Votes for 16 and 17-year-olds should be extended to Northern Ireland, Alliance West Tyrone Westminster candidate Stephen Donnelly has said. Mr Donnelly said local elections could follow the example of Scotland, which lowered its voting age to 16 for the independence referendum and local government elections in 2014, or Wales, which recently said the change […]
Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has backed moves by the UK Government to try and reduce the cost of a life-changing cystic fibrosis drug and make it available on the NHS across the UK. Health Ministers have urged pharmaceutical company Vertex Pharmaceuticals to drop this price of its Orkambi drug, which has been shown […]
Alliance Councillor Karen Douglas has described her shock at reports of a severe attack on a young person in Bangor on Friday night. She added: “This appears to have been an extremely vicious attack and my thoughts are with the young person, who I hope will have a full recovery. “This is an active investigation […]
Alliance South Belfast MLA Paula Bradshaw has expressed delight at the news that Forge Integrated Primary School’s move onto the former Knockbreda High School site has been given the green light. Ms Bradshaw stated: “This is a hugely exciting move which makes so much sense given the quality of education Forge offers and the obvious […]
Alliance Councillor Kate Nicholl has said plans to defer a final decision on a recent consultation into Sunday trading hours allows more time for the right decision to be made. A vocal supporter of the plans that would allow larger retailers within the city centre confines open an additional 18 Sundays a year, Councillor Nicholl […]
Alliance Brexit Spokesperson Stephen Farry MLA has said the UK Government needs to reconsider its approach to the border issue in Brexit negotiations after speculation the EU Commission has comprehensively rejected its proposals. Dr Farry said only a customs union can be the foundation of a solution, adding time was running out. “This apparent rejection […]
Alliance Councillor David Armitage has backed a new initiative set up in the face of a perceived increase in islamophobia and anti-Semitism. The Three Faiths Forum will launch today at City Hall, and will see Jews, Christians and Muslims join together to create a positive programme aimed at celebrating diversity. Hosting the event, Councillor Armitage […]
Alliance South Antrim MLA David Ford has said he is shocked and saddened after two people died following a light aircraft crash in Co Antrim. The plane came down close to Nutts Corner around 12.20pm today (Thursday), crashing in a field and catching fire. “This is shocking and sad news,” said Mr Ford. “I want […]
Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has challenged the Secretary of State to help break the political deadlock here by initiating all-party talks as soon as possible Ms Armstrong said recent speculation around the resumption of talks following Easter and the recent Good Friday Agreement anniversary had only been followed up with segregated talks with individual parties […]
Alliance MLA Trevor Lunn has said he is shocked after the discovery of a man’s body in North Belfast led to police launching a murder investigation. Two men, aged 26 and 28, have been arrested on suspicion of murder after the discovery in Orient Gardens off the Cliftonville Road. Police have asked anyone in the […]