Fitzpatrick calls on Ikea to clean up catalogue mess

Alliance East Londonderry representative Cllr Barney Fitzpatrick has called on Ikea to clean up the mess that their catalogues has caused in the Coleraine area with many lying in the streets as rubbish. The catalogues, which were delivered around Northern Ireland with the opening of their new store in Belfast, are now causing an eyesore […]

McCarthy says hardship fund needed following EU blow to our fishing industry

Strangford Alliance MLA Kieran McCarthy has blasted EU fishing time cutbacks which will hit the local industry hard and he has called on the Minister to consider setting up a hardship fund for those working in the fishing industry. There will be a reduction in fishing time of 10% for the prawn and 18% for […]

Long and Lo voice support for families deported unfairly at Stormont protest

At today’s protest at Stormont, Alliance Deputy Leader Naomi Long MLA has called for the Home Office to let two families from Nigeria, that are facing deportation, stay in Belfast because their lives could be put risk if they return. One of the women faces either a forced marriage or losing her children and everything […]

New Prison is only one challenge facing Prison Service says Alliance

Alliance Party Justice Spokesperson, Stephen Farry MLA, has given a cautious welcome the announcement of a replacement build for the current Magilligan Prison but stressed that this must only be part of a broader agenda and debate about modernising the prison estate. Stephen Farry stated: “This is a welcome development insofar as it goes. Alliance […]

Alliance welcomes announcement on Older People’s Commissioner

Alliance Chief Whip Kieran McCarthy MLA has hailed news that Northern Ireland is to have an Older People’s Commissioner but says that the Executive still has to do much more to improve the lives of older people. The Opposition MLA said: “This is good news. It’s time that older people had a voice. They deserve […]

Alliance appalled at Coleraine school being ‘targeted’ after Ruane visit

Coleraine Alliance Councillor Barney Fitzpatrick has blasted those involved in four break-ins at Millburn Coleraine Primary School in Coleraine since the visit of Education Minister Caitríona Ruane. The school principal said that the break-in may have occurred because loyalist elements were unhappy with the recent visit of the Minister. Cllr Barney Fitzpatrick said: “I am […]

Lo says buy local arts products as Christmas presents and support our local industry

Alliance MLA Anna Lo has called on people to buy local arts and crafts presents this Christmas to support the local arts sector. Anna Lo is herself buying two locally-made artworks as Christmas presents for some of her friends and family. South Belfast Alliance MLA Anna Lo said: “People should support the local arts as […]

Alliance calls on Executive to challenge Varney decision to refuse tax cut

Alliance Party Finance Spokesperson Dr Stephen Farry expressed major disappointment that the Varney review into fiscal measures for Northern Ireland has ruled out a differential rate of corporation tax. He slammed the unimaginative approach from the British Government to effecting a step change in the Northern Ireland economy Dr Stephen Farry stated: “There are major […]

Lunn sounds the alarms on school transferors rights

Alliance Education Spokesperson Trevor Lunn MLA has backed calls to protect transferors rights and have equality which will ensure Protestant Churches enjoy the same representation on controlled school boards as the Catholic Church has on Maintained school boards. The Lagan Valley MLA said: “It is important that as we undergo the radical shake-up which is […]

Lunn blasts weekend’s Orange Hall attacks

Alliance MLA Trevor Lunn has strongly condemned those involved on attacks on Orange Halls. He said that the attacks cause disruption in the community because many halls are used for hosting events and community matters Trevor Lunn MLA said: “Any attacks on public halls of any kind should be strongly condemned by everyone. “This is […]