Ford pays tribute to Faul, who “always said it as he saw it”

Alliance Party Leader David Ford has paid tribute to Monsignor Denis Faul, who died today. Speaking in Antrim, David Ford stated: “I was sorry to hear of the passing of Monsignor Denis Faul, a man who was always true to his faith. “He always spoke as he saw things, no matter who was made uncomfortable […]

Alliance gives positive lead to tackling racism

Alliance Party Deputy Leader Naomi Long this evening [Wed 21st] hosted a meeting in an East Belfast hotel involving the Police in a ‘get to know you’ session with members of local ethnic minority groups, including Filipinos and Indians. She described the meeting as an opportunity for Alliance to show a positive lead on the […]

Ford slams Sinn Féin unwillingness to tackle economy

Alliance Party Leader David Ford has criticised Sinn Féin’s unwillingness to tackle economic issues, despite its own insistence that it was prepared to do so. His comments come after another bizarre meeting of the “Preparation for Government” committee, where yet again a single party blocked all progress. Speaking after Sinn Féin refused on a minor […]

Long welcomes reopening of community centre, but questions remain

Alliance Castlereagh Councillor Michael Long has welcomed a constructive meeting which has led to the re-opening tomorrow of a Castlereagh community centre that had closed after loyalist paramilitary threats. Cllr Long stated: “This incident in Cregagh has left staff and others in the local area shaken, but I am glad that sense has now prevailed. […]

Witnesses must report Hate Crimes: Leonard

Speaking at the launch of a pilot initiative to report hate incidents, Alliance South Belfast representative, Allan Leonard, has encouraged victims as well as witnesses to come forward. He has also called for an official to be appointed to monitor the implementation of hate crime legislation in Northern Ireland. Project RIOH (Recording Incidents of Hate), […]

Campbell urges Unionists: “Abandon PUP link”

Alliance Newtownabbey Councillor Tom Campbell has commented on the irony that loyalist Mark Haddock was on his way to a meeting to secure his safety when he was shot in Newtownabbey, and said the attempted assassination must mean to end to Ulster Unionists’ link with the PUP. Speaking at Belfast Crown Court during an adjourned […]

Single-party veto must end now: McCarthy

Alliance Chief Whip Kieran McCarthy has demanded that the Secretary of State remove any single party’s ability to veto progress. Speaking prior to today’s meeting of the Assembly’s Business Committee, the Strangford Assembly member will say: “There is simply no point in any Committee meeting if any single party is allowed to veto progress agreed […]

Alliance meets Chancellor, says NI’s “hand-out culture” must end

The Alliance Party has slammed the other parties’ “hand-out” culture, instead saying that if Northern Ireland’s funds were allocated more efficiently, extra money from rates or subsidies would not be necessary. In a meeting with the Chancellor of the Exchequer later today, the Alliance delegation will focus instead on policy proposals for a better economic […]

Carrick robbery shows crime still the priority issue facing NI

Alliance Local Government Chief Whip Stewart Dickson has expressed his disgust at an armed robbery on a restaurant in Carrickfergus, and said it illustrates the importance of tackling crime the right way in Northern Ireland. A Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant on the Belfast Road in the town was attacked this morning [Sunday 18th]. The Carrickfergus […]

Efficiency and exuberance make North Coast concert successful

Alliance Coleraine representative Yvonne Boyle has said that a North Coast dance concert was an overall success despite some arrests, and called for more vision in bringing events to Northern Ireland and involving local talent. The Alliance Chairperson, herself a social worker dealing with people with addiction problems, stated: “Efficient policing and exuberant music fans […]