Alliance says save Connswater Community Centre

Following calls by some Belfast councillors to close Connswater Community Centre, the Alliance Party has said the centre should be given a chance to prove its worth and fulfil its potential for the community. Cllr Laura McNamee is planning to arrange meetings with the East Belfast Mission and with Belfast City Council to discuss the […]

Scotland shows Northern Ireland the way on Budget setting

Alliance Party Finance Spokesperson, Stephen Farry MLA, has pointed to the publication of a draft budget by the Scottish Executive as an indication on how far Northern Ireland has fallen behind and has again highlighted the dangers from budget brinkmanship. Dr Stephen Farry MLA stated: “The announcement by the Scottish Executive by a draft Budget […]

Long asks Minister for special consideration for NI on Irish bailout

East Belfast Alliance MP Naomi Long has today asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Mark Hoban MP, to give consideration to Northern Ireland businesses and jobs that could be placed in jeopardy if the problems in the Irish economy and banking sector are not resolved. Naomi Long MP said: “So many people, businesses and […]

Alliance says continued rise in unemployment is deeply troubling

On the day that monthly figures were released showing an increase by 400 in the number of people claiming unemployment benefit here, Alliance Employment Spokesperson Chris Lyttle says this is extremely worrying given that Northern Ireland had the highest monthly rise out of all the regions of the UK. He said these figures demonstrated the […]

Strong Early Years strategy is vital to help people reach potential

On the day that the Stormont Education Committee is discussing Early Years, Alliance Education Spokesperson Trevor Lunn MLA has said it’s essential government listens to stakeholders and gets the strategy right. Lagan Valley MLA Trevor Lunn said: “Early Years is one of the key areas which, with adequate investment, could help save us a lot […]

Alliance praises Sydenham Residents on Brighter Belfast Award

East Belfast Alliance MP Naomi Long and MLA Chris Lyttle have praised Palmerston Residents Association on being given Belfast City Council Brighter Belfast Environmental Awards 2010. Palmerston Residents Association received the Business & Community Partnership Award in conjunction with Translink for environmental improvements at Sydenham Train Station. Naomi Long MP said: “This is a very […]

Long sign motion in Westminster on banning wild animals in circuses

Alliance East Belfast MP Naomi Long has signed parliamentary Early Day Motion number 403 that calls for the wild animal ban to finally be implemented. Naomi Long MP said: “I do not believe that it is appropriate for wild animals to be used to perform tricks in circuses and it is clear from the overwhelming […]

Lunn backs quarry industry and says keep the derogation

Lagan Valley Alliance MLA Trevor Lunn has spoken in the Assembly today to back efforts to protect the quarry industry in Northern Ireland. There are real concerns over plans to end Northern Ireland’s 80% derogation regarding aggregates. Trevor Lunn MLA said: “The importance of the quarry and aggregates industry is very starkly illustrated by the […]