Call for new deal on green issues

Green Party delegates will be asked to back a "new deal" to tackle job losses, fuel poverty and climate change at their annual conference in Belfast.

The motion will also urge the executive to investigate the feasibility of a "green bonds" scheme to invest in public transport and renewable energy.

Irish Environment Minister John Gormley and Green Party MLA Brian Wilson will be among the speakers on Saturday.

Delegates will be asked to back the extension of the UK Hunting Act to NI.

Hunting foxes with dogs was made illegal under the act.

Another motion will appeal to the Environment Minister, Sammy Wilson, to instigate a full public inquiry into plans to extend the runway at George Best Belfast City Airport.

The party will also propose a motion saying Northern Ireland needs to move "towards a zero waste strategy and therefore must reject all proposals for incineration".