Alliance Employment and Learning spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA has congratulated Professor Patrick Johnston on his appointment as the new President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University. He will take up the post in 2014. He is currently dean of the school of medicine, dentistry and biomedical sciences at Queen’s. Chris Lyttle MLA said: “I would like […]
Alliance Health spokesperson Kieran McCarthy MLA has welcomed the European Parliament’s decision to pass tighter regulations on smoking. Warning labels will have to cover 65% of packaging, menthol and other flavoured cigarettes will be banned and there will be tighter restrictions on electronic cigarettes. Discussions will now take place with the EU’s 28 member states […]
Commenting on the bomb alert outside the Alliance Party office, East Belfast MLA Chris Lyttle said: “Whether a hoax or viable device, this is a serious and reckless act. There are homes, businesses and a children’s play park in the area. This is an attack on the community and democratically elected representatives. It will not […]
Alliance East Belfast MLA Chris Lyttle, who is chair of the Assembly Group on Postal Issues, has stated the Alliance Party’s concerns over the Westminster Government’s plans to privatise the Royal Mail. His comments were made during an Assembly debate on this issue. Motion: Privatisation of Royal Mail That this Assembly considers Royal Mail to […]
Alliance Chief Whip Stewart Dickson MLA has paid tribute to the outgoing Shadow Secretary of State Vernon Coaker who has been moved to become the Shadow Defence Secretary in the Westminster reshuffle. Stewart Dickson MLA said: “I would like to acknowledge and pay tribute to the excellent work that Vernon has carried out during his […]
Alliance Deputy Leader Naomi Long MP has condemned a proposed event to commemorate Shankill bomber Thomas Begley, who was killed by his own bomb. Nine people were killed along with Begley, when his bomb exploded outside a fish shop on the Shankill Road on 23 October 1993. The planned event is due to take place […]
Alliance Health spokesperson Kieran McCarthy MLA has again called on the Health Minister to cease his legal action against adoption by civil partners. In June, the Court of Appeals ruled that legislation which prevents civil partners adopting is unlawful, however Edwin Poots is appealing this decision which is creating confusion. Kieran McCarthy MLA said: “I […]
Alliance North Belfast representative Cllr John Blair has said the place to resolve the contentious Ardoyne parade is through meaningful dialogue, not continued protests. His comments were made after the Orange Order said that they would upscale their protests. Civil disobedience is also being considered. Cllr John Blair said: “I again call on all sides […]
Alliance East Belfast MLA Judith Cochrane will propose a motion in the Assembly on Monday which will call for a single overarching strategy to protect and enhance our town and city centres. She will make the point that while there are a number of policies in place across different Departments, things are not moving quickly […]
Alliance Lagan Valley MLA Trevor Lunn has said that Peter Robinson and the DUP should be blamed for the decision by the Special European Programmes Body to withdraw its offer of £18million in financial support for the development of a peace centre at the Maze. It may be difficult for this money to be redirected […]