Lest We Forget

A wreath-laying ceremony was held at the Cenotaph at City Hall yesterday in memory of those who died in conflict. Led by Deputy Lord Mayor Alderman Ruth Patterson and Olympic hero and the Lord Lieutenant of Belfast, Dame Mary Peters, the service began at 11am with the official Act of Remembrance and traditional laying of wreaths. A two-minute silence was also observed as First Minister Peter Robinson, Secretary of State Owen Paterson and PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott looked on'. Commemorations were also taking place in towns and cities across Northern Ireland as part of UK-wide events to honour British soldiers killed in conflict. Shown here is the 11am commemoration at the Co Antrim War Memorial, Knockagh, organised by Whiteabbey Royal British Legion.

Lisburn Alert Slammed

The Lagan Valley Alliance MLA Trevor Lunn has condemned those behind a hoax security alert in the Causeway End Road area on Sunday night. "I am appalled at the disruption caused by those responsible for this hoax alert. Those who seek to cause fear in our society must not be allowed to succeed in creating instability through their deeply irresponsible actions. The community should not have to put up with this kind of behaviour no matter who is responsible. Those involved must be brought to justice and I would appeal to anyone with information on this to contact police immediately."

Last Sermon

The former DUP Leader, the Reverend Ian Paisley is to step down from ministry in the church he helped establish 60 years ago. The 85-year-old former MP, now Lord Bannside, broke the news to his congregation in the Martyrs Memorial Free Presbyterian Church in Belfast. He said he would now take time to write his memoirs. Dr Paisley, who retired as MP for North Antrim after 40 years ahead of the 2010 General Election, was moderator of the church he founded for most of its history.

Booze Battle

In advance of alcohol awareness week 2011, doctors throughout Northern Ireland have called for action to combat alcohol misuse. They said the cost to society of alcohol misuse in Northern is estimated to be £679.8 million and that excessive alcohol consumption costs to the health service in Northern Ireland may be as high as around £160 million each year with a further cost of £82 million to social services and that, in human terms, excessive alcohol consumption costs 266 lives and 140,000 sick days. Dr Vinod Tohani, Chairman of the BMA’s Public Health committee in Northern Ireland said: "The figures are truly shocking and entirely preventable. Doctors are increasingly saddened and frustrated at seeing increasing illness due to alcohol misuse in all age groups." BMA Chairman Paul Darragh, an associate specialist doctor in general medicine added: "The time could not be more opportune to tackle alcohol related harm. As doctors we see the harmful effects of alcohol ranging from accidents injury and violence caused by acute intoxication through to liver failure, psychosis and death."

Frauds Fined

A man was convicted at Londonderry Magistrates' court for claiming benefits he was not entitled to. Daniel Kelly (24) of Osbourne Street, Londonderry was fined £300 and ordered to pay court costs of £28 for wrongful encashment of Jobseekers Allowance totalling £170. A woman was also convicted: Elizabeth Connolly (43) of Elmwood Terrace, Londonderry claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £87,479 while failing to declare she was living with her partner. She was given 200 hours community service.

True Grit

Dr Stephen Farry, Minister for Employment and Learning has congratulated young people who participated in the Gerry Rogan Initiative Trust (GRIT) Experience programme in Ballintoy. The GRIT Experience is a one week intensive personal development and skills-based residential for 16-18 year-olds who are substantially disadvantaged and considered Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) or are at risk of becoming NEET. Presenting certificates of achievement to 16 young men, the Minister said: "I am impressed by the determination and dedication of the young people graduating today. Whatever their background, aspirations or aptitudes, every young person should be given the opportunity to fulfil their potential, enabling them to play an active role in society and gain the skills they need to enter the labour market. I congratulate the Trust and its delivery partners for developing the programme but, most importantly, the course participants on your achievements."

(BMcC/GK)