquest has been held into the death of a 45-year-old man who was felled by a single blow while drinking in what was then a Royal British Legion club. Kevin Coiley, from nearby Longlands Park, Newtownabbey, died after a single punch to the face sent him to the floor.

Blue Skies As Aer Lingus Deal Agreed
The dispute between Aer Lingus and its cabin crew has ended after over a fortnight of disruption. The trade union Impact, representing the disgruntled workers, said their current industrial action will be suspended while its members will be returned to the payroll and their normal duties.

LRC Brokers Aer Lingus Deal
The dispute between Aer Lingus and its cabin crew has ended after over a fortnight of disruption. The trade union Impact, representing the disgruntled workers, said their current industrial action will be suspended while its members will be returned to the payroll and their normal duties.

Pubs Cheer On McMillan Cancer Support
A well-known beer brand is backing a campaign for pubs and clubs across Northern Ireland to join with them in raising £50,000 for the charity, Macmillan Cancer Support.

Equine Care Goes Mobile
Worried NI horse owners can now turn to their own mobile phone or laptop with a new online feature letting equine lovers see their animal from anywhere in the world - by Internet access.

Robinson Back In Office
Political opponents have urged Peter Robinson to publish the full legal report which prompted his return to the office of First Minister last night.

'50-50' Police Recruitment Extended
Opposing political figures have clashed over news that 'positive discrimination' measures - normally ruled to be illegal - are to continue for police recruiting in NI.

Housing Bid 'Won't Hit Bacon Plant Jobs'
A fresh bid to construct new houses on the site currently occupied by a busy Co Antrim meat processor won't put jobs in jeopardy, according to a company spokeswoman.

Claw-Back Call As Hughes Shuts-Down
Millions of pounds in grants have been paid to an east Belfast factory which closed down last week. Over 200 jobs are to be lost with the closure of the Hughes Christensen drill bit factory in Castlreagh. That's despite Invest NI revealing that since 1995 the company received £5.4m in grants.

Murphy Dives Into Water Funding Row
There has been a dramatic intervention into proposed cost cutting at NI's main water provider.

'Slow' Recovery For NI Housing Market
A new survey has suggested the Northern Ireland housing market showed modest signs of recovery in the last quarter of 2009. The report, by the University of Ulster and the Bank of Ireland, reveals that the average price over a house in Northern Ireland was £161,429 in the last three months of 2009.

Claw-Back Call As Hughes Shuts-Down
Millions of pounds in grants have been paid to an east Belfast factory which closed down last week. Over 200 jobs are to be lost with the closure of the Hughes Christensen drill bit factory in Castlreagh. That's despite Invest NI revealing that since 1995 the company received £5.4m in grants.

Access Denied To Stolen GP Records
There is little chance of personal medical records stolen in Co Down over Christmas being read by the thieves.

Jobs Boost As Shops Expansion Passed
Plans for a major redevelopment of Dairy Farm Shopping Centre in Dunmurry, Co Antrim have been approved. NI Environment Minister, Edwin Poots said: "This is a welcome investment boost for the area providing 200 construction jobs and 300 permanent jobs on completion.

Digitally Made Shorts Get Viewing
A year-long programme to develop new filmmaking talent and enable innovative short films using digital technology to be produced has paid off. The Digital Short films produced last year will be screened over the coming weeks in Belfast and London.

World Cancer Day Marked In NI
A global consortium of cancer organisations is to lead a year-long communication campaign to educate local people on simple measures they can take to prevent cancer. The campaign called 'Cancer can be prevented too' is being launched today, World Cancer Day, 4th February.

NI Health Care Provision 'Shrinks'
The long-awaited reorganisation of health and social care provision has today moved a step ahead with details published of the new organisations. Northern Ireland Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has confirmed the names by which the slimmed-down list of bodies will be known.

Maternity Care 'Crisis' Alert In Craiavon
There are opposing views today on the extent of a 'crisis' facing Craigavon Area Hospital's maternity unit.

Hermon And Cameron To Discuss Tory/UUP Pact
Lady Hermon - the Ulster Unionist Party's sole Westminster MP - is to meet with Commons opposition leader David Cameron later today. It is believed the pair will discuss the recent voting alliance struck between the UUP and Tories.

Rana's Derry Development Is A 'Priority'
Ulster leisure mogul Lord Rana has reaffirmed his plans to build a luxury hotel at an historic Londonderry site. Lord Rana's Andras group, which owns Belfast's Ramada Hotel, confirmed it is to prioritise the Derry project, at the site of the former Tillie and Henderson's factory.

DUP Backs Dodds In MEP Bid
A former DUP MLA has been selected as the party's candidate for the European Parliamentary elections.

