The findings of a Police Ombudsman report into the murder of a Catholic teenager by the UDA is further evidence why the UK Government’s amnesty proposals are a bad idea, Alliance MLA John Blair has said. The Ombudsman found ‘significant failures’ in the police investigation into the killing of Damien Walsh in 1993, who died […]
Alliance Lurgan Councillor Peter Lavery has said the erection of UVF facades on a building is simply an attempt to intimidate local residents. The signs, from the Mid-Ulster UVF and associated other paramilitaries, replaced facades of Edward Carson and the Somme among other historical events on the side of the Housing Executive property in Pollock […]
Alliance representatives have said there is no place for guns on our streets, after a shooting incident in Bangor. A man in his 30s has been taken to hospital after being shot in Balligan Gardens in the town around 9pm yesterday (Monday). He suffered injuries to his lower right leg. “There is no place in […]
Alliance MLA John Blair has called on all political leaders to rebuke any sense of credibility the LCC is trying to exert over our society. Mr Blair – the party’s representative on the policing board – said it was long past the time that anyone with links to on-going paramilitarism should have any influence in […]
Leadership is about action, not merely words, Alliance Leader Naomi Long MLA has said. Mrs Long was speaking during an Alliance Assembly motion in the wake of several nights of violence across Northern Ireland. The latest saw petrol bombs thrown in Lanark Way, police officers attacked and a bus burnt out. “The images we have […]
It is time for cool heads and calm consideration, Alliance Policing Board representative John Blair MLA has said, following the incident at the anniversary of the Sean Graham’s bookies’ killings. During a matter of the day at the Assembly today (Monday), Mr Blair said accountable and representative policing was vital, adding it was time to […]
Alliance has sought an urgent meeting with the PSNI Chief Constable to discuss increasing tensions and paramilitary activity in recent weeks. The party has already expressed serious concern about the ramping up of tensions across Northern Ireland, and the prevalence of paramilitary-style attacks, shootings and activity over recent months. Alliance and a number of other […]
There is no place for so-called punishment shootings in our society, Alliance West Belfast representative Donnamarie Higgins has said, after a man in his 30s was shot in both legs. The attack, which was reported yesterday (Thursday) around 8:10pm, took place in Downfine Walk in Turf Lodge. Ms Higgins said guns should not be on […]
Alliance South Antrim MLA John Blair has said he is shocked after a shooting in his constituency. A man in his 50s was shot in the knee in New Mossley around 7:05pm yesterday (Wednesday). He was taken to hospital for treatment for his injuries, which police have said are not life threatening but may be […]
Alliance Lisnasharragh Councillor Eric Hanvey has called for a UVF threat against contractors working on a local leisure centre to be lifted. Councillor Hanvey was speaking after Belfast City Council was informed of the threat to workers at Lisnasharragh Leisure Centre, due to work to turn a section of the site previously used for Eleventh […]