Former Belfast Lord Mayor Tom Ekin has said the Ulster Unionist leadership should stop embarrassing itself by coming up with more excuses for its Assembly Group’s merger with paramilitary representatives, and instead all sides should say what has to be done and do it. The Alliance Councillor stated: “Sir Reg tells us that his party […]
North Down Alliance Councillor David Alderdice has said the decision of the Ulster Unionist Assembly Group to join up with the PUP without consulting North Down MP Lady Sylvia Hermon is an insult to her constituents. Cllr Alderdice stated: “As Lady Sylvia has stated that she is a staunch defender of the rule of law […]
Alliance Party Justice Spokesperson, Dr Stephen Farry, has welcomed assurances regarding a triple-lock on the devolution of policing and justice that were outlined by David Hanson in the House of Commons today. The safeguards of a cross-community vote in the Assembly, a declaration by the Secretary of State, and a vote in Parliament reflect proposals […]
Alliance Castlereagh Councillor Sara Duncan has said the threat of potholed roads across Northern Ireland is another reason for local politicians to focus on restoring devolution and local accountability. Cllr Duncan stated: “Every aspect of public services is now becoming subject to reduced funding under direct rule. Councils are being made aware by the Quarry […]
Young Alliance East Antrim representative Pete Milner has said students in their final year at Queen’s University must be able to take the exams they have studied for. His comments come after Young Alliance raised the issue yesterday, and after promises from the University that all exams will take place. Pete Milner stated: “Young Alliance […]
Alliance Councillor Tom Campbell has called on the Ulster Unionist Party to clarify its position on law and order following the announcement that PUP Leader David Ervine has been welcomed into its Stormont ranks. Cllr Campbell, a member of Newtownabbey Council, said: “The Ulster Unionists, as a self styled party of law and order, have […]
Democracy or paramilitarism – you decide Alliance Party Chief Whip Kieran McCarthy has said the people of Northern Ireland now face a clear choice – between democracy and paramilitarism. The Strangford MLA stated: “Never have the lines between parties prepared to countenance paramilitarism and those opposed to it been clearer. The Ulster Unionist merger with […]
Alliance Deputy Leader Naomi Long has said “decent people” are angry at Ulster Unionist attempts to place active paramilitaries at the heart of Northern Ireland’s Government. Naomi Long stated: “Ulster Unionists are now saying that paramilitarism is not a matter of principle. I wonder if they would care to explain that to people whose lives […]
Alliance Leader David Ford has said Alliance is entering the Assembly to be positive and constructive — and condemned others’ failure to do likewise. Speaking at the end of the first session of the Assembly for over two years, David Ford stated: “The Alliance Group has entered the Assembly to play a positive and constructive […]
Young Alliance Chair Ian James Parsley has said that most Young Unionists will be alarmed by their party’s slippage towards direct links with paramilitarism — and said that Young Alliance will welcome those seeking an alternative. After it was confirmed the PUP’s David Ervine would join the Ulster Unionist Assembly Group, the North Down Councillor […]