Other News In Brief

NI Health Minister Resigns

Northern Ireland's Health Minister, Jim Wells, has resigned following controversy over comments about he made linking gay couples and child abuse.

Speaking at an event last week, Mr Wells said children raised by gay couples were "far more likely to be abused and neglected..."

Mr Wells has said that he is stepping down from his position to help care for his wife, ""during her fight for life".

In a statement released today, Mr Wells, said: "Those who know my family and I, know the last three months have been the toughest of our lives as we watched my wife, Grace, suffer two successive strokes and battle through major heart surgery.  Like many families up and down the country who find themselves in similar circumstances our sole motivation has been to support Grace and give her all our support as she has battled for survival."

HIV Self-Test Kit Goes On Sale

A new legally approved HIV self-text kit has gone on sale in England, Scotland and Wales.

The kit, which shows a result in 15 minutes, works by detecting antibodies in a small drop of blood.

However, experts have warned that any positive test should still be verified by a clinic.

Derby Tory Candidate Suspended Over Derogatory Comments About Ed Miliband

Gulzabeen Afsar, a Conservative party candidate standing in Derby, has been suspended for comments in which she referred to Labour leader, Ed Miliband, as "the Jew".

According to reports, Ms Afsar, posted a comment to Facebook, in which she said: "Just can't take Mr Ed Miliband seriously!

"Never ever will I drop that low and support the Al Yahud!".

Al Yahud is Arabic for "the Jew".

A Conservative party spokesman said her comment was "offensive and wrong" and a full disciplinary hearing would follow.

(MH/CD)