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NEWSREADER's script |
Earlier today the Palestinian Liberation Organisation claimed
responsibility for the kidnap of a diplomat from outside the Swedish embassy
yesterday morning. Fears for the safety of Olaf Lauder have been
expressed by Israeli government officials. It was reported at the
weekend that Mr. Lauder had made overtures towards the warring factions in
an effort to secure a temporary peace during the Christmas period for the
United Nations peace-keeping forces.
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In
the face of mounting anger at Tuesday's Oxford Street bomb atrocity, the
so-called Real Continuing IRA have acknowledged that the explosive device
was placed by one of their members, but have disclaimed full responsibility
for the killing of nine people (including three children). A spokesman
claimed that they had given strict instructions that their New Year bombing
campaign was not to commence until the January sales had begun.
Police marksmen who shot the Beverley market-place murderer are facing
mounting criticism that their response was hasty and insensitive.
Having first set fire to the local Post Office, Shane Buckler roamed the
streets of the quiet country town for almost an hour in an orgy of wanton
killing. Armed with a rifle and two shotguns, Buckler was responsible
for the deaths of seventeen people (including two policemen) before his
reign of terror was brought to an end.
Prisoners at Sparksworth Prison, who have been holding hostage three prison
officers since last Thursday, today renewed their threats that they were
prepared to kill their hostages unless their demands were met. Three
of the prisoners involved in last week's riots, who were being treated for
injuries sustained in the violence, are holding a young nurse as a hostage
at Saint Hilda's Hospital where they were being treated.
According to a reliable source in Kaluchistan, rebel troops, who had been
gathering on the borders for several days, have now taken control of all
government and communications systems in the major cities. There are
reports that the recently elected " People's Council" has been deposed and
that Karajan Matela, the popularly acclaimed "People's Chairman", has been
killed.
In
South Africa, a spokesman for the extremist "New Nationalist Party" has
defended the policy statement issued last week which sought to provoke
rioting and civil unrest. The spokesman claimed that such measures
were the only means remaining whereby "true nationalists" could express
their frustration at the government's half-hearted attempts to re-impose a
complete and comprehensive system of apartheid. He further claimed
that the rioting of the past few days was perfectly justified and that the
killings, though regrettable, were "a necessary means to an end."
In an
official statement from the White House, the President today denied any
United States involvement in the recent coup in Central America. The
coup was achieved after three days of fighting in the streets of the capital
city, which left over 600 dead. The Marxist head of state is believed
to have escaped to Cuba.
ADD FURTHER NEWS ITEMS AS NECESSARY |
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ALBERT enters during the third news item. |
ALBERT |
What's this? |
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Slightly disinterested. |
DORIS |
I dunno. The news or something. I'm
just waiting for the film to come on. |
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ALBERT listens to the next item, tutting - then becomes
more and more annoyed at what he hears. |
ALBERT |
Shooting's too good for 'im! They should
string 'em up! Animals! |
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ALBERT turns to DORIS |
ALBERT |
Are you listening to this? Bombings,
murders, attacks. It's supposed to be the season of Peace and
Goodwill, ain't it? People don't want to hear about all that kind of
thing. Turn it off! |
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DORIS sees no reason to get upset. |
DORIS |
I wasn't really listening. I was just
waiting for the film. |
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ALBERT gets more irate. |
ALBERT |
Don't argue, woman. Turn it off! |
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DORIS |
Give over! I only want to watch the film.
It's got that Roger Whatsisname in it. |
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ALBERT goes over to turn off the set. |
ALBERT |
There! I'm having none of that sort of
stuff in my house over Christmas. Why they put it on in the first
place beats me. People don't want to hear about the troubles of the
world. Not at Christmas. |
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DORIS turns the TV back on. |
DORIS |
No. They just want to watch the film. |
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ALBERT |
Except that the film's not on. It's all
riots and bombs and killings. Whatever happened to "peace and
goodwill". |
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ALBERT switches the set off |
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DORIS is getting very annoyed. |
DORIS |
Well, mine's rapidly running out. If you
don't stop messing about with that television set I'm going to lose my
temper. |
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DORIS
switches the TV on. |
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ALBERT is excited and angry. |
ALBERT |
See! See! That's what I mean. You
watch the stuff - you get to be like it. Don't you go threatening me,
woman. It's the season of Peace and Goodwill. |
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ALBERT switches the set off. The argument is
becoming more and more heated. DORIS is now losing her temper with ALBERT's stubborn attitude. She pushes past
ALBERT to turn the TV on
again. ALBERT is now well and truly "over the top".
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ALBERT |
So! Push me around, would you? Can't
get your own way, eh? So you get violent! We'll see about that! |
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Pushing DORIS with increasing violence.
DORIS is responding in kind. The volume of their exchanges is
increasing. |
ALBERT |
I'll not have violence in my own home! |
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DORIS |
Nobody's telling me what I can watch on the
telly. |
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Loudly. |
ALBERT |
There's enough violence. We need more
"Peace and Goodwill"! |
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Equally loudly. |
DORIS |
We need the film! |
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Shouting. |
ALBERT |
Peace and Goodwill! |
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Also shouting. |
DORIS |
The film! |
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In a violent outburst, ALBERT knocks DORIS to
the floor. A loud thud is heard as she hits her head. DORIS lies
still. ALBERT is a little hesitant as he crouches over DORIS's still
body. ALBERT realises what he has done.
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ALBERT |
Doris? Doris? Oh my .... |
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The
NEWSREADER delivers his final news
item |
NEWSREADER |
Earlier this evening, police in Hull arrested
Albert Stansmore for the murder of his wife, Doris. It is believed the
couple, who had been married for 27 years, had been involved in a domestic
argument. As police led him away, Mr Stansmore was heard to mutter,
"It was Peace and Goodwill". |
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- END - |
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