THE TRIAL of five men charged with the murder of 15-year-old Ballymena Catholic Michael McIlveen began in Coleraine High Court on Monday, 8 September. Free article

THE Irish Government announced last week that it was bringing forward the 2009 Budget to next month from December in response to current economic difficulties. Finance Minister Brian Lenihan will now reveal Budget 2009 on 14 October. Free article

PSNI Chief Constable Hugh Orde has been accused by a Sinn Féin member of the Policing Board of attempting to railroad Tasers into operation despite a pending court challenge into use of the controversial weapon. Free article

TALKS aimed at securing a new pay deal in the 26 Counties resumed at Government Buildings in Dublin this week. Free article

SINN FÉIN MLA and Chairperson of the Northern Assembly's Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure Barry McElduff told an Oireachtas committee this week that he expects a decision on the issue of a multi-sports stadium at the Long Kesh site in the near future. Free article

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams joined with bereaved families and suicide awareness activists in taking part in a 'Walk of Life' in the grounds of Parliament Buildings, Stormont to highlight the importance of suicide awareness and support for bereaved families. Free article

SOUTH DOWN Sinn Féin MLA Willie Clarke and Down Councillor Mickey Coogan have welcomed last week's decision by the Parades Commission in the North to impose a determination on a loyalist band parade due to take place in Newcastle on Saturday, 13 September. Free article

"ON both sides of every conflict there are brave people," said Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams in June 2001 at the unveiling of a mural in memory of Volunteers Jim Bryson and Patrick Mulvenna. "In this conflict, the bravest are on our side and the bravest of the brave are from Ballymurphy." Free article

WEST BELFAST Ógra Shinn Féin are gearing up for the Republican Youth Weekend from 19 - 21 September. Free article

Jobless youth rate soars, BATU dispute continues, Employment law to be reviewed, Taxi union slams stereotyping and DIY group to shed 1,000 jobs Free article