On this day in Northern Ireland news history

65-Year-Old Woman Jailed Over Terrorism-Related Offences
A 65-year-old woman has been jailed for four years having previously been found guilty of terrorism-related offences. Named by the PSNI as Fionnghuala Mary Teresa Dympna Perry, she was sentenced today, Wednesday 17 May, at Belfast Crown Court.

NI Children 'Amongst Best Readers In The World'
Young people aged 9 -10 in Northern Ireland are amongst the best readers in the world, according to an international survey of pupil achievement.

Spirit AeroSystems Belfast Announces Job Fair
Spirit AeroSystems Belfast (Spirit) has announced a job fair on Saturday, 20 May, in an effort to fill more than 100 vacancies. The hiring event will be at the Spirit's facility on Doagh Road, Newtownabbey, and will run from 10am to 3pm.

Operation Encompass Now Operating Across All NI Schools
A new scheme to support young people affected by violence and abuse in the home is now fully operational across all 1.162 schools and EOTAS (Education Other Than at School) centres in Northern Ireland.

18-Year-Old Arrested In Connection With Multiple Assaults In Lurgan
An 18-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the assault of a number of people, including police officers, in Lurgan. Shortly after 1pm on Tuesday, 16th May, police were called to reports of an ongoing disturbance at a property in the Filbin Crescent area.

Alliance Calls For 'More Investment In Childcare, Not Less'
The Alliance Party has called for more investment in childcare, not less, following the news that funding for Bright Start – the Executive's programe for affordable and integrated childcare – is facing cuts.

PSNI Investigate Three Separate Incidents Across Co Down
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information on three incidents in County Down on Monday 15 May, which they believe are connected. At around 6.

PHA Highlights Support For Those Impacted By Anxiety
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has highlighted the help and support available for those impacted by anxiety. Marking Mental Health Awareness Week, the PHA is raising awareness of what we can do when experiencing anxiety.

NI Water Calls For End Of Anti-Social Behaviour At Woodburn Reservoir
NI Water have called for an end to ongoing anti-social behaviour at Woodburn Reservoir in County Antrim. The public has been asked to be vigilant in light of recently reported anti-social behaviour, including the use of quad bikes and scramblers.

New Law To Be Introduced To Change NI Protocol
A new law is to be introduced to implement changes to the Northern Ireland Protocol, which will be "legal under international law", Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has announced.

'Last Ditch Talks' Avoid Translink Bus Strike
Strike action by Ulsterbus and Metro workers due to begin today, 17 May, has been suspended after "last ditch talks". Translink drivers, cleaners and shunters had been due to begin a week long strike from today until 23 May, effectively shutting down NI's entire bus network.

Man Stabbed Multiple Times In North Belfast
A man, aged in his 30s, is being treated in hospital following a serious stabbing incident in north Belfast. Police have issued an appeal for information after the man was stabbed a number of times in a incident at his own flat at Queen's Parade in the New Lodge areas.

PSNI Supports LGBTQIA Community Awareness Day
The PSNI has said that it is pleased to be supporting International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), which takes place today, Tuesday 17 May.

Petrol Bomb Thrown At Home In Coleraine
Police in Coleraine have issued an appeal for information and witnesses after a petrol bomb was thrown at a property in the Mossvale Park area of the town in the early hours of this morning, Monday 16th May. Making the appeal, Sergeant McCann said: "At around 2.

Fresh Appeal For Information On Ongoing Institutional Abuse Investigation
The PSNI has issued a fresh appeal for information in an ongoing investigation into allegations of physical and sexual abuse involving Mother and Baby Institutions, Work Houses and Magdalene Laundries, first launched on 6th October 2021.

Belfast To 'Roll Back The Years' For Jubilee Celebrations
Belfast is set to "roll back the years" with a programme of special events to mark The Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

Mental Health Athlete Mentorship Announced For Secondary School Pupils
Hundreds of secondary school pupils are to benefit from a dedicated Mental Health Athlete Mentorship programme delivered by Lidl Northern Ireland as part of the retailer's established 'Sport for Good' initiative which aims to tackle mental health head on.

New Active Travel Route Announced For Titanic Quarter
A new pedestrian walkway, cycleway and road is to be developed to connect Titanic Quarter and Queen's Island, benefitting commuters, residents and visitors.

Doug Beattie Deemed Elected As New UUP Leader
Doug Beattie has been deemed elected as the new leader of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP). The Upper Bann Assembly member will succeed Steve Aiken in the role after it was confirmed he was the only candidate to put his name forward for election.

