Leap In Number Of NI Business Failures

There was a third more business failures in Northern Ireland in the 12 months up to the end of September. The Department of Trade and Industry has revealed that 1,011 bankruptcy orders had also been made in the same period, a rise of almost 8%. Employment statistics issued on Tuesday also show the numbers claiming unemployment benefit in October rose by 1,100. The number claiming unemployment benefit is 30,300 - a four-year high. A DETI statement said the construction industry accounted for 65% of the rise and the unemployment figures also reflected some of the redundancies at Seagate in Limavady, which finally closed its doors in September. Overall, it is estimated that half of the 1,011 bankruptcy orders will have been made by private individuals.

Booze Prices Must Rise, Says Minister

The cost of alcohol must be increased, alcohol-related television advertisements should be banned before 9.00pm and said there needs to be a rigorous enforcement of the licensing law. Those were key actions identified by the Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey, if Northern Ireland is to begin to seriously address its relationship with alcohol. Addressing the Assembly during a debate on alcohol misuse yesterday the Minister said: "Our main problem in Northern Ireland is that we have a very unhealthy attitude towards the use of alcohol. My department is finalising a cross-departmental action plan with a clear focus on the key areas on which I want to see rapid progress and decisive and clear action. The plan will be issued in early December, but I am very clear on the way forward."

Connswater Gets Artistic Festive Boost

Sullivan Upper School has proved it has budding designers in its midst after pupil, Tony McCracken, aged 10, landed first prize in east Belfast's Connswater Shopping Centre Christmas Poster competition. Talented Tony claimed the top spot by painting a colourful image of a Christmas scene, earning him the chance to have his work proudly displayed on a giant-sized poster site in Belfast. The drawing captured the joyfulness of two reindeers and the overall clarity of design made it a winner. Tony also gets the chance to join Santa, who has set up home in a spectacular new grotto, for a special lunch in Connswater's new food court.

Girdwood Barracks Debated

Sinn Fein MLAs for North Belfast, Carál ni Chuilín and Gerry Kelly, have held a meeting with the Northern Ireland Minister for Social Development, Margaret Ritchie on the future development of the area with one of the key items on the agenda being the development of the Girdwood Barrack site. "This was a positive meeting in regards to development with the 26 acre site at Girdwood barracks being key in the delivery of the development of service provision for the north of the city," said the MLAs.

(BMcC)