Man Released Over 1975 Bomb Attack

A man arrested in connection with a fatal bomb attacked on a bar on the Shankhill Road over 36 years ago has been released pending further enquiries.

Five people were killed and 60 others were injured in the attack at Mountainview Tavern on 5 April.

The investigation was reopened following a review by the Historical Enquiries Team.

Creativity Month Launched

Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has launched Creativity Month - a celebration of creativity and the Creative Industries in Northern Ireland.
A series of events and workshops will take place throughout March on the theme of ‘Creative Connections’. The aim is to stimulate new thinking and new collaborations to help creative people, creative ideas and creative businesses to emerge and flourish.

The Minister said: “Our society faces challenges in the economy, education, health, social inclusion, and the environment. Creativity involves connecting things not previously connected. This can include people, organisations, businesses and ideas. These creative connections can stimulate new ways of tackling these problems and finding innovative solutions.”

The Minister unveiled the CreativityNI website, which will list relevant events and evolve into an online hub for creativity across the region. The resource has been developed by Culture NI and the Culture Company behind the Derry~Londonderry City of Culture in 2013.

Durkan Expresses Concern At Bus Pass Proposals

SDLP Social Development Spokesperson Mark H. Durkan has expressed concern at the implications Nelson McCausland’s proposed axing of free bus passes could have for the already struggling pensioners in Derry City.

The Foyle MLA said: “This suggestion of the Minister’s strikes a chord with me, as a huge number of pensioners in my constituency rely on free public transport to enable them to live independent lives.

“Removing free travel will hit those who are not able to afford to get out and about by any other means. Of particular concern are those pensioners who find it difficult to walk long distances and those who have no relatives to chauffeur them in and out of the shops for groceries.

“Means tested travel for pensioners will simply not work, as we have already seen the implications trying to ensure pensioners are not missing out on benefits they are already entitled too. Given that the poverty levels among our elderly population are particularly high, given the ever increasing costs of fuel and food, we must ensure we are not hitting the most vulnerable.”

(CD/GK)