Watchdog Report Finds No Police Bias Over Bobby Storey Funeral
A watchdog report into the police handling of the funeral of senior republican Bobby Storey has found that the PSNI prioritised public security over enforcement of Covid-19 regulations without showing bias.

Poots: Removing NI Protocol Is Top Priority
The incoming DUP leader has said getting rid of the Northern Ireland Protocol will be his top priority in the coming months. Edwin Poots is planning to meet with Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Taoiseach Michael Martin within to try and resolve the post-Brexit trade arrangements.

Four Teenage Boys Attacked In Portrush
Four teenage boys have been attacked by a group of between 30 to 50 youths in what police are describing as an "unprovoked and vicious" assault in Portrush. The teen swede approached by the gang who suggested a fight on East Starnd beach at around 7.30pm on Saturday, 15 May.

Appeal Issued To Find Two Brothers From North Belfast
Police have issued an appeal to find two boys from north Belfast who have been missing since Friday, 14 MAy. Patrick Hovarth, aged five, and his brother Fabricio, aged 8, were last seen getting into a back Ford car in the Limestone Road area on Friday evening.

Man Arrested On Suspicion Of Attempted Murder
A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a serious attack in Belfast. The 42-year-old injured man was found with a head injury on the Upper Newtownards Road at around 4am on Sunday, 16 May. A 34-year-old man was arrested at the scene.

NI Crime Rates Up 2.9%
Annual crime figures for Northern Ireland have revealed a rise of 2.9% last year compared to the previous 12 months. The PSNI recorded 109,995 offences between April 2018 and March 2019, representing an increase of 2,875.

Arrests After Attempted ATM Theft In Belfast
Four people have been arrested following an attempted ATM theft from a service station in east Belfast this morning, Friday 17 May. Officers cordoned off an area at a shop on the Gilnahirk Road as enquiries continue.

New Guide Aims To Reduce Farming Emissions
A guide to help farmers improve the environment by reducing their emissions has been launched by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DEARA).

Integrated Primary School Opens In Omagh
A new integrated primary school has officially opened in Co Tyrone today. Pupils and staff of Omagh Integrated Primary celebrated the development following completion of a £7 million project.

Tours Introduced At Carrick-A-Rede
A new partnership between the National Trust and Dalriada Kingdom Tours has facilitated the delivery of guided tours at Carrick-a-Rede.

Cyber Security Scholarships Launched At QUB
As Northern Ireland's cyber security industry gains in investment attraction, Queen's University Belfast is offering 40 full scholarships worth over half a million pounds for a specialist programme.

Party Leaders Call For Abuse Victim Compensation
Political leaders in Northern Ireland have penned a joint letter to the Secretary of State Karen Bradley urging her to bring forward legislation to compensate victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse.

Warning As Items Thrown Onto Motorway
The PSNI has issued a warning following reports of young people throwing items onto a motorway in Ballymena, Co Antrim. A number of incidents have taken place in recent days, with various items thrown from the Crebilly Road flyover onto the M2 below.

£600k Sports Funding Boost For Schools
Primary schools across Northern Ireland are set to benefit from a new £600,000 sports coaching programme. Funded by the Department of Education, the sports and emotional resilience scheme will be run by the GAA and Irish Football Association.

Possible Link In Belfast Street Robberies
Police are investigating a link between four street robberies in Belfast City Centre this week. A 30-year-old man was arrested following the incidents on Wednesday evening, 15 May. The first robbery occurred on the Grosvenor Road at around 10.

Public Apology Issued After Neurology Patients Recalled
The Department of Health has issued an apology to over 2,500 neurology patients who are being recalled following an independent review. The Belfast Health and Social Care Trust announced the recall following a probe into the work of neurology consultant Dr Michael Watt.

New Business Crime Prevention Plan Launched
New plans have been developed to tackle criminality that threatens the livelihood of the local commercial sector, as a result of collaborative work between the Business Crime Partnership (BCP) and the business community in Northern Ireland.

Hundreds Of New Homes To Be Developed In Co Down
Approximately 50 construction jobs are to be created as part of a £50million project to develop 900 new homes in Comber, Co Down.

Appeal Issued After Cars Set On Fire In L'Derry
Police have launched an investigation after several cars were set alight in Co L'Derry. A white BMW 3 series and a Renault Clio were set on fire in the Garrymore Place area at around 1.30am on Thursday, 17 May.

Investigation Launched Following Fire At Herdman's Mill
An investigation has launched following a blaze at Herdman's Hill in Sion Mills. Police believe that the fire was started deliberately. Crews from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) attended the scene in Co Tyrone at around 7.45pm on Wednesday, 16 May.

