Marks and Spencer closure will hurt Ards economy

Strangford Alliance MLA Kieran McCarthy has said that the planned closure of the Marks and Spencer store in Newtownards will hit the town very hard. 37 jobs will be lost at the food shop. Mr McCarthy said that the relevant Stormont Ministers must respond by providing support for those affected and must also fast track […]

Executive must prioritise entrepreneurship – Neeson

East Antrim Alliance MLA Séan Neeson has called on the Stormont Executive to act more decisively this year to promote local entrepreneurship to help Northern Ireland weather the tough economic times ahead. Séan Neeson MLA said: “During difficult economic times like these we need to see radical thought from the Executive to protect the local […]

Why is Wilson planning to stop funding Road Safety Council?

Alliance Lagan Valley MLA Trevor Lunn has slammed Environment Minister Sammy Wilson’s plan to stop funding the Road Safety Council, which could see the end of the organisation. Mr Lunn said the move could put the future of local road safety groups in real jeopardy. Trevor Lunn MLA stated: “Why is the Minister stopping funding […]

Lawther sets Wilson green economy challenge

Alliance Sustainability Spokesperson Cllr Alan Lawther has thrown down the gauntlet to Environment Minister Sammy Wilson to make Northern Ireland a world leader on green issues. He stated that growing the green economy here presents an important way of protecting Northern Ireland’s economy in the current downturn. Antrim Councillor Alan Lawther said: “I want to […]

Hospital infestations show Executive health failings

Alliance Health Spokesperson Kieran McCarthy has stated that the findings on pest infestations in hospitals show that the Stormont Executive must stop making cuts in important areas of the health service, like the number of cleaning staff they employ. Pest control experts were called out more than 800 times last year by health trusts in […]

Ford says we need a full year of work from Executive

In his New Year’s message, Alliance Leader David Ford has called for a full year of work from the Stormont Executive after last year’s damaging five-month stalemate. He said Ministers should also be making New Year’s resolutions on ending segregation and improving sustainability. David Ford said: “Last year, Northern Ireland had to suffer a sickening […]