Alliance was right over funding allocation

Councillor Michael Long has said Alliance concerns over the allocation of funding to a number of Belfast-based groups were justified, after Belfast City Council blocked further funding until a formal protocol is in place. Hailing it as an Alliance victory – the Party has constantly campaigned for a fair, legitimate process – Councillor Long said […]

Alliance secures audio recording of Belfast committee meetings

Alliance has successfully secured greater openness and transparency on Belfast City Council, defeating attempts to block the audio recording of all Committee meetings. At the latest Belfast City Council meeting, Councillor Michael Long said there was no place for secrecy in local politics after some Councillors tried to backtrack over plans to make committee meetings […]

Lyttle – ‘UUP have no principles, plan or purpose’

Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle has said the Regional Development Minister’s resignation from the Executive is proof the UUP has abdicated responsibility for the current crisis at Stormont. The East Belfast MLA was speaking after Danny Kennedy announced he would officially step down from his position at midnight following the UUP’s decision to leave the Executive. […]

McDonough-Brown says racist graffiti has no place in society

Alliance South Belfast Councillor Emmet McDonough-Brown has said racist graffiti has no place in our society after a racist slogan appeared in the area. The racist graffiti was daubed on a home in Blythe Street in Sandy Row. Councillor McDonough-Brown has contacted Belfast City Council to seek its removal immediately. “South Belfast is welcoming to […]

Long criticises other parties for backtracking on transparency

Alliance Councillor Michael Long has criticised other parties for backtracking over openness and transparency on Belfast City Council, after plans to audio record all Committee meetings were shelved. Councillor Long said he was “disappointed, but not surprised” at the last-minute move to block Alliance proposals to make committee meetings more available to ratepayers. The decision […]

Armitage condemns suspected armed assault

Alliance East Belfast Councillor David Armitage has condemned those responsible for a suspected armed assault in the area. Around 3.30am today (Saturday), two men entered a house in Thorndyke Street and assaulted a 29-year-old male with a suspected firearm. The man suffered injuries to his head and hands, and was treated in hospital. His injuries […]

Alliance discusses rule of law challenges with Secretary of State

An Alliance delegation has met with the Secretary of State to explore potential approaches to restoring confidence in the political institutions and ensuring the integrity of the rule of law. The party has also briefed the Irish and United States Governments on the current situation. Speaking after the meeting, Alliance MLA Stephen Farry said Northern […]

Alliance selects new Belfast Councillor

Sian O’Neill has been named as the newest Alliance Councillor, after being selected to replace out-going Councillor Laura McNamee on Wednesday night. Speaking after her selection, the well-known youth worker said she aimed to build on the excellent work started by Laura McNamee, particularly focussing on youth provision across East Belfast and community engagement – […]

Farry says Alliance stepping forward while UUP step back

Alliance MLA Stephen Farry has said the UUP’s hasty withdrawal from the Executive smacks of political opportunism rather than any principled position. The Alliance MLA was speaking following UUP Leader Mike Nesbitt’s decision to recommend his party leave the Executive, a move expected to be ratified by party members this weekend. Mr Farry said the […]