UU Unveils £250m Development Plans
One of Northern Ireland's universities has unveiled a £250m development plan, which will see the construction of a massive new capital city campus. The University of Ulster scheme is also set to create much-needed construction jobs for the local building sector.

Rana's Derry Development Is A 'Priority'
Ulster leisure mogul Lord Rana (pictured) has reaffirmed his plans to build a luxury hotel at an historic Londonderry site. Lord Rana's Andras group, which owns Belfast's Ramada Hotel, confirmed it is to prioritise the Derry project, at the site of the former Tillie and Henderson's factory.

Lidl Backs UCF On Healthier Kids Diet
Local stores in an international food retail chain are teaming up with a top cancer charity in a bid to promote healthy eating.

Neighbours Go Behind Bars
The austere surroundings of the now closed Crumlin Road gaol (pictured) will be the venue for an innovative community scheme next month. Called 'Meet the Neighbours' it aims to bring together all communities in north Belfast in the unusual setting of the historic Victorian gaol.

€230k Funding For Downpatrick Play Parks
Northern Ireland Communities Minister Margaret Ritchie has allocated £233,000 for play parks at Mount Crescent, and Marian Park in Downpatrick.

Driver Robbed By Hitchhiker
A 74-year-old driver has been pushed from his car and robbed by a hitchhiker in the Castlewellan area of County Down. The pensioner was driving close to Drumee Cemetery when he picked up the hitchhiker.

Garda Killer Freed After Serving Sentence
One of the four men convicted of the manslaughter of Detective Garda Jerry McCabe at Adare, Co Limerick has been released from Castlerea Prison today. Jeremiah Sheehy received a 12-year sentence for his role in the 1996 IRA raid on Adare Post Office in Co Limerick in which Garda McCabe was killed.

Motorist Dies In Collision
A man has been killed in a serious road traffic collision in County Londonderry. The crash, which occurred at around 7am near the junction of the Glenshane Road and the Claudy road, involved a lorry and a car. The man who was killed was the driver of the car. His name has not yet been released.

West Belfast Stabbing Investigated
Police are investigating an attack in which a man was stabbed a number of times in West Belfast. The attack took place at Albert Street off the Falls Road on Saturday. The victim's injuries are not thought to be life threatening. A police spokesperson said that a 19-year-old man was arrested.

PSNI On Alert After Warning By Real IRA
A renewed warning by the Real IRA has placed the PSNI “on their guard”, according to a Police Federation Spokesman. After speaking to the Sunday Tribune, a spokesperson for the republican dissident movement, the Real IRA, told of plans for a new offensive.

Car Crashes Into Elderly Couples' Home
A car has smashed into the home of an elderly couple, causing enough structural damage to warrant its demolition. The septuagenarian husband and wife from Lisburn were left shocked by the incident, but unhurt when the black Ford Focus careered into the Laurelhill road detached house at around 3am.

Health Workers To Lose Jobs
The Northern Ireland Minister for Health has revealed plans to slash 1,700 jobs. In a move that will see a the four present Health Boards to a single giant authority, 450 health workers will be dropped by April next year.

Minister Confirms Single Regional Health Board
NI Assembly Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has outlined proposals to amalgamate the four health boards in Northern Ireland by April next year. The Health Minister said he wanted a Regional Health Board providing a modern health service that put patients first.

UCF Focuses On Kids Passive Smoking
A major campaign by cancer charities is focusing on the danger passive smoking poses to children.

Portrush Lifeboat Replaced By Standby Boat
A standby lifeboat has replaced the Portrush all-weather lifeboat which remains stranded on rocks off Rathlin island. The RNLI lifeboat that was grounded on rocks during a rescue operation at Rathlin Island harbour last week has been severely damaged following adverse weather in the area.

Credit card firms called on to offer 'fairer deals'
A report by the Treasury Select Committee (TSC) has called on credit card firms to improve the clarity of information and offer fairer deals to their customers.

Number of bankruptcies show sharp rise
The number of people going bankrupt has risen dramatically, according to the latest insolvencies statistics published by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Car price rises slip below inflation average
According to the latest 'What Car?' Price Index, rises in new cars prices are failing to keep up with inflation. The magazine's survey found that in the UK overall prices for new cars were up 0.1%, year-on-year, but with inflation running at 1.6%, this still represents "good value" said What Car?.

Fuel prices cause misery for British Airways
British Airways have reported a dramatic drop in profits in the latest trading figures - £75 million, compared to £125 million in the same period last year.

IRA statement condemns government attitudes
The IRA has issued a second statement following what it describes as a “playing down” of the importance the two governments placed on an announcement by the paramilitary group to withdraw an offer to decommission all weapons.

Coleraine chicken processing plant to axe 70 jobs
Around 70 jobs are to go at the Farm Fed Chickens processing plant in Coleraine. Blaming the cuts on a failure to secure a recent order, the Co Londonderry firm first informed staff of the decision to shed jobs last Friday.