DfI To Appeal Decision Over Controversial Incinerator Project
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) is to appeal a judge's decision over a planning application for the controversial incinerator project. The proposed arc21 Residual Waste Treatment facility in Mallusk, Co Antrim, was blocked by the High Court on Monday, 14 May.

Christine Lampard Announces Pregnancy
Northern Ireland television presenter Christine Lampard has confirmed she is pregnant with her first child. Christine, who is married to former footballer Frank, shared their news on Instagram. Frank shared: "We have some exciting news we wanted to share with you. The Lampard family is growing.

Man Charged With Rasharkin Murder
A man, aged 36, has been charged with murder following the death of a man near Rasharkin in 2017. The body of Polish national Eugeniusz Sinko was found at a property in the Townhill Road area on Sunday, 22 October.

NI's Director Of Public Prosecutions To Step Down
Northern Ireland's Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has confirmed he is stepping down. Barra McGrory QC will step down in September this year. He was the first Catholic to hold the post of DPP when he was appointed in 2011.

PSNI: Number Of Sex Offences At Highest Level In Almost Two Decades
The number of sex offences in Northern Ireland has hit its highest level in almost two decades, according to the latest PSNI crime statistics for 2016/17. The number of recorded sexual offences increased by 4% on the previous year. Domestic abuse incidents rose by 2.

InterTradeIreland Announce Business Brexit Advisory Service
InterTradeIreland have announced a new Brexit Advisory Service, providing up-to-date information to help Northern Ireland businesses navigate Brexit.

Man Being Held On Remand Dies In Maghaberry Jail
A man being held on remand at Maghaberry Prison has died, according to the Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS). His body was found at the prison near Lisburn on Wednesday morning, 17 May. His next of kin have been informed and investigations have been launched.

Plans Approved For One Bankmore Square
Planning permission has been given for the redevelopment of the Movie House Cinema on Belfast's Dublin Road. The Planning Committee has approved plans for "the single biggest office block ever to be built in the city centre".

Belfast Giants Appoint New Head Coach
Mr Adam Keefe has been appointed the new Head Coach of the Belfast Giants. He captained the Giants from 2012/13 until the most recent season, 2016/17, and during his six seasons in Belfast played in 352 games and posted 56 goals, 78 assists, 134 points as well as 1,082 penalty minutes.

Police Search Uncovers Suspected Pipe Bombs
An investigation has been launched following the discovery of four suspected pipe bombs and gun parts in Portadown. It is understood the devices were found by police during a search operation in the People's Park area of the town.

Cigarettes, Tobacco And Cash Seized In Raids
Cigarettes, tobacco and money have been seized following a series of searches at six commercial premises in Belfast and Newtownabbey. HMRC officials and police from the PSNI's Reactive and Organised Crime Brand seized approximately 6,000 cigarettes, 2kg of tobacco and a "substantial" sum of money.

Drop In Number Of People Claiming Unemployment Benefits
The number of people claiming unemployment benefits has dropped over the past month. According to the latest labour market statistics, 31,500 people claimed in April, 200 less than in March. The figures also showed a 5.3% unemployment rate for the past three months.

Police Appeal For Missing Man Sam Comber
Police are appealing for information to help trace missing man Sam Comber. He went missing from the Cullion area of L'Derry on Sunday, 14 May. Mr Comber was last seen in the Ice Wharf on Sunday afternoon.

'Terrorist Hide' Discovered In Co Antrim
A 'terrorist hide' containing components which could have formed part of a bomb has been found in a forest in County Antrim. The discovery was made at Capanagh Forest near Larne on Saturday, 14 May. The items have been removed for forensic examination, according to the police.

Daniel Murray Murder: Man Arrested
A 32-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the murder of Daniel Murray. Mr Murray, a takeaway delivery driver, was shot in his car on Lady Street in west Belfast last Monday, 10 May. His funeral took place at Holy Trinity Church yesterday, 16 May.

Infrastrata Claims Drilling Has Started In Co Antrim
Gas storage firm Infrastrata has confirmed on its website that it has started drilling at Woodburn Forest in Co Antrim. However, those monitoring the site said there is no evidence that work is underway. Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson said confirmation was needed around the situation at the site.

Warning Issued To Parents Over Fake Facebook Account
Police have issued a warning to parents and young people over a fake Facebook account encouraging people to take part in an online audition to be a model. Several youths have been contacted via Facebook for an online modelling audition.

Co Fermanagh Named Friendliest Place In The UK
County Fermanagh has been named the friendliest place in the UK, according to a new poll. The poll, part of the Big Lottery's Big Lunch, also included five other counties in Northern Ireland in the top ten. Counties Armagh, Antrim, Tyrone L'Derry and Down were also included in the top ten.

