NI Economic Downturn 'Past Worst Point'

The recession in Northern Ireland has passed it's worst point according to the Ulster Bank Purchase Managers Index. The index showed private sector business activity and new business fell at much slower rates in May compared with the severe reductions seen around the turn of the year. However the province is still doing worse than any other region of the UK due to a large construction industry and exposure to the Republic's economic problems. Richard Ramsey, Northern Ireland economist at the Ulster Bank, said: "While Northern Ireland's contraction in the private sector activity has now continued into its 18th month, the latest survey reported a further improvement in all indicators."

Female PSNI Chief Suffered Sexism

The PSNI's new deputy chief constable and highest ever ranking woman officer has revealed she was subjected to sexist jokes in her early career. Judith Gillespie, 46, said her appointment showed the extent to which attitudes toward female officers have changed. She believes there is still work to be done to tackle traditional gender imbalances within the service. "For both police officers and staff I think it is an issue that we as an organisation need to be seriously addressing," she said.

Petrol Bomb Attack

There has been a petrol bomb attack on a house in the Doury Road estate, Ballymena.

Two petrol bombs were thrown at the Regents Park home on Sunday night shortly before 11pm. One petrol bomb went through a bedroom window, another hit a wall. No one has been injured but a man was in the property during the attack. Police said a motive for the attack is being examined. Officers have appealed for anybody with information to contact them.

Student To Spend A Month In A Glass Cube

A student plans to spend a month by himself in a glass cube as part of quest to change the world. John Fitzsimons, 22, from Newry, Co Down, will organise charity events or a street art exhibition from the cube in a shopfront at the Great Northern Mall in Belfast.

His only means of communication with the outside world will be via a phone line, broadband and BT Vision entertainment centre. He said: "It is about making tangible things happen, can I affect the outside world? "If you enclose someone away can he still communicate and interact with them through the use of these technologies?"

Spots Still Available For Hospice Run

The Northern Ireland Hospice has called on runners to sign up to be part of a very special team in aid of their local community. The charity has said places are still available to take part in the 2009 Great North Run in September and New York Marathon in November. However, Fundraising co-ordinator Caroline Greer said time is "running out". She said: "For further information and to secure your place please contact fundraising on 028 9078 1836 or alternatively email us at caroline.greer@nihospice.org" The deadline for event registration is Wednesday.

(GK/JM)