Alliance Leader Naomi Long MLA has said a change of attitude, not venue, is required to see the talks process reach a successful conclusion in the New Year. Mrs Long said while 2017 had been a frustrating year politically, 2018 promised more, if parties showed a renewed commitment to restoring the institutions. “This past year […]
Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has said improved resourcing for public awareness campaigns is needed to ensure A&Es are not overburdened heading into the New Year. The South Belfast MLA stated: “Every year we hear concerns about how emergency departments are overburdened over the Christmas season and at certain other times of year. However, […]
Ards and North Down Alliance representatives have expressed their continued opposition to blood sports and animal cruelty following the Boxing Day hunt in the area. The hunt set off from Newtownards and will be followed by another, due to depart Crawfordsburn on New Year’s Day. Alliance Councillor Karen Douglas said the party has been vocal […]
Alliance Councillor Amanda Grehan has said she is in shock following a suspected murder in Lisburn. A woman died at a house in Mornington Lane shortly after 6am today (Monday). Another woman and a man were taken to hospital with suspected stab wounds. The man has since been discharged. A 19-year-old man has been arrested. […]
Councillor Scott Wilson has welcomed the reopening of the Ballysallagh Road following repairs to the damaged bridge, but expressed his frustration at the failures of the department. Speaking after the road was reopened on Monday, Councillor Wilson said: “While I am happy that the road is now open, this should never have happened. “Following the […]
Alliance Party Deputy Leader, Stephen Farry, has responded to NICS Briefing on the Budget Outlook for Northern Ireland, stressing that the absence of a functioning devolved Executive and a strategic approach to public spending is further compounding a difficult financial context, with further risks to the quality of public services and the potential of the […]
Alliance Health Spokesperson Paula Bradshaw has welcomed the allocation of £3.9 million to GP practices to enable the 1 percent uplift and tackle demographic changes, but cautioned it is nothing like the implementation of reform necessary to avoid the system collapsing. The South Belfast MLA stated: “Clearly GPs and people using their practices will welcome […]
Alliance Brexit spokesperson Stephen Farry MLA has said he is “encouraged” by agreement of EU and UK on the Brexit Joint Report, as it aims to protect the Good Friday Agreement and avoid a hard border. Dr Farry was speaking after the EU agreed to move Brexit talks onto their second phase. The Joint Report, […]
Alliance Councillor Deborah Girvan has said she is disappointed after a motion calling for Council backing for Votes at 16 to be extended to Northern Ireland fell due to unionist opposition. The debate at Ards and North Down Borough Council, which had been secured by Alliance, ended in defeat last night after seven DUP and […]
Alliance Councillor Kate Nicholl has welcomed a commitment to reinstall bench slats at an area used by homeless people. The bench slats in Jubilee Gardens were removed last week. The area is used by many homeless people to socialise. Following pressure from Councillors including Ms Nicholl, they will now be reinstalled over the Christmas period, […]