Road In East Belfast Closed Overnight Following Fire
A road in east Belfast was closed overnight after bonfire material was set alight by youths. The emergency services attended the scene on the Beersbridge Road on Monday night, 16 May. One fire appliance was at the scene and extinguished the blaze. The road has now been reopened.

'Start By Doing' Business Workshop Announced
Entrepreneurs have been invited to take part in a 'Start By Doing: Activate Workshop' being held tonight, 17 May, at the City East Business Centre. Activate is a business-based workshop designed to help those with a "specific and definitive business idea" to develop a mini business plan.

Man Arrested After Car Damaged In Co Antrim
A man has been arrested following reports of a car acting suspiciously in the Ballyclare area in Co Antrim.

Irish Singer Sinead O'Connor Found Safe
Irish singer Sinead O'Connor has been found safe and well, according to US police. The Nothing Compares 2 U singer was reported missing on Sunday, 15 May. However, according to Wilmette Police in Illinois she has been found "safe and well". No further details have been released.

Teen Arrested With 'Swag Bag' Full Of iPads In L'Derry
A teenager with a 'swag bag' full of iPads and cameras has been arrested by police in L'Derry. Officers were alerted following reports an alarm had been activated at the Holy Family Primary School at around 4am on Monday, 16 May.

City Hall To Host Upcoming Event To Help Businesses 'Start Up'
Local entrepreneurs or people planning to start their own business will get essential help and guidance, thanks to a 'one-stop shop' event in the City Hall this June. 'Start Up Belfast' will be held in the Banqueting Hall on Wednesday 5 June.

Shots Fired At PSNI
Alliance Policing Board member Trevor Lunn MLA has expressed his concern at reports that shots were fired in the vicinity of police officers who were responding to a bogus call of a burglary in the Foxes Glen area of Dunmurry on Thursday afternoon.

New Service Launched To Help People With Respiratory Conditions
Health Minister Edwin Poots has announced a new service aimed at helping people with respiratory conditions who are taking multiple medications to manage their medicines more effectively.

Man Dies During Race In The Mournes
A man in his 60s has died while taking part in a race in the Mourne Mountains. The man began feeling unwell half way through the race on Thursday evening. The emergency services were alerted, however despite attempts to revive him, he died at the scene.

Teen Shot In Both Legs By A Gang Of Masked Men
A teenager has been shot in both legs in north Belfast on Thursday night. The attack happened at Manor Close at around 22.10pm. A group of masked men forced there way into a house and shot the 18-year-old man once in each leg. His injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

Ministers Spent £350k On Trips Last Year
Official figures from the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) has revealed it has spent more than £350k in the past year. Since last April, a total of £357,042 has been spent on flights, transport and accommodation for seven trips.

Magennis Criticises 'Reckless' Attack On Police
A 26-year-old man is being questioned in relation to a gun attack on police officers in West Belfast. Three officers were responding to a report of a burglary in the Foxes Glen area of Dunmurry on Thursday when the attack happened.

Patient Dies After Ambulance Crashes
A male patient has died after the ambulance he was in crashed in Belfast on Thursday. The seriously ill man, believed to be in his 50s, was being taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital when the ambulance and a car collided on the Grosvenor Road, at its junction with the Westlink.

230 New Teaching Posts Announced
Education Minister John O'Dowd has announced a scheme to recruit 230 new teachers in NI.

Carrickfergus Company In US Business Breakthrough
Dr Vicky Kell, Invest NI Trade Director, and Kyle Gallagher, Managing Director, The Luxury Planter Collection, pictured with one of the Carrickfergus company’s planters used to manage cigarette waste.

Ireland Players To Wear Black Armbands
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) today confirmed that its players will commemorate the 18th anniversary of the 1994 atrocity in Loughinisland, Co Down by wearing black arm bands when they face Italy at EURO 2012 on June 18.

Nicholson To Run For Europe
Jim Nicholson, UUP MEP, has confirmed he will stand again at the next European elections. He made the announcement at the Balmoral Show today.

Abduction Of Man In Derry Condemned
SDLP Foyle MLA Pat Ramsey has condemned the abduction and beating of a young man from Derry, who was kidnapped and abandoned in the village of Muff last week.

Lyttle Receives Petition From Victims And Survivors At Stormont
Alliance OFMDFM spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA has received a petition from Victims and Survivors at Stormont today over a shortfall in support for them. The petition was organised by the WAVE Trauma centre.

