Other NI News In Brief

Moira 'Guns' Alert

A number of suspected firearms have been recovered by PSNI detectives during a search of a property in Moira, Co Down. A man and a woman, who are both in their 30s, were arrested, but they have since been released pending further inquiries. The firearms were discovered yesterday and have been removed for examination.

Aldergrove Accolade

A Stormont politician has congratulated Belfast International Airport on being named Gold winner in the Best UK Airport category of the Holiday Extras Customers' Awards 2010. The Ulster Unionist South Antrim MLA, Danny Kinahan said: "This is excellent news for an airport that works hard to ensure customer satisfaction and to cater to Northern Ireland's changing needs. I am very pleased to see our facilities holding their own - and in this case leading the field - alongside UK counterparts. The International Airport is already the favoured airport for many across this island and I believe that the excellent work being done will pay dividends both in terms of tourism and business."

West Belfast Attack

A man has been taken to hospital with head injuries after being attacked by burglars in west Belfast. The incident happened at about 3am on Wednesday when three men armed with a hammer broke into a house in Whitecliff Crescent in Ballymurphy and attacked the occupants. The man - who is in his 50s - was injured, but his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

Social Economy In Focus

A new series of masterclasses, aimed at urging local organisations to find out more about the social economy, was officially launched this week at Stormont Parliament Buildings by Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Investment, Arlene Foster. "The social economy sector is well-positioned to help the Executive meet many of its social and economic goals and has a unique contribution to make to the Northern Ireland economy in regenerating disadvantaged communities and areas," she said. There will be six masterclass events in this series – aimed at giving guidance on best practice to social entrepreneurs, policy-makers, business leaders and public sector managers.

Suicide Tackled

The Health Minister has commended the commitment and determination of all those involved in tackling suicide. Michael McGimpsey was speaking as he officially launched the rebrand of the charity, PIPS to 'Lighthouse – Beacon of Hope'. "Suicide represents a tragic loss of life and it is everyone's responsibility to prevent this from happening," he said. "Since I established Lifeline in January 2008 there have been over 157,000 calls to the service - over 200 calls every single day." He praised community projects for their role in combating suicide: "The drop-in advice and support that projects like Lighthouse provide, are paramount in helping reduce suicide levels and the devastation that goes with it for bereaved families and friends."

(BMcC/KMcA)