Caitriona warns Grammars over legal action

EDUCATION Minister Caitriona Ruane has warned over thirty Grammar schools, in NI, could face legal action, from parents, if they go ahead with independently run selection tests.  

Sinn Fein’s Ms Ruane expressed disappointment with the decision, by predominantly protestant Grammar schools, to run academic transfer tests, through an independent company. 

The Minister said she “disagreed fundamentally” with the suggestion there is currently no other selection option on the table for schools.

Tory Dave takes record lead

THE CONSERVATIVE Party has tipped Labour in opinion polls by a record 18 points, its highest lead in 21 years.

Party leader David Cameron is sure to be relishing in the fact the Government has taken a large dip in popularity over the abolition of the 10p tax starting rate.

A move which saw the Prime Minister Gordon Brown make emergency concessions, yesterday, to provide extra financial support to low income households, who will suffer most from the new tax policy.

The YouGov poll, published in tomorrow’s Daily Telegraph, shows the Tory’s have a 44% support rating from a representation of the electorate.

The Government’s three point drop, since last month, confirms the damage Mr Brown and his cabinet have suffered as a result of their handling of the tax debacle.

:: YouGov questioned 2,073 people between Monday and Wednesday, the day Mr Brown announced his U-turn on the 10p tax row.

Indy film to premier at Cannes

The latest Indiana Jones film will premier at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, held in France.

Although not entered in the contest to win the coveted Palm d’Or prize, the movie should provide the crowds with some fast-paced entertainment.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull will be the fourth instalment of the movie franchise, once again starring Harrison Ford as the eponymous hero.

Karen Allen also reprises her role as Marion Ravenwood, Indy’s love interest from the first movie which saw them fight Nazis for the possession of the Ark of the Covenant.

The plot of the new film has been kept largely under wraps but fans, who have been waiting since 1989 for a sequel, are already getting excited.

The movie will go on general release in May.

Ten things…to do at the cinema

1. Use being at the cinema as an excuse to gorge on popcorn and sticky sweets. See how much you can get through during the film, preferably without being sick.

2. Go to a chick flick and count how many men have been dragged there by their girlfriends and look like they want to run away.

3. Alternatively go to the latest brainless action movie and see how many women have been dragged there by their boyfriends and look like they want to run away.

Tan-ban for English U-18’s

PROPOSALS by the English Health and Safety Executive could mean a ban for under 18’s using sunbeds.

The idea, a result of a government lead cancer strategy, could also mean tanning salons would have to be fully staffed at all times.

This comes after a Which? survey claimed 170,000 under 16’s have used sunbeds.

A shocking figure, recognised by the Sunbed Association, who supports a ban on under 16’s but have argued that there is no evidence to suggest a greater risk to 17 and 18 year olds using tanning beds.  

More than 100 deaths a year in the UK are though to be linked to the use of sunbeds.

Both the World Health Organisation and the European Union have recommended that under-18s should never use sunbeds.

Lindi gets cold shoulder from Sir Alan

BRUMMIE Lindi Mngaza is the latest apprentice to be fired by Sir Alan Sugar, on the BBC’s hit series.

Last night, viewers watched Business Liaison Manager Lindi battle it out in the boardroom with project leader Lucinda and Irish contestant Jennifer.

The show’s two teams were tasked with launching new ice cream flavours, and securing by-in from distributors. Lindi’s team, Alpha, lead by softly spoken Lucinda, were trumped in the sales figures by almost £200.

Would you like fries with that £85 burger?

BURGER King have announced plans to develop the world’s most expensive burger at £85 a pop - a whopper of a price you might say.

The pricey 1/4 pounder will be made from Japanese Kobe beef and topped with Foie Gras and a rare blue cheese, reports The Sun.

Customers will be able to get a bite of the belly busting burger at selected high-end Burger King outlets in Kensington and Chelsea next month.

Lucy Barrett, of Marketing Magazine, said: “The idea of a burger that no one buys is not as ludicrous as it seems.

“Burger King will use it to promote a gap in perception between it and McDonald’s. It could lead consumers to reassess the quality of the brand.”

Either that or customers could save themselves £84.01 by getting a cheeseburger from rival chain McDonalds.