McDevitt Launches Consultation Into 20mph Speed limits
SDLP South Belfast MLA, Conall McDevitt, has launched a consultation seeking views on a reduction in speed limits from 30mph to 20mph on designated unclassified roads as part of his bid to introduce legislation through a Private Members Bill in the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Vandals Set Electricity Substation On Fire
Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) has strongly condemned vandals who deliberately set on fire an electricity substation in the Ballysillan area of Belfast yesterday afternoon.

Equality Commission Calls For Homophobia To Be Challenged
"Nine years since the first anti-discrimination law on sexual orientation was introduced in Northern Ireland, homophobic attitudes and discrimination still have a daily impact on the lives of too many gay and lesbian people," the Chief Commissioner of the Equality Commission Michael Wardlow said tod

Committee Recommends Action On Air Travel Tax
The Assembly Committee for Finance and Personnel today published a report on the proposed devolution of powers on Air Passenger Duty, ahead of an Assembly debate on Monday 28 May. The Committee sets out steps to minimise the extra burden which Air Passenger Duty places on the local economy.

Foster Welcomes Dale Farm As Irish Open Sponsors
Tourism Minister Arlene Foster has welcomed today's announcement that Dale Farm will be an official sponsor of the Irish Open at Royal Portrush. Dale Farm is the largest dairy business in Northern Ireland and has operations throughout the UK and Ireland.

Protests Muted As Queen Remembers Rebellion
Fireworks, bottles and other missiles were thrown at the Irish police and seven people arrested this afternoon in protests against the Queen's visit.

Queen Arrives At Áras an Uachtaráin
The Queen has arrived in Dublin where a guard of honour and a band are greeting the royal couple at Áras an Uachtaráin.

Terrorist Bomb Blights Royal Visit To Ireland
Despite security analysis that indicated there wouldn't be any terrorist bombing in the Irish State, a bomb has been planted on a Dublin-bound bus overnight. Irish Army bomb disposal officers later dealt with the 'viable device' after it were detected close to Dublin.

Stormont Minister Signals A5 Slow-down
The future of a major cross-border road project is now up for review with news that the Stormont Regional Development Minister, Danny Kennedy, is to look again at plans for the western corridor development.

UTV Cautious On Future Outlook
A continuing environment of economic uncertainty has led to a cautious outlook at UTV in Belfast - but with some good news too.

Stormont Minister Signals A5 Slow-down
The future of a major cross-border road project is now up for review with news that the Stormont Regional Development Minister, Danny Kennedy, is to look again at plans for the western corridor development.

Attwood 'To Make NI A Better Place'
NI's build heritage is in good hands, according to the newly installed SDLP Minister for the Environment, Alex Attwood. He has welcomed his portfolio, describing it as an exciting challenge: "I am delighted to accept the environment portfolio which is both exciting and diverse.

Belfast Rent Prices Climb 4%
Property renters living in and around Belfast are paying 4.2% more in rent than they did a year ago, according to the results of a new report published today.

NI Firm's Savings 'Fuels Success'
An NI firm that specialises in oil storage products and undertakes contract moulding for the environmental, construction services and food service sectors in a number of markets has been boosted. Invest Northern Ireland has helped Clarehill Plastics to save over £1.

Britivic Buys NI Drinks Wholesaler
The massive international soft drinks brand, Britvic, has announced that it had bought Co Tyrone-based drinks wholesaler Quinn's from C&C-owned Tennents for an undisclosed sum.

Dublin Builders Get Social Housing Boost
Dublin is to get much needed social housing with news that a public housing development is to be built in the city. The public-private partnership (PPP) scheme will be the first since the collapse of the scheme in 2008.

No Fly Zone For NI Partially Lifted
There were no flights in or out of NI airports again this morning.

Worse To Come As Antrim Patients Wait
Last week's decision to close casualty facilities in two hospitals has again been slammed. As news emerged that 18 people were waiting on trolleys for treatment at Antrim Area Hospital Casualty Department on Sunday, a politician has spoken out.

Sea Drama Follows North West 200
There were several emergency costal incidents over the North West 200 weekend. First, a spectator who fell from a cliff at Portrush has been left in a critical condition in hospital after he fell about 60ft.

Developer Ends Planning Challenge
A leading property developer has ended his legal challenge to a new planning framework for the north coast of Northern Ireland. Seymour Sweeney, owner of Seaport Developments, had initiated High Court challenges to the Draft Northern Area Plan (DNAP).

Ulster Museum Nominated For Arts Prize
The revamped Ulster Museum has been nominated for the UK's largest single arts prize. The shortlist for the £100,000 Art Fund Prize 2010 incorporates a wide range of museums that have seen major redevelopments over the past year.

Developer Ends Planning Challenge
A leading property developer has ended his legal challenge to a new planning framework for the north coast of Northern Ireland.

