Alliance Assembly Enterprise Spokesperson Sean Neeson MLA has said the Assembly must gain tax-raising and tax-varying powers if it is to take appropriate action to boost the economy. The East Antrim Assembly member stated: “Although Scotland has not used the powers, the fact they are available has allowed the Scottish Executive to take responsibility for […]
Alliance Health Spokesperson Kieran McCarthy MLA has congratulated staff within the Ulster Community Hospitals and Royal Group of Hospitals HSS Trusts on their positioning in the top 40 in the UK – but said there is still much room for improvement. The Strangford Assembly member stated: “I know from my own constituency that staff within […]
Northern Ireland’s politicians have been given a precious opportunity to get things right. People have had enough of stop-start politics and a revolving door Assembly. Therefore, it is crucial that the Assembly and Executive are not only restored, but placed on a firm and sustainable basis. It would be farcical if the institutions were to […]
Alliance Party Leader David Ford has demanded intensive, inclusive talks upon the re-establishment of the Assembly on 15 May — and said the likely alternative to proper preparation is Assembly collapse. David Ford stated: “We still do not know what the Assembly will be debating, what precise times it will be meeting, or how the […]
Alliance Party Local Government Whip Stewart Dickson has said Government figures released today on poverty levels in Northern Ireland mean there must be a Government re-think on water charges. The Carrickfergus Councillor stated: “Today we see yet another Government report on poverty in Northern Ireland, yet we see precious little Government action. “Indeed, my party […]
Alliance Castlereagh Councillor and Party Vice Chair Michael Long has expressed his disappointment at the SEELB proposal to close Lisnasharragh High School. He said that a joined up approach between Boards should be taken when deciding to close schools near Board boundaries. Cllr Long stated: “People will naturally be very disappointed and saddened by the […]
Alliance Party Deputy Leader Naomi Long MLA has said Unionist politicians should stop boycotting policing structures and start living up to their responsibilities. She has called on the Secretary of State to address the question of allowances for members engaged in boycotts. Speaking as Ulster Unionist nominees have adopted a policy of “selective boycott” regarding […]
Former Alliance Lord Mayor Councillor Tom Ekin, speaking at the Launch of Adullam Ministries at the City Hall welcomed people from all parts of Belfast: people who would never have been brought together peacefully and constructively except for the dedication of Pastor Paul Burns and his wife Caroline. Cllr Ekin stated: “The dedication of Paul […]
Alliance Sports Spokesperson Michael Long has said the IFA’s failure to guarantee Linfield and Glentoran fans their own sections for the Irish Cup Final on Saturday is a worrying misjudgment. The Castlereagh Councillor, who plans to attend the game himself, stated: “It is not often the Alliance Party calls for segregation, but given there was […]
Alliance Deputy Leader Naomi Long has said people in Northern Ireland have every right to be concerned about the region being used as a test case for revaluing properties for rates. Speaking on the BBC’s “Politics Show”, the East Belfast Assembly member stated: “It is a matter of extreme concern that Northern Ireland is being […]