Mary Backs War On Want

Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Pat Convery, enjoys a cuppa with Dame Mary Peters and Jackie Trainor of War on Want NI. The Lord Mayor hosted a coffee morning at City Hall to kick off the charity's Fairtrade Fortnight scheme which will run at 100 venues across the country between now and 13th March. The coffee mornings will help raise awareness of Fairtrade products as well as raising funds to alleviate poverty in sub-Saharan Africa. Fairtrade Fortnight is a significant part of War on Want NI's 50th anniversary celebrations.

Kenny Wins NI Backing

The Stormont First Minister, Peter Robinson and the Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness have spoken with Fine Gael Leader Enda Kenny this morning to congratulate him on his party's general election success. The DUP Leader, Mr Robinson said: "I look forward to working with Mr Kenny over the coming period. I will be watching closely developments in the Republic as the new government sets about its difficult task of rebuilding a stable economy." Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness said: "The election result has significantly changed the political landscape and over the coming weeks and months we will look to build and strengthen our relationship with the new government in the South. It is clear that there are many areas where we can work together constructively for the betterment of all the people of Ireland."

Man Shot In Leg

The police are appealing for help after a shooting at the Fort Street area of west Belfast yesterday evening. Shortly before 8pm, three men entered a house and a number of shots were fired at the 36-year-old male occupant sustained three-gunshot wounds to his right leg. He was taken to hospital for treatment and his condition is not believed to be life threatening. The man's partner and four-year-old female child were also present in the house at the time of the incident. The three assailants made off on foot and anyone who witnessed the males entering or making off from the area or has any information in relation to this incident is asked to contact Grosvenor Road CID on 0845 600 8000.

Union Protest

The civil service and public service union NIPSA will hold a protest at Stormont today to highlight the Assembly Commission's decision to cut its overall budget by 17% over the four-year budget period. A spokesman said "several hundred members" are expected to take part in the demonstration. The union has claimed that the cut in budget equates to 88 job losses.

(BMcC/GK)