Other News In Brief

DUP MLA Congratulates PSNI On Recovering Explosive Device And Firearm.

The DUP's Upper Bann MLA, Carla Lockhart, has congratulated the PSNI after police seized an explosive device and a firearm in the Tarry Drive area of Lurgan on Tuesday, 08 May.

The local MLA said the discovery and removal of the weapon and explosive device "has prevented injury or death".

"The fact that a children's playgroup had to be evacuated demonstrates the disregard those who prepared this device have for the lives of anyone in our community," she said.

"I would congratulate and commend the Police for their continued efforts in keeping the community safe within Lurgan. Over recent weeks their policing operations have resulted in the arrests of those parading with their faces masked and the removal of weaponry designed to kill.

"I would appeal for anyone with information to assist the police in bringing to justice those responsible for putting lives in danger.  Lurgan is a great place to live, work and do business and there is no room for this type of activity.  People do not support it and want these people to face the full force of the law."

O'Neill Writes To PM Over 'Inaccurate' Comments In Westminster

Sinn Féin Deputy Leader, Michelle O'Neill, has written to Prime Minister Theresa May over her "inaccurate, misleading and mischievous" that only the only people being investigated over conflict-related deaths are British armed forces.

Ms O'Neill said the PM's remaks are "deeply insensitive to the loss and pain of hundreds of families who have been bereaved by the British state forces".

"They have caused deep hurt and offence and could even undermine confidence in the rule of law and the administration of justice," she said.

"They are also demonstrably untrue as has been evidenced by official statistics and statements on legacy investigations.

"In light of this, I told Theresa May that I can only conclude that her remarks were inaccurate, misleading and mischievous.

"I have challenged her to withdraw them and to set the record straight. I have also asked her to clarify whether it is now her government's position that British state forces should be above the law and whether the PSNI should no longer have an obligation to follow the evidence in respect of conflict deaths?

"Given the British Government's responsibility for the implementation of the legacy mechanisms agreed at Stormont House, Theresa May's comments are an extremely concerning departure for the wider political process so it is crucial that she now sets the record straight."

McIlroy Aims To Win The Players Championship

NI golfer Rory McIlroy believes he is ready to add the Players Championship title to his glittering CV.

Despite winning four major titles, as well as claiming two World Golf Championship events and four FedEx Cup play-off tournaments, the 29-year-old first attempts to win the so-called 'fifth major' at Sawgrass resulted in three straight missed cuts.

However, since then McIlroy has finished eighth, sixth, eighth and 12th before a tie for 35th place last year.

Speaking at a pre-tournament press conference, McIlroy said: "This is my ninth time here, so I'm not a spring chicken anymore.

"I've got a few years under my belt - and it took me a few years to figure it out - but I've had a few top-10s here.

"I haven't been quite right in contention, but I've been close enough. I think it is about time I stepped up and give myself a chance on Sunday."

(LM)