Winter Chaos Misses NI

While Northern Ireland travellers were being warned of further disruptions today as the cold snap tightened its grip and temperatures of just -1C or -2C were reported, Northern Ireland looks set to miss the worst of the winter weather that has plunged much of the British isles into travel chaos. Airport passengers in Great Britain were also braced for a second day of delays as heavy snow swept across England, Wales and Scotland and yesterday, Aer Lingus cancelled all three of its daily flights from Belfast to and from Heathrow, while flights to Leeds/Bradford were also affected and there were delays for those people travelling to and from Edinburgh and Glasgow because of the poor weather conditions. But Northern Ireland has escaped the worst of the Arctic conditions, with snow confined to higher ground last night, and forecasters are predicting an improvement as the week continues.

Wright Move 'Known By McCrea'

An inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the violent death of leading loyalist paramilitary, Billy Wright, has been told that an Ulster MP knew of a threat to kill the loyalist leader a month before he was shot dead in prison. The DUP's Rev William McCrea said he did not tell police about the threat at the time because he did not know who he could trust. LVF leader Wright, who was nicknamed 'King Rat', was shot dead inside the Maze prison in December 1997.

Diane Dodds For Europe?

A crucial DUP meeting tonight is predicted to confirm the wife of its deputy leader as the party's agreed EC election candidate, ahead of east Belfast MLA Robin Newton. Pundits are today saying that the party will confirm Diane Dodds to bid for the MEP opening and to go head to head with the sitting MEP Jim Allister of the break-away TUV.

'Conference' Boosts Music Scene

Musicians and groups involved in the Northern Ireland music industry are to benefit from an innovative two-day 'unConference' in Belfast this week, supported by Belfast City Council. 'UnConvention Belfast' will take place at the Black Box on Friday and Saturday and feature participant-led panels, workshops, speed networking/mentoring and open-floor presentations. It will also showcase some of Belfast’s best musical talent. Among the top industry names sharing their expertise are Johnny Davis from Sony ATV Music Publishing, Tim Parry of Big Life and Dick Millar of Rightsman. The novel format encourages attendees to engage with panellists in themed debates as well as take to the floor themselves to share their insights and experiences. A full list of businesses and industry figures participating in the event can be viewed at the website www.unconventionbelfast.com

(BMcC/JM)