Lisburn Targets Multi-Million Pound Scheme
Hundreds of jobs are likely in Co Antrim as the City of Lisburn revealed major building plans for apartments, offices, restaurants and a hotel in the city centre last week.

Ulster Museum Nominated For Arts Prize
The revamped Ulster Museum has been nominated for the UK's largest single arts prize. The shortlist for the £100,000 Art Fund Prize 2010 incorporates a wide range of museums that have seen major redevelopments over the past year.

UU Property Experts Aid Mauritius
Property valuation specialists from the University of Ulster have been helping to train Ministry of Finance government officials in far-off Mauritius.

Lisburn Targets Multi-Million Pound Scheme
Hundreds of jobs are likely in Co Antrim as the City of Lisburn revealed major building plans for apartments, offices, restaurants and a hotel in the city centre last week.

Cowen 'Failed' On Property: Adams
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said that the Irish government has "failed the people" and lambasted premier Brian Cowen's suggestion that there were no warnings about the collapse of the property market.

Pair found guilty over Father's Day killing
The wife of County Armagh man Paul Crymble, who was killed almost three years ago, and her lover, have been found guilty of his murder. Jacqueline Crymble, 35 and Roger Ferguson, aged 21, were found guilty of killing the 35-year-old from Richill.

Man jailed for 16 years for rape
A County Down man has been jailed for 16 years for the rape and abuse of his daughter and stepdaughter. A judge told the man he was spared an 18-year sentence as he suffers from a heart condition.

Announcement of post office closures expected
Up to 200 post offices in Northern Ireland may be forced to shut following the government’s decision to press ahead with a mass closure. It is thought that 2,500 small post offices in total could close across the United Kingdom in the shake up.

Police seize “significant” amount of drugs
Detectives in County Antrim have seized drugs with a street value of around £120,000. The cocaine was found when police searched a car at Larne Road in Ballymena, yesterday evening. The Police Service of Northern Ireland described the haul as “significant”.

NI First Minister to meet Salmond
Northern Ireland First Minister Ian Paisley has announced he is looking forward to working with his Scottish equivalent, Alex Salmond. He also revealed Mr Salmond will be travelling to meet him within weeks.

Madeleine vigil held in Downpatrick
A vigil has taken place in Downpatrick to show support for missing child Madeleine McCann. Around 100 people joined the vigil held at Millennium Square at 7pm on Wednesday to pray for the four-year-old girl who has been missing for over two weeks while on a family holiday in Portugal.

Princess Royal visits Balmoral Show
Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, has visited the Balmoral Show at the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) Show Grounds in Belfast. The three day event, described as Ireland’s largest Agricultural Show, is now in its 139th year and regularly attracts around 70,000 visitors.

Development Minister opens Valley visitors centre
Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy MP MLA, today officially opened the new Visitors Centre at Silent Valley. Features at the centre include an interactive educational area where visitors’ can learn facts about water conservation and the water cycle and a wildlife sound booth.

Vauxhall to cut 900 jobs
Vauxhall has confirmed that it is to make 900 job cuts at its Ellesmere Port plant in Cheshire. General Motors (GM) management said that greater productivity was needed from the plant after a meeting with union officials this morning.

Funeral service for murdered schoolboy takes place
The funeral of murdered schoolboy Michael McIlveen has taken place in his home town of Ballymena. The 15-year-old died last Monday after being beaten to death by a gang as he returned home after a night out with friends at the weekend, in what is believed to have been a sectarian attack.

Ballymena man remanded over Fleming murder
A 25-year-old man has appeared in Ballymena Magistrates Court today, charged with the murder of Patrick Fleming in Coleraine at the weekend. Desmond Andrew Heaney, from Dunclug Park in Ballymena, denied the charge, saying that he was "definitely not guilty". He was remanded in custody.

Finucane murderer may be released
The man convicted with the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane, could be released from prison. Ken Barrett, was given a life sentence in 2004, after admitting to being involved in the murder in 1989.

Sinn Fein call for Orange free Parades Commission
Sinn Fein has met with the Parade Commission today, following yesterday's resignation of Portadown Orangeman Don McKay, after a row over references. Yesterday, Mr McKay resigned from the Parades Commission after weeks of controversy over his appointment.

Man in critical condition after Newry crash
A man is in a critical condition following a road traffic collision involving three vehicles in Newry, County Down yesterday evening. Two cars and a van were involved in the incident, which happened on the Dublin Road in Newry, shortly after 10pm.

NI employment rate increases
Employment in Northern Ireland has increased since the last quarter and and the unemployment rate remains below the UK average, according to new government figures released today.

