In Short

A round-up to today's other stories in brief

A round-up to today's other stories in brief

Curtin inquiry committee to meet today

The Oireachtas committee established to inquire into the conduct of Judge Brian Curtin will reconvene today following a long and intensive meeting yesterday that ended shortly before 9pm, writes Carol Coulter.

This was the first meeting since the Supreme Court judgment upholding the right of the committee to conduct the inquiry.

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According to its chairman, Denis O'Donovan TD, the members of the committee went through the judgment in detail, discussing its implications for them and their work.

They also discussed the replacement of one of their senior counsel, Kevin Feeney, who has been appointed a High Court judge.

They are expected to take a decision on his replacement today.

Belfast airport to be renamed after Best

Belfast City Airport is to be renamed after the late Manchester United football legend George Best, writes Gerry Moriarty, Northern Editor.

From May 22nd, the date when Best would have celebrated his 60th birthday, the airport will be known as the George Best Airport.

The Best family, which gave the go-ahead for the special memorial, said it was delighted with the decision yesterday.

"Belfast City Airport is synonymous with east Belfast and with thousands of people using the airport on a daily basis, George's memory will never be forgotten," a spokesman for the family said. "This is a highly visible and lasting memorial to George that we hope will please many people in Northern Ireland."

Brian Ambrose, chief executive of Belfast City Airport, said shortly after Best's death in November, the media reported a variety of possible memorials to the footballer. The Best family contacted the airport, saying the most appropriate tribute would be naming the airport in his honour.

"George Best was the finest footballer Northern Ireland has ever produced and one of the greatest footballers to grace the world stage and a man whom the public had great affection for," Mr Ambrose said.

"We believe that renaming the airport after George is a fitting and permanent tribute to his footballing brilliance. With 2.2 million passengers passing through the airport each year, this will act as constant reminder of Belfast's favourite son."