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EAMONN HOLMES HAS received an OBE for his services to broadcasting.
The Belfast man was one of 1,123 to receive awards in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list.
Recipients of Britain’s honours system are chosen twice a year, on the Queen’s birthday and ahead of the new year.
Anybody can nominate someone for an award to receive one of the various accolades, which range from knighthoods and CBEs honouring national or regional roles, to OBEs and MBEs aimed at more local achievements.
Recommendations are considered by one of nine expert committees spanning different specialisations, from arts and media to science and technology.
The latest New Year’s Honours list awarded 1,123 people, with 70% having worked in their local communities.
Speaking about the prize, Holmes told one of his employers ITV: “Throughout my career, I have always tried to represent everyone in Northern Ireland as best I can and as well as I can.
“It was, and is, so important to me that everyday programmes come from here, that there are broadcast job opportunities for people who live here, and that national television includes us in normal issues – not just the abnormal ones we were once best known for.
“So, while I understand not everyone may want to share in my award, if you do, see it as FOR US, rather than for me.
“Thank you for supporting and staying with me for all these years.”
Meanwhile, Beatles drummer Ringo Starr and sole surviving Bee Gee Barry Gibb were each awarded a knighthood.
The two musicians were joined on the prestigious annual achievement list by Golden Globe-winning actor Hugh Laurie, renowned dancer Darcey Bussell and hip-hop artist Wiley.
Starr, 77, real name Richard Starkey, became a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1965, but 52 years later has now been given a knighthood for services to music.
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This has to stop, and stop now. Don’t get me wrong, I am not averse to people who have been wronged being compensated. However, this has happened too many times in my lifetime. First we paid for PMPA, then we paid for ICI, then we paid for Quinn insurance (pretty sure I’ve missed one out there). In this day and age it cannot be beyond the wit of man to discover who are the beneficial owners of Setanta Insurance. This crap where profits are private and losses are to be recouped from the public has to end. Lobby your TD, it isn’t good enough and never was. Do you want to be treated like fools all your lives? Sieze the assets of these b/tards. It won’t cover the damage completely, but at least there’s some satisfaction in it
So is it just insurance claims that are to be paid? No recompense for people who paid for a policy and were left high and dry?
Paying up front for insurance not a good idea but if you pay monthly they add all sorts of charges (basically interest) which is a rip off as you are essentially receiving the service over a year you shouldn’t be penalised for not paying up front
Paying for anything up front comes with that risk. But by paying for insurance on a monthly basis, it’s not just interest they add, it’s extortion.
If you paid monthly you still had to pay the balance as they borrowed from a third party for you policy
Great news! A lot of small businesses were badly pinched by them
True but still crappy for those who renewed and paid in full for policies just before they went bang.
Like me…. grrrrrrr
So basically we the taxpayer are picking up the tab! Sure why don’t we pick up the tab for every failed business?
No. The MIBI is funded by the insurance companies. If the MIBI has to pay out up to 90 million, that will likely be funded by a levy on motor insurance policies.
i am not sure this benefits customers of Setanta. it is for those people with personal injury claims against Setanta customers.
That’s great news for the people waiting on a settlement. They deserve to finally be paid. The Regulator has to make sure these Mickey Mouse insurers aren’t allowed operate though. Crazy that they can just say sorry bye and leave everyone scratching their heads!
Setanta said previously they only had enough money to cover about 35% (when they reckoned they could get ICF to cover the other 65%) but now that MIBI will cover 100%, presumably the people that were scammed out of their premiums and own damage claims will get their refunds due to them too….. will they fook….!!
Formed in Malta, traded only in Ireland, grabbed the cash, disappeared without trace. You’d have to be some kind ofy corporate finance guru to pull off a stunt like that, like Hobbs or someone.
What about the independent claims investigators who investigated these claims..will they finally be paid the fees they are owed also??
I wouldn’t like to be waiting on a cheque for my invoice, that’s for sure!
In reality, there’s a lot more people out of pocket than just the third party claimants.
I thought insurance companies were supposed to be able to cover the claims. I see another levy for the rest of us great.
does anyone no if mibi will appeal
From the tax payer???
have your say