UUP MEP Jim Nicholson has raised the plight of Bees in the European Parliament in Strasbourg and asked for funding for proper scientific research to find the causes and a cure for the 'plague' that has decimated hives in Europe and Northern Ireland.

Following the announcement that Alban Maginness will be the SDLP's candidate for next June's elections to the European Parliament, Jim Nicholson - Northern Ireland's senior MEP - has welcomed Mr. Magennis to the contest.

UUP MEP Jim Nicholson has urged the European Commission to display caution before allowing the resumption of widespread imports of beef from Brazil after the Agriculture Commissioner hinted that changes to the current set-up could occur after the Doha trade round.

UUP MEP Jim Nicholson, speaking from Brussels, said African leaders had to do much more than vague statements of disapproval regarding the latest election debacle in Zimbabwe.

UUP MEP Jim Nicholson recently met with Omagh Support and Self Help Group Chairman Michael Gallagher who was in Brussels to address a conference on the Victims of Terrorists.