“Common Sense Solution needed to Green dispute”: Long

East Belfast Alliance Assembly Member and Victoria Councillor, Naomi Long, has said that a common sense solution is necessary to resolve the dispute which has erupted about children playing football on the green in Thornhill Parade. Cllr Long MLA has been contacted by residents over the last week, concerned that the Council has erected “No […]

Fitzpatrick condemns attack on Milk cup team

Alliance Coleraine Councillor Barney Fitzpatrick has condemned the attack on the building where Milk cup competitors Crumlin United from Dublin where staying. Stones where thrown at the building in Cromore Court, Coleraine on Monday night and it is also believed that sectarian abuse was shouted at them. Cllr Fitzpatrick said: “The Milk cup is an […]

Long tells police- “if you know where weapons are then do something about it”

Alliance Deputy Leader Naomi Long MLA has told police that if they know where loyalists are keeping their weapons then they should recover those weapons to prevent them from being used in any crimes. Her comments follow a statement from Assistant Chief Constable Peter Sheridan who has warned loyalists that they better decommission their weapons […]

McCarthy welcomes call for more mixed housing

Alliance Chief Whip Kieran McCarthy MLA had welcomed a report produced for the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister that calls for more mixed housing as a way of promoting community relations. The report entitled ‘Can Contact Promote Better Relations’, found that neighbourhood ties reduce anxiety between all communities and that policy […]

Alliance meets with DRD Minister about the future of the Greenway

East Belfast Alliance Assembly Member, Cllr Naomi Long, has had a meeting with Conor Murphy, DRD Minister, to discuss issues regarding the proposed rapid transit system and to raise concerns of residents regarding the impact on the Comber Greenway. Speaking after the meeting, Naomi Long said: “A lot of hard work has gone into developing […]

Alliance call to Minister to follow through on potential Tree Preservation Order Breach

East Belfast Alliance Assembly Member Naomi Long has written to the Environment Minister regarding the removal of a number of trees which were subject to Tree Preservation Orders from a site in Shandon Park. Ms Long is asking the Minister to clarify whether the proper permission was sought in advance, and whether there is any […]

Can Foster do Ministerial job well whilst standing in by-election?

Alliance Enterprise spokesperson Sean Neeson MLA has stated that Arlene Foster’s decision to stand in the Council by-election in Enniskillen is a mistake as she will not be able to devote all her energy to her Ministerial duties because she will be running an election campaign. Sean Neeson MLA said: “At the moment Arlene Foster […]

Schengen should be alternative to Common Travel Area

The Alliance Party Justice Spokesperson, Stephen Farry MLA, has again called upon the British and Irish Government to sign up to the European Schengen Agreement to enable the continuation of free movement of people between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. This call comes in response to proposals from the UK Borders Agency […]

Farry welcomes possibility of homecoming parades for troops

North Down Alliance MLA Stephen Farry has welcomed news that local armed services personnel could be given homecoming parades. Discussions are currently underway with Belfast and Castlereagh Councils regarding the organisation of parades and Dr Farry praised the Newsletter’s campaign on the issue. Dr Stephen Farry stated: “I am very pleased that plans are afoot […]