Alliance Party Deputy Leader Naomi Long, has described her shock at the Ulster Unionists’ decision to accept the PUP’s David Ervine as part of their Assembly group. The PUP’s armed wing, the UVF, is not on ceasefire and was described in the IMC’s most recent report as an “active, violent and ruthless organisation which remains […]
Former Alliance Belfast Lord Mayor Tom Ekin has said traffic enforcement officers must adopt a zero tolerance policy to cars parked illegally on the Lisburn Road. The Balmoral representative stated: “Driving along the Lisburn Road yesterday I noticed about 50 Cars parked on the Clearway at 5pm. Also I saw the PSNI ticketing these offenders […]
Alliance Assembly Chief Whip Kieran McCarthy has said Assembly members cannot afford to waste any time if they are to get the Assembly, Executive and cross-border institutions operating properly as soon as possible. The Strangford MLA stated: “Alliance has been quite clear – we will meet anyone at any time if it helps get the […]
Antrim Alliance Councillor Alan Lawther has warned that the Northern Ireland ratepayer faces further rates hikes to pay a £180 million EC fine after Councils and the Department of the Environment fail to reach their targets on environmental protection. Cllr Lawther warned: “There is the potential for Northern Ireland ratepayers to face huge fines for […]
Alliance Party Leader David Ford MLA has warned that failure to agree on structures and procedures for the Assembly is threatening to turn it into a “circus”. David Ford stated: “We were pleased not to be having to get to know a new Secretary of State at this late stage, but we remain unimpressed that […]
Alliance Deputy Leader Naomi Long MLA has said a new education system is required to ensure children can reach their full potential in the 21st century. Speaking at Stormont at an event to show opposition to the 11+ examination system, Naomi Long stated: “We are not here to oppose what has gone before. Our education […]
Alliance Enterprise Spokesperson Sean Neeson MLA has called for an urgent review of departmental structures in Northern Ireland, to make coherent, “joined-up” government a reality. The East Antrim Assembly member stated: “People know that joined-up government in Northern Ireland is currently a myth. We have far too many departments, which are inclined to compete rather […]
Next Monday will see the spectacle of your MLAs returning to the Northern Ireland Assembly. They’ll sign the entry book and take their seats in the chamber, for the first time since being elected three years ago. They have been given a precious opportunity to get things right. People have had enough of stop-start politics […]
Alliance Deputy Leader Naomi Long MLA has said the Opposition must get a fair say when the Assembly in reconstituted. The East Belfast Assembly member stated: “Alliance is the only Opposition party in the Assembly. This must be recognised to enable the Assembly to operate democratically. “The people of Northern Ireland must not be denied […]
Ballymena Alliance representative Jayne Dunlop has branded the sectarian murder of a 15-year-old boy in the town “disgusting”. Ms Dunlop stated: “I am both sad and angry at the killing of Michael who was so savagely beaten at the weekend. The attack was barbaric and vicious. He didn’t stand a chance. He was outnumbered by […]