Half-a-million NI people below poverty line, claims report
A new report has claimed that over 500,000 people in Northern Ireland are living below the poverty line.

Translink all set for new Metro service
Translink has released further details of its new Greater Belfast area Metro bus service, which begins on Monday.

Belfast Lotto winner fails to claim £7m prize
National Lottery organisers Camelot have been unsuccessful in finding the winner of a £7 million ticket bought in Belfast last August. The deadline for the winning ticket, which was bought in Belfast for the Lotto Extra draw held on 7 August 2004, expired at 5.30pm on Thursday.

Boy injured by petrol bomb
A nine-year-old boy has been injured by what is thought to have been a petrol bomb thrown in the Lawnbrook Avenue area of north Belfast. The boy sustained singed hair and burns to his face, but his injuries are not thought to be serious.

Shakespeare assists in Belfast conflict resolution
Young people from the Shankill and New Lodge Roads are using Shakespeare and the performing arts to explore reconciliation and conflict resolution, thanks to monies from the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation (PEACE II).

SF and DUP back Water Service staff strike
Sinn Fein and the DUP have lent their weight to plans by Water Service staff to go on strike next Wednesday over proposals to reform the service in Northern Ireland.

Cookstown police to patrol on bikes
Police in Cookstown will today unveil their latest tools to tackle crime in the area with the delivery of new top-of-the-range pedal bikes which will be used for "high profile patrolling across the district.

Real IRA plant bomb inside army base
Dissident republicans have admitted responsibility for planting a bomb inside an army base in Co Londonderry. The Real IRA said it was behind the device which was attached to a refuse bin inside Shackelton Barracks. The group said it had planted the bomb after cutting through a perimeter fence.

Further UK container port capacity required by 2006
One of the UK's largest port operators, Associated British Ports Holdings, has warned that greater container port capacity will be required within two years.

John Hume to step down as MP and MEP
John Hume has announced he is to step down as both an MP and MEP because of ill health. Mr Hume, 67, said the decision was taken on the grounds of medical advice. He will step down as MP at the next Westminster election.

Filipino man appears before court on terrorist charges
A Filipino man has appeared before Belfast Magistrates Court today charged with two counts of making funds available to others for the purposes of international terrorism.

Insurance salesman robbed in Dundonald
Police in Castlereagh are appealing for witnesses following an armed robbery in Dundonald on Tuesday. The incident occurred at around 5.30pm in Longstone Drive, Ballybeen when an insurance salesman was attacked by three masked men, one of whom was armed.

NI tourist numbers likely to increase by 15%
The number of tourists visiting Northern Ireland is expected to increase by up to 15% over the next year, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) said today. According to today's figures for the year 2003, Northern Ireland saw visitor numbers increase by 11% to 1.

Children need to brush up on teeth care
The state of children's teeth in Northern Ireland came under the spotlight today after it was revealed that over 7,000 children had teeth removed during 2002. Figures compiled by DHSSPS showed that 29,544 teeth were removed from the mouths of children during that year.

Local sports benefit from Lottery funding
Local school and community sports groups are to benefit from more than £500,000 worth National Lottery grants thanks to the New Opportunities Fund.

DVLA clamps down on number plate suppliers
Northern Ireland's Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has declared war on number plate suppliers. A DVLA consultation paper, on proposals to extend to Northern Ireland the requirement for the registration of number plate suppliers, was issued today.

Health Minister launches Protection of Children legislation
Health Minister, Angela Smith announced that child protection legislation under the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults Order (2003), has been brought forward by the Department.

Murphy outlines disability cause at conference
Secretary of State Paul Murphy today welcomed delegates to an international conference on disability in Belfast as part of the European Year of People with Disabilities.

Ballylough lake ‘reels in' tourism funding
Anglers visiting the Mourne area are set to benefit from enhanced access at a local fishing ‘hot-spot’, thanks to the Mourne ‘Natural Resource Rural Tourism Initiative’ (NRRTI).

UDA move to isolate Adair leadership
In a statement today, the UDA in Belfast have moved to isolate notorious loyalist Johnny Adair and the current chiefs of the organisation's C Company, saying that it no longer recognises their leadership.

Gardai may be on NI streets in months
Gardai officers could be free to join the PSNI within months, it has been claimed.

Jobs concerns at Castledawson shirt factory
Trade Union leaders have again expressed concerns that jobs are to go the Saville Row shirt factory in Castledawson, Co Londonderry. There are fears that up to 65 jobs could go at the Castledawson factory which makes shirts for the designer label retailer Thomas Pink.

