Daewoo job losses severe blow for Antrim – Ford

Alliance Party Leader and South Antrim Assembly member David Ford has said the 205 job losses at the Daewoo video recorder manufacturing plant in Antrim are a severe blow for the town – and an alert that Northern Ireland cannot take jobs for granted. David Ford stated: “Clearly our first thoughts are with the families […]

Young people must be encouraged away from violence – Dunlop

Alliance Party Education Spokesperson Jayne Dunlop has said everyone must take responsibility for moving young people away from violence, after the latest in a series of petrol bomb attacks. Ms Dunlop, the party’s North Antrim representative, condemned the attack in the Parklands area of Ballymena, stating: “This was a very serious attack which could have […]

Alliance blasts benefit cheats and praises fraud deterrent

Alliance Party Strangford Assembly Member, Kieran McCarthy, has blasted benefit fraudsters for cheating the public out of money which could be spent on schools or hospitals. His comments come on the day that figures were announced showing that the number of people convicted of benefit fraud in Northern Ireland is at an all time high. […]

Dunlop encourages young people to get involved in Ballymena youth forum

Ballymena Alliance Representative Jayne Dunlop has encouraged all local young people to become involved in youth forum in Ballymena. Her comments follows the news that the police will incorporate the views of the forum, which was set up after the murder of Michael McIlveen, in their next policing plan for Ballymena. Jayne Dunlop said: “I […]

Ford demands clarification on Government attitude towards restoring devolution

Alliance Party Leader David Ford has demanded clarification from the Government about its commitment to restoring devolution by 24 November, after the Secretary of State refused to meet an all-party committee to discuss justice issues until 3 October. David Ford stated: “The refusal to discuss justice issues with the Assembly members who could be taking […]

Alliance rejects Government’s push for water privatisation

Alliance Spokesperson for Regional Development, Naomi Long MLA, has rejected the Government’s plans for water privatisation in its proposed legislation for water and sewerage services. Naomi Long also criticised the lack of independence for the proposed regulatory authority, as well as the copycat imposition of British legislation in Northern Ireland. The East Belfast Assembly Member […]

Lawther disgusted by Crumlin Royal Mail robbery

Antrim Alliance Councillor Alan Lawther has condemned the robbery of a postman at gunpoint in Crumlin in County Antrim. The robbery took place just before 9am today on the Ballynadrentagh Road in Crumlin. A Royal Mail employee was taken to hospital following the incident. Cllr Alan Lawther said: “I am disgusted by this robbery. It […]