Landmark development set for Derry City Centre
A derelict site in the Foyle Street area of Londonderry, is to be transformed into a landmark development in a bid to set new standards for the city centre.

Counterfeit goods seized during police raid
Around £75,000 of counterfeit goods have been recovered by police during a planned search operation in north Belfast yesterday.

Mini-tornado hits Buncrana
A mini-tornado has struck a County Donegal town, causing substantial damage. Ardavan Square in Buncrana, was hit by strong winds just after 7pm last night, leaving homes, cars and trees seriously damaged.

Internet made accessible for NI homes
A new CD Rom, aimed at making the Internet easy and accessible for everyone is to be sent to every household throughout Northern Ireland. The CD has been launched today as part of the upcoming Adult Learners Week beginning on May 22 and ending on May 26.

Modern Apprentice of the year named
A young ICT apprentice from West Belfast has been unveiled as the Modern Apprentice of the Year 2006. Gerard O Hara, an apprentice ICT manager at St Colm’s High School in the city, collected the award at a ceremony at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall.

Boat builder eyes overseas markets
Valkyrie Craft, Canoes and Classic Boats, a new Coleraine-based company, is being assisted by Invest Northern Ireland to develop innovative products for export.

Royal Mail workers benefit from record profits
Royal Mail workers are set to receive bonuses of £1,074, following the announcement of record profits of £537 million for the year 2004-05. The national mail service reported the record profits today – an increase of 144% on the £220 million profits announced in the last financial year.

Easyjet chief executive to step down
Easyjet has announced that chief executive Ray Webster is to step down after ten years with the company. Mr Webster described his time with Easyjet as the “highlight” of his long career in the airline business, but admitted that he had to make “some personal costs”.

M&S announce new chairman
Marks and Spencer have announced that chairman Paul Myners will step down at the company’s annual general meeting in July 2006.

Police question man in connection with Omagh bombing
A man from the Armagh area has been arrested in connection with police inquiries into the 1998 Omagh bombing. A police spokesperson said that the 37-year-old who was arrested today is being questioned at Antrim police station.

Firefighter treated in hospital following attack
A firefighter has been treated in hospital following an attack by a gang in west Belfast on Monday. He was attacked by around 20-youths as he and colleagues tried to distinguish a pile of burning rubbish at Blacks Road, around 9pm.

Police continue to question man in 1981 murder probe
Police are still questioning a man in connection with the murder of a nine-year-old girl nearly 25 years ago. Jennifer Cardy, from Ballinderry in Co Antrim, was snatched as she cycled to a friend's house in August 1981.

Bikesafe campaign to combat motorcycle deaths
The PSNI and Department of the Environment (DoE) have used the first day of practice at the North West 200 races to focus on this year's Bikesafe campaign.

Teenage girl escapes serious injury in pellet gun shooting
It has emerged that a 13-year-old girl has escaped serious injury after being struck in the face by a pellet. The incident, which occurred in the Gobnascale area of the Waterside on Sunday, saw the girl fired on by a person in a passing car from either a BB gun or an air pistol.

Hanson extends 'Lock Out' scheme in NI
New Criminal Justice Minister David Hanson has announced a reduction in the eligibility age for the 'Lock Out Crime Scheme'. The move reduces the age for the scheme bringing those aged 65 and over and claiming housing benefit and rent or rate rebate into the scheme.

Moy Park announces £40m investment plans
Leading food processing company Moy Park has announced plans to invest £40 million at its four plants across Northern Ireland. The investment, which is being backed with £6 million by Invest NI, aims to facilitate capability development at its plants in Craigavon, Dungannon, Moira and Lisnaskea.

Lottery boost for community and voluntary groups across NI
Eleven projects across Northern Ireland are to share over £1 million from the National Lottery Good Cause Distributor under its Voluntary and Community Sector programme.

UU researchers to help deal with dementia
Researchers from the University of Ulster have joined a UK-wide network aimed at finding new and improved way for hospitals, nursing homes and individual carers cope with dementia patients who go wandering.

Police launch murder inquiry in Lisburn
Police have launched a murder inquiry after the body of a man was found in Lisburn, Co Antrim on Sunday. The man's body was discovered by police at a house in the Church Road area of the City at around 10.45pm.

Woman left 'badly shaken' in car hijacking
A woman has been left badly shaken after her car was hijacked by two men in west Belfast on Sunday. The woman, who is in her 20s, was returning to her vehicle on the Upper Springfield Road at around 7.

Suspect devices found outside SF member's house
Two suspect devices have been found outside the home of a Sinn Féin member in Co Antrim on Monday. Army technical experts were called to the home of the man, who has not been named, on the Doury Road in Ballymena at around 7am.

