pensioner

"It's a moot point with me but if I was dependent on the buses, I think it would be a terrible disaster for the pensioners and all of the people of Carryduff," Mr Fallis added.

A vigil has been held in Dungannon, County Tyrone, for a pensioner who was murdered in the town on Thursday night.

It was Brown who introduced a universal winter fuel payment for pensioners.

The government also announced nearly £800m more for social security benefits, including funds to ensure every pensioner household gets a winter fuel payment.

But ministers were forced to back down following a backlash from members of the island's parliament, who argued the change was "unfair" on pensioners and was being rushed through without a proper debate.