Dickson calls on people to use Larne rail line to safeguard all services

East Antrim Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has encouraged people to use the Larne rail line to help safeguard its future and all of its services throughout its entire route. The Alliance MLA said: “I promoted awareness regarding the importance of the route by raising the matter at the Assembly’s Regional Development Committee and I also […]

Lo commends police following chase after a car is hijacked in South Belfast

Alliance South Belfast MLA Anna Lo has commended the police officers who arrested a car hijacker following a chase in which three police officers were injured on Thursday night. The man arrested had hijacked the car of a woman on Windsor Road in South Belfast, but was stopped by police in West Belfast a short […]

Dickson supports Age NI ‘Spread the warmth’ campaign

Alliance East Antrim MLA Stewart Dickson donned his silliest hat to support Age NI’s Spread the warmth campaign, a campaign to improve winter for people in later life. Throughout February, Age NI is encouraging people across Northern Ireland to put on their hats in recognition of the challenges faced by many older people in winter. […]

Long says we need a more female friendly political environment rather than introducing a quota

Following the comments by the Environment Minister on introducing quotas on female council candidates, Alliance Deputy Leader Naomi Long MP has said that we need to have a more female friendly political environment rather than introducing quotas. Naomi Long MP said: “I welcome the Environment Minister’s interest in doing something to correct the current gender […]

Gas price cut good news and extension of network here must be considered

Alliance Enterprise Spokesperson Trevor Lunn MLA has hailed news of an 8.5% price reduction for households and small businesses from Phoenix, but says the battle against fuel poverty will continue as many people still struggle to pay for many different forms of heating. He also says he hopes that Phoenix will explore extending the gas […]

Cochrane says report underlines need for changes to ensure transparency in party donations here

On the day that an Electoral Commission report was published on election campaign spending, Alliance MLA Judith Cochrane has said it is vital that Westminster legislation which allows anonymity on political donations here be scrapped. She said, “Alliance supports the full normalisation of the party donation and disclosure regime in Northern Ireland consistent with the […]

Long puts tackling rogue holiday home vendors on Westminster agenda today

East Belfast Alliance MP Naomi Long is proposing an adjournment debate at Westminster today to raise the concerns of local people who have purchased holiday homes in Turkey, and found themselves the victims of an alleged fraud and intimidation. Naomi was originally approached last spring by constituents affected by the issue and has been lobbying […]

Ford welcomes planning reverse on Parkgate Quarry

Local Alliance MLA David Ford has welcomed the decision by Planning Service to withdraw two contentious planning applications from the meeting with Antrim Council on 21 February. They concerned plans for a waste facility and a landfill at Parkgate Quarry. David Ford said: “Working alongside people in the area, Cllr Alan Lawther, Danny Kinahan MLA […]

Cochrane welcomes announcement of new windows work from Housing Executive

East Belfast Alliance MLA and Party Social Development Spokesperson Judith Cochrane has welcomed news that 144 houses in the Lower Beersbridge and Mount area are set to get new double glazed windows fitted, saying the move will hopefully help people save on heating bills. Judith Cochrane MLA said: “This is absolutely great news. I am […]

Ford hails Air Passenger Duty news but says full devolution crucial

Alliance Leader David Ford, who is MLA for the constituency in which International Airport is located, has welcomed news from Westminster’s Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Chloe Smith, that powers regarding Air Passenger Duty on direct long haul flights from Northern Ireland are being devolved. He said however that powers over APD in relation to […]