David Ford MLA has resubmitted his private member’s bill on abortion reform. Mr Ford presented his proposal to the Speaker’s Office late yesterday (Monday) soon after signing the roll of membership to officially become an MLA again. It had been moved in the previous Assembly mandate but was a casualty of the Executive collapse. The […]
Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has appealed for calm following the death of loyalist George Gilmore. The 44-year-old died in hospital after being shot yesterday in Carrickfergus. Loyalist factions in the town have been feuding for a number of months. Mr Dickson called on those behind the feud to bring it to an end. “My sympathy […]
Alliance Leader Naomi Long has said the Assembly needs to be up and running as soon as possible in order to deliver for people. The East Belfast representative was speaking after her party’s MLAs officially signed the roll of membership. She said the increased turnout in the recent election showed the desire for a return […]
Alliance East Antrim MLA Stewart Dickson has condemned an incident in Carrickfergus in which a man was shot. The shooting, which happened in the Pinewood Avenue area of the town this afternoon, saw the victim rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries. “This is an appalling act, particularly as it was carried out in broad daylight […]
Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has condemned a serious assault which occurred in Carrickfergus on Saturday night, March 11. A member of staff from the Royal Oak Bar, Green Street, was attacked around 9.40pm. Two men have since been arrested. He said: “I must condemn this horrifying attack which has left the victim with serious head […]
Alliance Councillor David Armitage has called for illegal bonfire materials left on the Connswater Greenway to be removed immediately. Dozens of tyres have been left on the Flora Street walkway section of the multi-million-pound greenway. “Alliance recognises everyone has the right to celebrate their culture and traditions but it must be done in a safe, […]
Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has said she is “bitterly disappointed” after Ulster Bank announced it would close nine of its local branches from October. The move means the Ards Peninsula is left without any banking provision. The bank said it was due to the increase in usage of its digital banking services. Affected branches include […]
Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has said unless a new Executive is formed, a major report into integrated education risks being lost. The report, entitled Integrating Education in Northern Ireland: Celebrating Inclusiveness and Fostering Innovation in our Schools, was completed in November but only released last Thursday, on Assembly election polling day. Among its recommendations are […]
Alliance Justice spokesperson Trevor Lunn has called for a full investigation after a murder suspect was released by mistake. Michael Lawrence Smith (38) has not returned to Maghaberry Prison after last being seen in the Belfast area at 2pm yesterday (Tuesday). PSNI have stated Smith, who is on remand for murder, said he had been […]
Alliance Economy spokesperson Stephen Farry has said today’s Budget should be a “further reality check” for the political process here. Dr Farry was speaking after Chancellor Philip Hammond unveiled the details of the Budget, which will see the Executive receive a small amount of additional funding. “Today’s Budget should be a further reality check for […]