Torch Of Pride

Pictured is Olympic Swimming hopeful Melanie Nocher with Cool FM DJ Pete Snodden and Youth Action NI worker Peter Wray who have been named as judges to help select the inspirational young people - Future Flames - to become Coca-Cola Olympic Torchbearers during the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay in Northern Ireland next year. Melanie Nocher, Pete Snodden and Peter Wray will be joined on the judging panel by General Fiasco's lead vocalist Owen Strathern and a representative from Coca-Cola. They will have the difficult task of picking Northern Ireland's most exceptional young people who they believe should be celebrated with the once in a lifetime opportunity to carry the Olympic Flame in 2012.

MP Splashes Out

Speaking after visiting some of those hit by yesterday's flooding, the DUP MP for South Antrim Dr. William McCrea has called for a coordinated response between local councils, emergency services and government agencies to the threat posed by recent heavy rainfall. He said his constituency office met with several residents affected by the flooding at various sites around Antrim after an elderly lady had to be rescued from her flooded home. "It is essential that local councils, the emergency services and responsible government agencies act in a coordinated way to help people affected by the recent heavy rainfall. When weather such as this occurs, the full resources of all agencies [must be] put at the disposal of the effort to counteract flooding," said the local MP.

Fair Trade Focus

The Sinn Fein Stormont Junior Minister Martina Anderson has presented the Fairtrade Business Awards 2011 in Belfast City Hall. The event recognised the contribution of local businesses in promoting the sale and use of Fairtrade products. "Fair trade is an issue that is at the heart of the times in which we live. How we choose to relate to our partners in the global community is central to our character as people and as citizens of the world," she said. "Competing in a global market means many suppliers in the developing world don't achieve a price for their products that enables them to have a decent standard of living. We need to make ethical choices. The Executive is committed to bring forward a strategy to promote fair and ethical trading that will sit within the framework of our Sustainable Development Strategy. We can and should commit to fair trade." Awards were presented to five local retailers, cafes and bars. An additional award for Outstanding Contribution to Fairtrade was awarded to Dr Christopher Stange, Chair of Fairtrade Belfast and Hon. Consul for St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Attwood Bids For Top

The SDLP Executive Minister, Alex Attwood is today to outline why he should be their next leader of the nationalist party when he delivers his manifesto at the Stormont Hotel in Belfast. Speaking ahead of the event on BBC Radio Ulster Mr Attwood - who is currently Stormont Environment Minister - said he believed it is an opportunity that can be best exploited if the party has a 'Proven Leader' at the helm.

Frauds In Court

Three people were convicted at Newry Magistrates' court this week for claiming benefits they were not entitled to. Seamus Meagher (36) of Mourne View Park, Newry was fined £150 for wrongful encashment of Jobseekers Allowance totalling £356. Barbara McGrath (49) of Chapel Street, Newry claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £9,796 while failing to declare capital. She was fined £200. Allister Bingham (42) of Sunmount Park, Dromore claimed Jobseekers Allowance totalling £5,282 while failing to declare employment. He was fined £200. All are also required to repay any money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

Water Scandal

On the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, Naomi Long MP and Fiona Bruce MP have joined forces with Christian relief and development agency Tearfund to highlight the global scandal of poor water and sanitation. They said that over 800 million people don't have access to clean water and 2.6 billion don't have access to basic sanitation such as a safe toilet. As a consequence, many children are dying needlessly and diseases resulting from diarrhoea are still the biggest killer of children under five in sub-Saharan Africa. "UK aid can really make a difference and save live," said Naomi Long. Tearfund is calling on the UK Government to be a global water and sanitation leader by promoting the 'Sanitation and Water for All' initiative'. Ben Niblett, Head of Campaigns at Tearfund said: "4,000 children die every day from preventable diseases related to poor water, sanitation and hygiene but the international community could stop this. The UK has done the right thing in keeping its aid promise and we hope they will use a good chunk of this money to bring water and sanitation to those who need it."

(BMcC/GK)