Other News In Brief

Lord Alderdice Resigns From Presbyterian Church

Lord Alderdice, former speaker of the Assembly, has resigned from the Presbyterian Church over its decision to leave the World Council of Churches.

Alderdice, a Presbyterian elder, is understood to be "particularly concerned" with the Church's decision to "loosen ties with the Church of Scotland due to its views on same-sex relationships".

The Presbyterian Church in Ireland introduced a new policy that means those in a same-sex relationship cannot be a full member of the Church.

Speaking to the BBC's The View, Lord Alderdice said: "It is no longer possible for me to defend the position of the Presbyterian Church.

"It is no longer possible for me to feel that it is an appropriate expression of my faith and so I have decided - after thirty years as an elder and a lifetime as a member of the Presbyterian church - to resign from the eldership and membership of the Presbyterian church.

"That is a very difficult and painful decision, but it is one that has come about over a period of time watching the direction of things."

SDLP Disappointed Of Failure To Financially Support Foyle Cup

The SDLP have said that they are "disappointed that Sinn Féin did not vote in favour of Derry City and Strabane District Council exploring the possibility of awarding an additional £10,000 of funding towards the Foyle Cup.

Councillor Brian Tierney said: "The Foyle Cup is a fantastic event that sees teams come to Derry from all over the world each July.

"The sporting tournament increases revenue from tourism and helps put Derry on the map. The SDLP fully support the Foyle Cup as was outlined by Cllr Shauna Cusack when she was proposing that Council investigate every opportunity to show that commitment.

"It is disappointing that Sinn Fein did not support the possibility of providing extra funding, given it goes a long way to include local communities, especially in a time when communities are working to provide positive activities for young people during the summer months."

Board Of National Museums NI Appointments Extended

The Department for Communities has extended the first term of appointment of the members of the Board of National Museums NI from 01 May 2018 until 31 October 2018.

Professor Karen Fleming, Mrs Daphne Harshaw, Dr Rosemary Kelly and Mr Alan McFarland – who have served on the Board since 01 May 2013 – will remain on the Board until later this year.

(MH/LM)