Other NI News In Brief

Windsurfer Saved

There was high drama at the weekend as a man was rescued off the north Antrim coast. Just after 2pm on Sunday, Belfast Coastguard were alerted by a member of the public who saw the surfer blown off his board and heading towards rocks. Diana Gadd, Belfast Coastguard Watch Manager, said: "There were two windsurfers initially but one managed to get himself ashore and look for his missing companion. Due to the severity of the weather and how close inshore the windsurfer had become, it was inappropriate to request the launch of a lifeboat." Ms Gadd said at first the coastguard team were unable to see him – but he was eventually spotted and a helicopter airlifted him to safety – with only minor cuts and bruises.

Business Entries Sought

Local businesses have less than a week left to win their share of a business prize fund worth over £100,000 through the Invest Northern Ireland Innovation & Export Awards 2009. The business focused competition, which is being run in partnership with Ulster Bank, has already attracted interest from companies of all sizes across a range of industry sectors. "With a total prize fund of £105,000 available to winners across five award categories, the quality of applications already received from our clients, particularly smaller locally owned firms, has been very high," said Leslie Morrison, Chief Executive of Invest NI. Entries can be submitted up until 12 noon on 28 November and the companies shortlisted for each category will be announced in December. See: www.innovationandexportawards.com

Wright Says Inquiry Is 'Wrong'

The father of murdered LVF leader Billy Wright has said he has "no confidence" in the lead counsel of the inquiry into the death of his son. It is investigating Wright's murder by republicans in the Maze prison in 1997. David Wright said last week that a request for Angus Stewart QC to be removed had been rejected by the inquiry panel. In June, the former lead counsel, Derek Batchelor QC, left the inquiry claiming he had been sacked. However, the Tribunal Chairman, Lord McLean, said Mr Batchelor had resigned.

Conservative & Unionist Party Re-emerges

It was back to the future last week as Conservative Leader David Cameron welcomed the expected Ulster Unionists' decision to join his party in an electoral pact. The deal will initially see the parties run on a joint ticket in Westminster and European elections in Northern Ireland. Representatives from both parties will form a joint committee to work on cooperation and an electoral strategy. In the period following Margaret Thatcher's signing of the Anglo Irish Agreement in the mid 1980s, Glengall Street party headquarters distanced itself from the official full title of the London-based Conservative & Unionist Party.

Protection Secured For Police

A Tyrone company has won a £6m contract to supply body armour to Scottish police. Hawk Protection Ltd, which is based in Fivemiletown, will manufacture the products for eight police authorities in Scotland. The armour will be able to withstand ballistic, stab and spike threats. Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said the contract proved "Northern Ireland can lead the way in this specialist global market".

CDiff Cases Emerge

Two more patients have been diagnosed with Clostridium Difficile. The Northern Trust said the families of other patients, on a dementia ward, had been told of the situation, on a ward in Holywell Hospital. It follows the diagnosis of three cases of the infection at Altnagelvin Hospital in Londonderry earlier this month.

Armagh Gets Leisure Boost

The £5m refurbishment of the Orchard Leisure Centre, in Armagh is nearing completion, the local council has revealed. Visions Fitness Suite now has an extended gym area, boasting state of the art equipment, including a specialised Easyline circuit. Other finishing touches currently being installed include large LCD TV's, cardio theatre, satellite TV and an air conditioning system. Visions Relaxation Suite will include a steam room, two spa pools, a larger sauna, extensive social area and easy pool access. The Orchard Leisure Centre has also unveiled two refurbished swimming pools, with new tiling, décor, lighting, sound system and a new spectator gallery.

(BMcC)