House targeted in suspected petrol bomb attack
Police in Co Down are appealing for information following a suspected petrol bomb attack at a house in Saintfield. The incident occurred at a property on the Listooder Road at around 12.45am on Monday.

Off-duty soldier dies in parachute jump
An off-duty soldier taking part in a parachute jump in Co Londonderry at the weekend has died. Sergeant David Halls, 43, was killed on Saturday as he took part in the civilian jump at the Wild Geese Parachute Centre, near Garvagh.

Trimble warns paramilitaries against 'hotting up' summer violence
Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble has warned paramilitaries that, in the wake of the first Independent Monitoring Commission (IMC) Report, any plans they may have to escalate violence over the summer will only led to a harsher second report and many more sanctions in the autumn.

Leading Irish journalist dies of cancer
Secretary of State, Paul Murphy has paid tribute to leading Irish journalist and author Jack Holland who died on Saturday. A former senior editor with 'The Irish Echo' the 56-year-old died in New York after losing a short battle against cancer.

Further reductions in barriers facing people with disabilities
Winners of 'Rights and Participation' projects have been lauded for their positive steps in bringing down barriers facing people with disabilities.

Former Clinton aide gives UU lecture
Former US President Bill Clinton’s Special Advisor on Northern Ireland, Dr James Lyons has compared recent US economic activity in Northern Ireland to the Marshall Plan, the post-Second World war plan for UK reconstruction.

Licensing proposals for arenas laid at Westminster
New legislation that will allow indoor arenas to apply for a licence to sell alcohol has been laid at Westminster. Social Development Minister, John Spellar said the proposed Order would enable large indoor arenas such as the Odyssey Arena to apply for such a licence.

Computer failure causes UK-wide flight delays
Thousands of passengers at Belfast airports faced long delays today after a computer failure at the UK's main air traffic control centre in Hampshire.

Savage calls for action on rising rural crime
UUP assembly member George Savage has called for a major awareness campaign in the rural community to alert people to what he described as a "rising tide" of organised crime.

McGuinness lashes out at 'bigots' on education committee
A committee meeting at Stormont ended in turmoil yesterday when education minister Martin McGuinness flew into a rage and called unionist MLAs "bigots".

Netcom move up a gear with Orange
Netcom Communications in conjunction with Orange, the title sponsor of the Orange Arrows Formula One team and Sony Ericsson, are running a promotion through their dealers in the province to win a trip to the Silverstone Grand Prix on July 7.

SDLP back move towards adoption of euro
The Finance Minister Dr Sean Farren has welcomed the strong indication that the Labour government may be moving closer to recommending entry into the Eurozone.

Two firms announce jobs cuts in Portadown
A total of 100 people are facing redundancy at two firms in Portadown. Seagoe Ceramics based in Portadown's Carn Industrial Estate is set to close with the loss of around 70 jobs. At its height the factory, which has been running for over 50 years, employed hundreds of workers.

Top ministers back Balmoral Show and North West 200
The return of the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society’s Balmoral Show and the North West 200 Race Week Festival will provide a welcome boost for the Northern Ireland economy, according to First Minister David Trimble and Deputy First Minister Mark Durkan.

Broughshane announce Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations
Following the Queen's recent visit to Northern Ireland as part of her Golden Jubilee tour, villages and towns around the province are gearing up for events to celebrate the Jubilee Holiday weekend.

Holiday Inn scoops top managers award
A local hotel manager has walked away with the coveted General Manager of the Year award presented at the recent Northern Ireland Branch of the HCIMA annual awards for professionalism at the Europa Hotel.

Nesbitt salutes award-winning local architecture
Environment Minister Dermot Nesbitt has paid tribute to four architectural development schemes in Northern Ireland, which have been successful in the 2002 Civic Trust Awards.

Inaugural Belfast Entrepreneurship Week promotes SMEs
With a growing recognition of the importance of small businesses as tools for spearheading local economic regeneration, Belfast City Council and Invest Northern Ireland have organised the first Belfast Entrepreneurship Week.

Health and safety conference opens in Armagh
At the opening of a major health and safety conference in Armagh, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Sir Reg Empey, urged everyone to play their part in improving health and safety at work.

Merseyside officer to 'quality assure' Omagh investigation
The Policing Board have appointed a Merseyside deputy chief constable as the senior officer overseeing the Omagh bomb investigation.

Two arrested in connection with Warrenpoint double murder
Police have arrested two men, believed to be from Lithuania, in connection with the discovery of the two bodies dumped on a Warrenpoint golf course. The men were arrested this morning and are being questioned at Newry police station.