Neeson says electricity prices are costing jobs

Alliance Enterprise Spokesperson Seán Neeson MLA has welcomed news that an inquiry will be held into the price of electricity for businesses and said that the prices are costing jobs in Northern Ireland. Seán Neeson MLA said: “The price of electricity here is costing Northern Ireland jobs. It is hurting our economy and means that […]

Ford welcomes Robinson comments on the Police Full Time Reserve

Alliance Leader David Ford MLA has welcomed the comments from the First Minister Peter Robinson that the Police Full Time Reserve is an operational matter for the Chief Constable. David Ford MLA said: “Peter Robinson’s statement this afternoon recognising the operational independence of the Chief Constable is very important. It makes it clear that Jeffery […]

Agreed statement by Alliance, DUP, UUP and SDLP on Education Transfer talks

The Ulster Unionists, SDLP, DUP and Alliance Party met again at Stormont today for talks on the post-primary transfer issue, and they released this statement: “Progress is being made at our talks, they are at a sensitive stage. It is not in our interests to disclose more information at this time. “We will continue to […]

Neeson says unemployment figures show we need green new deal

On the day that it was announced that unemployment increased in the third quarter of this year, Alliance Enterprise Spokesperson Seán Neeson MLA has said the news shows clearly why Northern Ireland needs a green road to economic recovery strategy. He also slammed the Stormont Executive for its lack of an economic strategy for the […]

Alliance slams Poots over plastic bag levy failure

Alliance Party Environment Spokesperson Cllr Stewart Dickson has hit out at Minister Edwin Poots over his continued failure to impose a levy on plastic bags. Carrickfergus Councillor Stewart Dickson said: “Clearly, Northern Ireland is falling behind in the environmental protection stakes. “The Republic of Ireland led the way on the plastic bag levy – Wales […]

Neeson says loss of Halifax jobs will hurt our economy

Alliance Enterprise Spokesperson Seán Neeson MLA has expressed deep concern news at news that around 120 jobs could be lost at Halifax’s Mortgage Operation team in Cromac Square near Belfast city centre. Seán Neeson MLA said: “This is a deeply worrying development for those Halifax workers who might be affected by this announcement. Coming as […]

Alliance responds to latest economic bad news

Alliance Party Finance Spokesperson, Stephen Farry MLA, has responded to latest report on the Northern Ireland economy from Ernst & Young, authored by Neil Gibson, which predicts a longer road to recovery and the potential for a ‘double-dip’ recession. Stephen Farry stated: “This is a sobering report for everyone involved in the Northern Ireland economy. […]

Ford slams Donaldson on comments on PSNI full-time reserve

Alliance Leader David Ford has hit out at Jeffrey Donaldson for his comments over the full-time reserve saying he should not be interfering in matter which the operational responsibility of the Chief Constable. David Ford said: “Matt Baggott, as Chief Constable has operational responsibility for policing Northern Ireland. He has carried out a review and […]