Other NI News In Brief

Chinook Crash Probed

The announcement of an independent review of an air accident that killed senior police, army and MI5 officers has been welcomed. They were among the dead when a Chinook helicopter crashed in thick fog on a remote hillside in June 1994 during a flight from Belfast to Inverness, killing all 29 on board. Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg yesterday revealed that the Government has ordered an independent review of the Chinook crash.

Justice On Agenda

The Stormont Justice Minister David Ford has met Home Secretary Theresa May and Justice Secretary Ken Clarke. The Minister discussed a number of areas of mutual interest including organised crime, policing and the review of legal services. "I am committed to engaging with colleagues across the UK and Republic. The meetings in London follow discussions I have already had in Edinburgh with Kenny MacAskill and Dermot Ahern. While the future of our justice system now rests in local hands, co-operation across administrations is still important. Devolution provides an opportunity to reshape our justice system to meet local needs and that work is underway," he said.

Sealing Their Fate

Ulster Unionist Strangford MLA David McNarry has said that the unnatural death of seals along the County Down coast in recent years is "horrifying and unacceptable". "I am frankly shocked that the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has found evidence of this disturbing trend," he said. "It is unacceptable that these animals are being subjected to attack, and I find it particularly abhorrent that those being targeted are predominantly pups and juveniles. This is wanton cruelty without purpose or need, and I condemn without reservation those who are carrying out these attacks. I would urge the NIEA and PSNI to continue their investigations and ensure that accidental deaths are minimized, and that those carrying out deliberate attacks are prevented and indeed held to account for their actions."

Flybe Boosts City

Alliance East Belfast MLA Chris Lyttle has welcomed the three new routes by Flybe from Belfast City Airport. Flybe already flies around 17 routes from Belfast City Airport. "This quick response from Flybe to a gap in provision is demonstrative of the carrier's ongoing commitment to Northern Ireland. It is great news for the local economy and local jobs that airlines see Belfast City Airport as a good place to do business. There are issues that remain to be resolved such as the proposed runway extension and it is essential that the public inquiry is completed in an open and transparent manner in order to secure a robust, evidenced based outcome that will ensure safety for local residents and sustainable aviation provision in the region."

Ryanair Loss

Reacting to the news that Ryanair is to pullout of its operations from George Best City Airport, the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association has stated that it is blow for the local economy. Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said: "This is very bad news for both Belfast City Airport and the local economy as a whole. Many visitors from the five Ryanair UK routes shopped in Belfast City Centre and other towns and cities throughout Northern Ireland. Struggling retailers will be disappointed that the loss of these routes will mean fewer customers from other parts of the UK," he said. "We simply cannot afford to lose them."

(BMcC/KMcA)