Alliance MLA John Blair has said this latest stunt by Edwin Poots in halting border checks at midnight is yet another “failed strategy” from a Minister trying to cling on to credibility. Mr Blair was speaking after the Minister made the announcement on Wednesday night. He added: “What Minister Poots seems to have forgotten is […]
Alliance Party MLA John Blair has marked the ninth annual Farm Safety Week with a stark reminder to remain vigilant to the dangers of working on farms. Mr Blair said:: “I would encourage all those working in the agriculture sector to engage in this iniative and for all farmers to stop and think about how […]
Alliance MLA John Blair has said the proposed culling of badgers, as part of a strategy to eradicate bovine tuberculosis from Northern Ireland, is “morally indefensible”. He was speaking after the launch of a consultation into the strategy by the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. Mr Blair said whilst he was supportive of […]
Alliance MLA John Blair has responded to a statement from the DAERA Minister, warning of the consequences of political stunts. In calling out the “irresponsible” move, John said the action would only “disrupt an essential process for some of our crucial economic sectors, such as agriculture and agrifood”. He added: “Any actions to stall completion […]
Alliance Environment spokesperson John Blair has backed calls to ensure adequate support is put in place for sheep and beef farmers, as the recovery phase of Covid-19 begins. He said: “The sectors in question face an extremely tough time, especially as they seek to ensure safe and continuous food chains remain in place. This is […]
North Down Alliance Party Representatives Andrew Muir MLA and Councillor Martin McRandal have welcomed planned upgrades at Cairn Wood Forest in Craigantlet whilst appealing for patience with car park to remain closed in order to enable the works to occur. Ards and North Down Borough Council have been awarded funding from the Department of Agriculture, […]
It is vital we do all we can to prevent further repeats of fish kills after several recent incidents, Alliance Environment spokesperson John Blair MLA has said. The South Antrim MLA was speaking after securing the agreement of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Committee to examine the issue. The Committee will […]
Major questions remain after the Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs announced angling would be permitted from Monday, Alliance spokesperson John Blair MLA has said. Mr Blair said while the pastime allowed for social distancing guidelines to be followed, the announcement by Edwin Poots left a number of matters without answers before next week. […]
Helping a local agritourism industry develop and grow will help the rural economy recover from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, Alliance Agriculture spokesperson John Blair MLA has said. Agritourism involves structured farm stays, experiences and visits and is an addition to selling produce, holding educational visits and other forms of entertainment. South Antrim MLA […]