Troubles Death Grant Defended

While his co-chair of the Consultative Group on the Past, Lord Eames, has since admitted it may have been a mistake, one of those proposing the payment of £12,000 for every death in the Northern Ireland Troubles has said he would fight on for the payment to be made. Former priest, Denis Bradley (pictured on left with Lord Eames) said he is still firmly behind the controversial proposal. Mr Bradley, speaking at the West Belfast Festival on Monday said: "We recommended the payment not because it came into our heads but because it came from some of the relatives' heads." It was proposed that the families of paramilitary victims, members of the security forces and civilians who were killed would all be entitled to the same amount.

Bid For Chief Constable Job Withdrawn

It was revealed this afternoon that one of the five candidates shortlisted to succeed Sir Hugh Orde as PSNI Chief Constable has withdrawn his application. Bernard Hogan-Howe, who in is charge of the Merseyside police, is understood to be taking on a role at Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary instead. The remaining four other candidates are to be interviewed next week. See: Five On Top Cop Shortlist

Drugs Bust Suspect Held

A Belfast man has been arrested by police in connection with a £16m cannabis seizure nearly 13 years ago. The 1.7 tonnes of drugs were found on a boat docked at Kilrush in Co Clare in November 1996. It is understood it had sailed from Gibraltar. Three crew members - one from Northern Ireland - were arrested at the time. The 46-year-old man arrested on Tuesday morning is being questioned by detectives from the PSNI's organised crime branch.

Gas Cylinder 'Danger Zone'

It emerged yesterday that an exclusion zone has been set up following a fire near Ballygawley. An acetylene cylinder was involved in the blaze at a factory on the Aghnagar Road, which was reported shortly before midday on Monday. Four fire appliances, two from Dungannon and one each from Clougher and Pomeroy, attended the scene. The fire was brought under control by firefighters, but as a precaution the exclusion zone will remain in place until at least Tuesday morning as the 'unexploded bomb' - as such as gas cylinders are treated - is allowed to cool.

Teen Faces Derry Sex Charges

A youth has been returned for trial to the Crown Court next month on a series of sex charges. The 16-year-old boy appeared in court in Londonderry on Monday charged with 24 sex offences against a young girl. Unnamed because of his age, the accused is facing 16 charges of indecent assault and eight of gross indecency after the preliminary enquiry at the city's Magistrates Court. The offences are alleged to have started in October 2004, when he was 10 and the girl was eight, over a four-year period up to 2008.

GAA Robbery Accused Denied Bail

A man accused of carrying out an armed robbery at a Co Armagh GAA club was yesterday unable to get bail to attend his sister's wedding. The court was told that a 77-year-old man was threatened with being shot and tied to a radiator during an hour-and-a-half ordeal at the Eire Og club at Tullygally, Craigavon, last week. One of three men who deny being involved in the robbery - Christopher Carlisle, 24, from Lakeview Court, Drumgor, Craigavon - applied for compassionate bail to attend his sister's wedding on Wednesday. It was refused.

Council Recalled Over Jobs

Derry City Council is to be recalled within the next two weeks from its summer recess to discuss the economic situation in Londonderry. The SDLP has asked for the recall following the announcement last Wednesday that 250 jobs could be lost at Stream International. Mayor Paul Fleming said a meeting would happen shortly, and said he anticipated it within 10 days. See: Call Centre Crisis Threatens 250 Jobs

Rathlin Ahoy! For McGuinness

NI Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness visited Rathlin Island this week on board the new catamaran, 'Rathlin Express', which came into service between Ballycastle and the island earlier in the summer. The Minister's visit - on Monday - came at the midpoint of a consultation process on a draft government policy designed to address challenges experienced by island life. "Our islands hold a special and unique place in our society and culture. I am delighted to be here today onboard the Rathlin Express which will undoubtedly play a significant part in improving the lives of local people as well as enhancing the undoubted tourist potential that this beautiful island holds for visitors," he said. Following his visit, the Deputy First Minister also went to the Corrymeela Community in Ballycastle where he met with groups who are participating in residential programmes there.

(BMcC/KMcA)