McCarthy secures two-week extension to Strangford Lough Ferry consultation

Alliance MLA Kieran McCarthy has secured an extension into the consultation on the future of a local ferry. The Strangford Lough Ferry service is currently taking place around proposals to make a recently introduced early morning sailing permanent. However, it would also see the final sailing of the day dropped. Strangford MLA Mr McCarthy asked […]

Wilson: Clandeboye area fed up with intimidation

Alliance Councillor Scott Wilson has condemned those behind an attack on a Clandeboye man who has consistently criticised paramilitary activity in the area. The local Councillor – who has been working with statutory agencies and the PSNI in recent months to address the growing problem – said local people were fed up being frightened, fearful, […]

Dickson hits out at Social Development Minister over Regeneration Bill

Stewart Dickson MLA has hit out at the Social Development Minister, after he announced he would be dropping a Bill designed to transfer a series of powers from the Executive to local Councils. The Regeneration Bill will now not proceed as planned, with Mervyn Storey stating he now wishes to wait for the restructuring of […]

Lyttle says DUP’s ‘in-out’ policy a main cause of financial problems

Alliance Regional Development spokesperson Chris Lyttle has said while an extra £1 million to repair broken street lights is welcome, the DUP’s ‘in-out’ Ministerial policy helped exacerbate the situation in the first place. East Belfast MLA Mr Lyttle was speaking in the wake of Regional Development Minister Michelle McIlveen announcing the money to help clear […]

Dickson says Chancellor’s statement shows need for Executive to strike strategic budget

Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has said today’s Comprehensive Spending Review by the Chancellor increases the need for more strategic thinking by the Executive. Speaking after George Osborne’s announcement in the House of Commons today (Wednesday), the East Antrim MLA said it was a “softer blow than expected” for Northern Ireland. “It is certainly welcome the […]

Long condemns death threats against Sinn Fein Councillor

Alliance Councillor Michael Long has condemned death threats made against Sinn Fein Councillor Stephen Magennis. He said: “Any attack on an elected representative is an attack on democracy and I must condemn those behind these threats. “In Northern Ireland we are trying to build a society where no individual falls victim to this type of […]

Cochrane reminds parents to apply for pre-school places

Alliance MLA Judith Cochrane has reminded parents to apply for pre-school places for their children in the coming weeks. Children born between July 2, 2012 and July 1, 2013 are eligible for pre-school education starting in September 2016. With applications opening this Friday (November 27) and closing January 13 at noon, Mrs Cochrane has said […]