News in brief

A MAN aged 37 appeared in Dundalk court yesterday charged with the murder of Liam Maguire, 43, who died from stab wounds on Friday. Gregory Conway was remanded in custody.

Labour celebrates

THE Labour party is marking the 90th anniversary of the death of party co-founder James Connolly with a weekend of events.

Medical plea

THE Union of Students in Ireland yesterday claimed that qualified students were being deprived of places on medical courses because of colleges’ financial concerns.

Bullying warning

A CONFERENCE yesterday heard how 100 Irish suicides a year could result from workplace bullying. A study showed two-fifths of workers had been bullied.

Correction

IN the article (Browned Off, Magazine, May 21) Roy Hattersley asked “Will Blairite toadies simply fade away — or will some of them magically change into Brownites?” and accused Chris Bryant, MP for Rhondda, of obsequiousness in prime minister’s questions on April 21, 2004. In fact Mr Bryant argued for additional funds for a new local hospital. We accept that Mr Bryant argued that it was inappropriate for Gavyn Davies or Baroness Jay to become the BBC chairman because of their Labour connections — and not because he is severe on individuals who offend the government. We also accept that in the Commons Mr Bryant applauded Nick Robinson, a former member of the Tory party who is now the BBC’s political editor, for “professionalism in the conduct of his work”. Finally, Mr Bryant has not attempted to defend the indefensible on the “cash for honours” controversy; he said on Newsnight that this was “not our finest hour” and called for reform of the party funding system and an elected House of Lords.