Other News In Brief

UDA Recruitment Posters In Coleraine Condemned

SDLP East Derry MLA John Dallat has condemned those responsible for the appearance of UDA recruitment posters in Coleraine. Posters were found on walls around the Harpar's Hill area of Coleraine.

Mr Dallat said: "The appearance of these UDA 'recruitment' posters is a blatant attempt to raise tensions and shows a flagrant disregard for the rule of law. It is a disappointing reality for many that this latest offence will not come as a big surprise, with flags hanging from hundreds of street lamps and no apparent initiative to take them down.

"The UDA claim that loyalists are being harassed by the PSNI is a falsehood and typical of what bullyboys scream when they don’t get their own way at every turn.

"Through the website of their so-called political wing, the Ulster Political Research Group (UPRG), the UDA is drumming up hate against innocent Catholic individuals and businesses for no other reason than to promote sectarianism and attempt to reclaim a power base which they used in the past to murder innocent Catholics and Protestants in North Antrim and East Derry.

"History must not be allowed to repeat itself and both the British and Irish Governments need to be acutely aware that the principles and aspirations of the Good Friday Agreement are being flouted by an illegal organisation which, far from hiding in fear of prosecution, is now openly putting up posters looking for 'volunteers' in Coleraine."

United Airlines To Reinstate Direct Service Between Belfast And New York

Sinn Féin MLA Máirtín Ó Muilleoir has welcomed the announcement United Airlines are to reinstate its direct service between Belfast and New York during the months of January through March.

Mr Ó Muilleoir said: "This announcement that the direct route between Belfast and New York is to be reinstated is great news given the number of people here who travel to the U.S. throughout the year and the business lifeline it provides for foreign direct investment.

"Not only will this allow American travellers, including business people and tourists, to travel to and from Belfast but it will also help secure jobs at the International Airport. On my visits to meet management & staff at the airport, I am left left in no doubt about their resolve to grow this business dramatically."

Sports Minister Congratulates Team Ireland

Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has congratulated Team Ireland on an incredible performance at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles.

The team won 86 medals, 26 of which were gold in the Games which attracted athletes from throughout the world.

The Minister said: "This has been a highly successful Games for Team Ireland and I congratulate all the athletes on their efforts. They have done everyone proud and I also commend their coaches, their families and the many volunteers who have worked collectively to make events such as this possible.

"Team Ireland performed strongly throughout the Games, securing medals from day one right through to the end, with an incredible six gold, six silver and five bronze being won on the final day of competition. Overall the team won 26 gold, 29 silver and 31 bronze medals, as well as 43 placement ribbons. Team Ireland athletes also recorded 31 personal bests, meaning they truly brought their 'A' game when it counted."

(CD)