The Northern Secretary, Dr Mo Mowlam, has announced two new members of the Parades Commission, to replace Mr Glen Barr and Mr Tommy Cheevers, who resigned earlier this year. They are Mr William Martin, a former president of the Ulster Farmers Union, and Dr Barbara Erwin, a lecturer, both from Co Down.
Meanwhile, the Progressive Unionist Party launched its Assembly election campaign with an appeal for more attention to "bread and butter issues", Carol Coulter reports.
The party candidate in East Belfast, Mr David Ervine, said it was time decision-making and accountability were back in local hands. The party is fielding nine candidates.
Mr Johnny McLaughlin, the Labour candidate for West Tyrone, told election workers that Labour and socialist thinking would play a vital role in moulding a successful and constructive Assembly.
Mr Seamus Mallon of the SDLP welcomed the imminent decision of the British government to sign the Council of Europe Charter for Regional or Minority Languages.