Belfast council welcomes 'spot-listing' of historic buildings
Belfast City Council has welcomed plans to introduce ‘spot-listing’ of historic buildings and increased penalties for developers who demolish listed buildings.

Invest NI strengthens North West presence
Invest Northern Ireland has opened a third new office as part of its commitment to increasing access to its range of services for new and existing clients.

East Belfast Forum meets police chief over tensions
An East Belfast community group has met with acting Assistant Chief Constable for Belfast, Maggie Hunter, to discuss what contingency plans the PSNI have in place to deal with any possible outbreak of violence in the area this summer.

Sx3 secure multi-million pound IT contract
Northern Ireland's education sector received a major boost today with the announcement that a £58.2 million Managed Services contract has been awarded to IT services company, Sx3.

Robinson rejects Sinn Fein talks claim
DUP deputy leader, Peter Robinson has rejected claims that his party is involved in secret talks with Sinn Fein.

Two men released without charge after double murder
Two men who had been arrested in connection with the murder of UDA chief John Gregg and UDA member Robert Carson have been released without charge.

Wintry showers disrupt NI roads for second day
Northern Ireland's roads have been severely disrupted for a second day following another night of widespread snow. While snowploughs and gritters were out in force overnight, it was not enough to prevent numerous road closures across the province.

Arrests after Shankill arms find
Two men and a woman have been arrested following an arms find in the loyalist lower Shankill in Belfast last night. In a planned house search, police recovered a firearm and a quantity of ammunition. The three are assisting police with their inquiries.

Local high-tech companies visit Hong Kong
A number of Northern Ireland based companies are currently on a trade mission to Hong Kong. Thought to be the first trade mission of its type from Northern Ireland, the companies attending include those in the high technology biotechnology and medical health sectors.

Trimble and Durkan pay respects to World Trade Centre victims
Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan have paid their respects to the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York during a wreath-laying ceremony at Ground Zero.

Report shows over 4 million UK employees work long hours
Despite a European working time directive, nearly four million people in the UK are working more than 48 hours a week, according to a new report. The Trades Union Congress (TUC) report - published on Monday February 4 - slams the UK's long hours working culture as a "national disgrace".

TriVirix takeover safeguards Fujitsu Springvale jobs
TriVirix International is to take over Fujitsu’s Springvale facility in Belfast, in a move which is set to safeguard over 50 jobs at the plant. Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister, Sir Reg Empey, said: “This is to be welcomed in the present economic circumstances.

Motorist accused of road rage stabbing freed on bail
A motorist accused of being involved in a stabbing incident in Londonderry has been released on bail. Gerald Cox, 52, from Barrs Lane, appeared before Londonderry Magistrate's court last week on charges, which he denied, of causing grievous bodily harm to a lorry driver in the Waterside area.

Survey shows listeners are tuning in to Downtown Radio
Figures just released by Radio Joint Audience Research (Rajar) have shown over one hundred thousand more people are tuning in to Downtown Radio each week in comparison to the same period last year.

Postal deliveries disrupted following threat against worker
Postal deliveries were disrupted in Londonderry following a threat made against a Catholic postman who works in the Waterside area of the city. The warning was given during a phone call to the Samaritans on Sunday.

Assembly chairman urges members to be more cautious
The Northern Ireland Assembly's speaker Lord Alderdice has called on members to be more careful in what they say in the Assembly chamber.

President of Ireland returns to her QUB roots
Queen's University received a visit from one its most famous daughters when President of Ireland Mary McAleese returned to her Alma Mater to open an extension to her former department – the Institute of Professional Legal Studies.

Joined-up approach is key to improving local literacy levels
A report on literacy levels - highlighting problems faced by schools across Northern Ireland - has been published by the Belfast Education Library Board.

Robinson urges support for £1bn Transport Strategy
Regional Development Minister Peter Robinson has urged support for the proposed £1 billion 10-year Regional Transportation Strategy (RTS).

Empey steps into debate on future of Giant's Causeway
Enterprise, Trade and Investment minister Sir Reg Empey has stepped into the debate on the future of the Giant's Causeway following what he called "misinformed" speculation in the media.

Latest quarterly results from BA better than expected
The latest quarterly figures unveiled from troubled airline British Airways show a pre-tax loss of £160 million.

First police witness gives evidence to Bloody Sunday Inquiry
The first police witnesses are giving evidence to the Bloody Sunday Inquiry in Londonderry. The inquiry, chaired by Lord Saville in the city's Guildhall, is examining the events of 30 January 1972 when 13 civilians were shot dead by British Army soldiers during a civil rights march.

City centre further education facility moves a step closer
On a visit to Belfast Institute for Further and Higher Education, Carmel Hanna, Minister for Employment and Learning, has confirmed that plans to construct a new purpose-built college in Belfast city centre have entered the procurement phase of a Private Finance Initiative (PFI).