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30 eURO) Saturday, december 17, 2011

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Saturday, December 17, 2011
First ever from Northern Ireland: Sixteen year old Sarah Jones, an Ayrshire breeder from Ballymena, showing off the silverware she returned with from the National All Breeds Calf Show after becoming the Champion Coloured Breeds Handler. PICTURE: KEVIN MCAULEY PHOTOGRAPHY MULTIMEDIA

PAGE 6

Crime prevention day at Ballymena

BY RICHARD HALLERON

Full impact of CAP proposals now clear

PAGE 9

Best of NI beef delights customers

UFU Chief Executive Clarke has confirmed to FarmingBlack Life that the CAP reform proposals, if implemented in their current form, will seriously challenge production agriculture in Northern Ireland. We always knew that a to an area based payment change would take away support system from our most productive farms, he added.

Whats now apparent, is the seismic shift in the however, primary production base. And, Klaus-Deiter of course this of EU support that will alignment Borchardt, one of take effect, implications, could have major the main if the current proposals architects behind the all negative, for our are given EU Commissions the green light. food processing sector. CAP reform proposals. European Commission Mr Black continued: staff What continue to make it clear The purpose behind need is a balanced settlement we that they this that meeting was want to see the end recognises the needs to get further of of every farm mechanism reflecting a support business clarification around in Northern Ireland. the EU quo that existed within the status Commissions The UFU Chief Executive agriculture current CAP a decade or so ago. However, was proposals and who commenting in the it is better to wake now evident that what visit to Brussels, made of his provide this than one of the senior is proposing for NorthernBrussels earlier architects behind the this week, where he Ireland proposals. I could severely damage met with senior EU Commission our Continued on page three official

2012

TIME TO SPREAD ANIMAL BEDDING Woodchuck Spreader for Skid Steer & Handlers CUT HEDGES ON TRACKS
Continental 1.25m Flail Head to Suit Digger

with the Hall 3PL or Forks Snow Plough

Saw Benches & log Splitters GET THAT HEAT UP PREPARE FOR SNOW

Ulster gets ready to hit the shops

Sunday 4th Dec
BY michAel mcglAde
michael.mcglade@jpress.co.uk

Shoppers in Bow Street mall, lisburn, yesterday taking advantage of pre-christmas bargains

PicTURe: Stephen hamilton/Presseye

An alleged British agent in the IRA known as Stakeknife could be prepared to give evidence to an inquiry investigating possible Garda collusion. Lawyers for Freddie Scappaticci accused of being an agent while heading the IRAs notorious nutting squad told the Smithwick Tribunal in Dublin he may come forward. Self-confessed British agent Kevin Fulton continued his evidence at the tribunal yesterday. See page 6

Smithwick: Scappaticci may testify

he Grouse

te this Christmas
STORES and shopping centres in northern Ireland are gearing up for what is expected to be their busiest shopping day today. However, as the Christmas

countdown enters its final phase, the next week could prove vital to the survival of many of our smaller shops, a leading retail group has warned. Last year, frozen footpaths and snow-covered roads crippled the festive shopping trade, and is said to have contributed to the closure

of several hundred independent shops in the last year. Retailers representative Glyn Roberts said the next few days could make or break many businesses. What happens over this next week could and will decide the future of many of the smaller shops.

Santa Arrives
They depend on Christmas and we have appealed for the public to come out and support these shops, he said. This weekend also marks the Christmas getaway period with 4.25 million British citizens spending the holidays abroad. See page 4
Last Remaining Places Sat 17th December 4 Course Meal & Entertainment only 28 Music by Smooth

To Collect Your Letters and Christmas Wish Lists

SO SANTA'S ELVES CAN PREPARE YOUR PRESENTS

Sunday 4th Dec

POLICE in Fermanagh are appealing for help in tracing a man who has gone missing from the Irvinestown area. The 57-year-old was last seen around 1.30pm yesterday driving a black Saab convertible, registration number FFZ 3102, on the Irvinestown Road, Enniskillen. Anyone who has seen the car since yesterday afternoon is asked to contact Enniskillen PSnI on 0845 600 8000. The family of the missing man do not want his name to be released at this stage.

Appeal over missing man

NTS, CORPORATE & PRIVATE FUNCTIONS

Celebrate this Christmas at the Grouse
AVAILABLE FOR PARTIES, SPECIAL EVENTS, CORPORATE & PRIVATE FUNCTIONS

Santa Arrives
To Collect Your Letters and Christmas Wish Lists
SO SANTA'S ELVES CAN PREPARE YOUR PRESENTS

for Party Nights Ballyhagan Road, Lough Santa Sunday Sat 10th , Fri 16th & 11th & 18th December Disco Presents & Party Christmas Day at The Grouse 4CourseMeal50 perperson 25 2-10yrs

4 Course Lunch also available 15.95

Ballyhagan Road, Loughgall | TELEPHONE - 028 3889 1778