IFA situation is deeply troubling and independent review is needed urgently

Alliance Culture, Arts and Leisure Spokesperson Kieran McCarthy MLA has said the situation at the IFA is deeply troubling. He also said having an independent review was essential and said we need the review to take place quickly. Kieran McCarthy MLA said: “The situation within the IFA is not good for football and it’s not […]

Lawther calls for Minister to introduce plastic bag levy

Alliance Sustainability Spokesperson Cllr Alan Lawther has called on Environment Minister Edwin Poots to introduce a levy on plastic bags. His call comes following news that 189 million single-usage bags were handed out in shops in Northern Ireland in the past year. This statistic from the British Retail Consortium shows a 9% drop from the […]

Lunn deeply concerned at report on school buildings

Alliance Education Spokesperson Trevor Lunn MLA has expressed concerns at a report from the Audit Office which says more than £350m set aside for school buildings over the past five years has not been used. He said the report also shows the need for the creation of the Education and Skills Authority to help deliver […]

Alliance comments on Claudy bombings report

Alliance Party Justice Spokesperson Stephen Farry MLA has commented following the publication of the Police Ombudsman’s report into the bombings in Claudy on 31 July 1972. Stephen Farry MLA said: “This is a most troubling report which sheds light not just on one of the worst atrocities of the troubles but also more directly on […]

Lunn praises students on GCSE results

Following the announcement of GCSE results in Northern Ireland, Alliance Education Spokesperson Trevor Lunn MLA has praised students here on their high level of achievement. He also said he was glad CCEA had provided assurances that it has re-checked multiple choice papers to try and prevent mistakes in results. Trevor Lunn said: “These results are […]

Dunlop calls for responsible approach to prevent tension in Rasharkin

North Antrim Alliance Representative Jayne Dunlop has called for a responsible approach from all sides to be taken to prevent tension in Rasharkin. Jayne Dunlop said: “We need a responsible approach to be taken by all sides on this matter. “Every year this situation seems to become more tense and the police have to deal […]

Joined-up approach needed to protect horse mussels in Strangford Lough

Strangford Alliance MLA Kieran McCarthy has called for a coherent and joined-up action to be taken to protect horse mussels in Strangford Lough. He said action on the issue is essential to ensure the European Union does not impose a fine because of the problem. Kieran McCarthy MLA said: “There needs to be a joined-up […]

Dissident dialogue only within certain parameters says Alliance

Alliance Party Justice Spokesperson, Stephen Farry, has responded to the latest comments from Secretary of State Owen Paterson regarding dialogue to tackle terrorism by stressing that engagement can be part of an overarching structure, but that the nature of any process can and must only be limited. Stephen Farry MLA stated: “Any successful strategy to […]