Statement by Yvonne Boyle, Alliance Arts & Cultural Spokesperson: The resignation of Lord Laird as Chairperson of the Ulster-Scots Agency is disappointing, but the public, which funds the agency, also needs to know the wider picture. Lord Laird’s comments about stalling in Government are not without merit. However, the agency itself has had a consistent […]
Neeson welcomes new nations into European family ALLIANCE Spokesman on Europe, Sean Neeson MLA, has welcomed the expansion of the European Union from midnight tonight. Mr Neeson, a member of the Congress of Regional Authorities in Europe, said: “May Day marks one of the biggest days in Europe’s history, and as we welcome ten new […]
THE Alliance Assembly member for Strangford, Alderman Kieran McCarthy, has condemned the shooting of a man in Ballybeen. Mr McCarthy said: “Yet again, it appears that paramilitaries have acted as though they are a law unto themselves. No-one has the right to shoot someone in such a callous and disgusting manner. “I would call on […]
Responding to the publication of ‘Report on Seanad Reform – Seanad Eireann Committee on Procedure and Privileges’, Alliance Leader David Ford MLA stated: “It is highly regrettable that the Reform Committee’s report advocates entrenching a sectarian view of Northern Ireland in the Seanad. “Instead of getting a range of views from Northern Ireland, the Committee […]
THE Alliance Party has called on public figures to stop blaming the victims in a block of Belfast apartments for the campaign of hatred against Catholics designed to drive them out of Sandy Row’s Whitehall Square. Alliance’s South Belfast representative, Councillor Geraldine Rice said: “What we need from parties and churches are words and actions […]
Alliance Leader David Ford has written to the Prime Minister to call for the introduction of Proportional Representation for the election of Northern Ireland’s Westminster MPs. David Ford said: “Even before the official release of the new boundary proposals, we are witnessing Unionist and Nationalist dogfights over the possible changes. “Party officials are adding up […]
NORTH Down alliance councillor Stephen Farry has condemned last night’s pipe bomb attack on a home in the Breezemount estate, Conlig. Councillor Farry said: “This was a cowardly attack that could easily have led to tragic consequences. People do not want these paramilitaries activities occurring in their neighbourhood. Anyone with information about those responsible should […]
ALLIANCE Assembly member Naomi Long (East Belfast) has said the Government must match its vocal support of promoting healthier, safer journeys to school with positive action and initiatives. Speaking after today’s Sustrans conference at the Odyssey complex in Belfast on safer routes to schools, Councillor Long said there were many simple things that could be […]
Alliance Party Justice Spokesperson, Stephen Farry, has responded to the decision of the Colombian Courts to clear three Republicans on charges of training the FARC in explosives but to convict on charges of travelling on false documentation. Stephen Farry stated: “Obviously, one must accept the verdict of the Colombian Courts with respect to the charges […]
ALLIANCE Assembly member and Equality Spokesperson Eileen Bell has said that the Prison Service’s decision to move immigration detainees to accommodation at Belfast Prison is a positive move. Mrs Bell said: “Maghaberry Prison is a completely inappropriate location for the detention of asylum seekers, and this decision to move detainees to Belfast Prison is a […]