Ringland Comments Support Alliance Claims About Opposition Pact

The Alliance Party has said the remarks by Trevor Ringland in the Newsletter have backed what Alliance has been saying about opposition to the pact in East Belfast.

Mr Ringland, who stood in 2010 as a UUP-Conservative candidate, said that in a straight fight between Naomi Long and Gavin Robinson, he could not vote for the DUP.

Leader David Ford MLA said: "The remarks by Trevor Ringland have supported Alliance claims about the opposition that we are hearing on the doors from Ulster Unionists to the pact in East Belfast.

"The DUP have taken the voters in East Belfast for granted and assumed that Ulster Unionists would automatically transfer to them. Alliance believes that votes have to be earned through hard work, trust and experience."

Call For Tuition Fees Cap To Be Reduced

All SDLP MPs returning to Westminster will vote to reduce the tuition fees cap imposed by the Conservative/Liberal Democrat coalition government, it has been claimed.

SDLP West Tyrone Candidate Daniel McCrossan said there are "significant financial barriers" to a university education.

Mr McCrossan said: "Those barriers have been raised by the Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition after they blew the lid off the tuition fees cap in one of their first and most devastating attacks on working class families and students.

"We expected no different from the Tories but Nick Clegg and the Liberal Democrats betrayed themselves, their voters and the public by underhandedly rowing in behind Cameron in pursuit of power.

"My generation deserves better. Our brothers, sisters, sons and daughters all deserve better. That's why SDLP MPs will vote to reduce the tuition fees cap in the next parliament."

Three Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

Three people have been convicted for claiming benefits they were not entitled to at at Newtownards Magistrates' Court.

Scott Woods (27) of Ballyree Drive, Bangor claimed Jobseekers Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £6,533 while failing to declare employment. He was given 125 hours community service.

Lee McCullough (28) of Fernwood Street, Belfast claimed Jobseekers Allowance totalling £6,949 while failing to declare employment. He was given 125 hours community service.

Robert Halligan (49) of Mount Merrion Avenue, Belfast claimed Income Support totalling £10,191 while failing to declare employment. He was given 150 hours community service.

All are also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

(CD/JP)