Alliance Chief Whip Kieran McCarthy MLA has demanded an end to rates ‘get-out clause’ for landlords while older people are being hit badly by rates increases. Wealthy landlords are currently given an exemption from paying rates because if they have students in their houses, they will not be given a rates bill. The Strangford Assembly […]
Alliance Party Leader, David Ford, has stated that the number of integrated education places must increase to break down the Berlin Wall of segregation which exists here. His comments come before tomorrow’s round-table shared education meeting at Stormont with the US Secretary Richard Riley, who was the Clinton administration’s Education Secretary. David Ford said: “I […]
Alliance Environment Spokesperson, Stewart Dickson, has welcomed a scheme to get adults to pledge to use alternatives to plastic bags. The initiative was introduced by the Henderson Group and involves over 400 Spar and Vivo shops asking children to get adults to sign a pledge card saying they will stop using plastic bags. The Carrickfergus […]
Alliance Party Chair Yvonne Boyle has said ongoing arson attacks prove that some people still have some way to go to understand that dialogue and negotiation are the only way to make progress. After another attack, this time on a B&Q outlet in the Riverside Retail Park less than a mile from her home, the […]
On the eve of the St. Andrews’ Talks, the Alliance Party has written to the British and Irish Governments asking them to appoint an independent commission on the past and its legacy. The commission would be composed of domestic and international experts to consult, and make a series of recommendations which would address how to […]
We are in the home straight, but Sinn Fein must sign up to policing to clear the final hurdle and ensure that we can all claim the prize of devolution. Sinn Fein must now back police to restore devolution for good. If this move takes place, the DUP would then have no option but to […]
Former Lord Mayor of Belfast, Tom Ekin, has demanded that government postpone rates hikes for one year so that a fair system can be implemented to replace them. He said his party has offered the solution to the rates crisis, and that the current system must be scrapped and replaced with a local income-based system. […]
The Alliance Party in Castlereagh has said a racist attack in Dundonald last night will have shocked local people – but serves as a reminder that we must do more to change divisive attitudes. Castlereagh Councillor and Party Vice Chair Michael Long stated: “Like most people in Castlereagh, I am appalled that two men could […]
Alliance Party Leader, David Ford, has commended the Royal Irish Regiment on being awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross. The RIR was awarded the accolade by the Queen at the final review of the three battalions in Belfast today. David Ford stated: “I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Royal Irish Regiment on […]
Alliance Party Spokesperson Stewart Dickson has slammed government proposals to end the publication of planning applications in the three daily newspapers here. He stated that the publication of plans is vital to ensure that the public is kept well informed of matters of local significance. The Carrickfergus Councillor stated: “I am extremely disappointed that the […]