A round-up of today's other Irish news in brief
Man (33) to be charged with Antrim murder
A 33-year-old man is due to appear at Ballymena Magistrates' Court today charged with the murder of Geoff Kerr who was shot dead at his home in Templepatrick, Co Antrim, last Monday night. The 60-year-old financial adviser was shot dead in front of his wife and youngest son.
Two men who were being questioned about the killing were released yesterday without charge. A woman was released pending the outcome of a report which is being sent to the Public Prosecution Service. A second woman remained in custody in last night.
No arrest after sword attack
A man is recovering in hospital following a stabbing in a housing estate in north Dublin. It is believed a sword was used in the attack. Gardaí were called to the scene on Dunsink Drive, Finglas, at 3.15am on Saturday.
When they arrived they found a 49-year-old man who had sustained a number of stab wounds to the chest. He was taken by ambulance to Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown. No arrests have yet been made.
FF event cancelled after death
The launch of the Fianna Fáil local election campaign in south Kerry was cancelled last night as a mark of respect to the family of Marguerite O’Connor who died in an accident in Brussels yesterday. The nature of the accident could not be confirmed.
Ms O’Connor, in her early 20s, is the daughter of David and Mary O’Connor of Derrynane Hotel near Caherdaniel. Mr O’Connor was elected on to the national executive of Fianna Fáil at the last ardfheis and Mrs O’Connor is a prominent member of the south-western regional fisheries board and tourism bodies locally. Ms O’Connor had been working with the EU in Brussels.
PSNI fire on car that hit officer
Police in Belfast fired at a car after the vehicle struck a female officer, it was revealed yesterday. At about midnight on Saturday a Peugeot 406 hit a patrol car in Twinbrook, in west Belfast. When the officer left the car she was hit by the Peugeot and suffered a hand injury, cuts and bruising. Police fired one shot at the vehicle, which was found to contain a small amount of suspected drugs. The driver made off on foot. Police Ombudsman Al Hutchinson’s office is investigating. – (PA)
Afghan politicians on visit to North
Afghan parliamentarians will begin a week-long reconciliation visit to Ireland today to learn from the Northern Ireland peace process. The trip by the cross-party group of 12 members of the Afghan national assembly comes ahead of key elections there.
The Department of Foreign Affairs, with the Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation in Wicklow, will host the lesson-sharing trip. It includes an overview of the Northern Ireland peace process and discussions on a number of issues including power-sharing, policing and community relations.
The group will meet President Mary McAleese and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin. In Belfast, the delegation will meet leaders, including First Minister Peter Robinson. – (PA)