Alliance Party Leader David Ford has said that Sinn Féin’s decision to oppose legislation allowing so-called ‘on-the-runs’ to return to Northern Ireland is the final nail in the coffin. Mr Ford stated: “The Government has been claiming, albeit ludicrously, that this legislation is essential to the peace process, by which they meant it is an […]
Alliance Assemblyman Kieran McCarthy has said he is concerned that the in-fighting on pensions within government will lead to further confusion. The Ards Alderman stated: “Broadly the Alliance Party would welcome Lord Turner’s report and, specifically, any plans to bring back the link to earnings. “However, raising the retirement age to 68 would have a […]
Alliance Party Leader David Ford has said the Secretary of State has taken a huge risk by moving away from clearly impartial people in his appointments to the new Parades Commission. Mr Ford stated: “Although other parties will not admit it for their own self-serving reasons, the last Parades Commission was in general a success. […]
Speaking ahead of tonight’s meeting of Belfast City Council, Cllr Naomi Long MLA, leader of the Alliance Party Grouping in City Hall, said that the issue of bonfires is a true test of whether Unionists are prepared to be unambiguous in their support for cultural expression without paramilitary involvement. Cllr Long indicated that Alliance will […]
Alliance Party Leader David Ford has welcomed Liberal Democrat moves to force the Government to scrap legislation on so-called “on-the-runs”. Mr Ford stated: “Liberal Democrats at Westminster tell me they will be putting pressure on the Government in committee tomorrow to scrap the legislation on paramilitary fugitives altogether. “Now that even Sinn Féin appears to […]
Alliance Party Leader David Ford has said that comments by Bertie Ahern stating that a terrorist amnesty is essential to peace in Northern Ireland are against democracy and against decency. In response to comments made by the Taoiseach in a debate in the Dáil Éireann, Mr Ford stated: “It simply defies logic to link terrorist […]
Alliance Local Government Whip Stewart Dickson has lauched a withering attack on East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson’s wreckless attitude towards children’s safety on buses. He was responding to DUP claims that compulsory seat belts for children would cost £50m. Alderman Dickson stated: “Sammy Wilson should try telling the parents of dead children up and down […]
Former Belfast Lord Mayor Tom Ekin has challenged the Government to take positive steps for the economy while reducing unnecessary bureaucracy. Speaking after meetings with business and community groups, Cllr Tom Ekin stated: “Local people know the arguments on the reduction of Local Councils from 26 to either 15 or 7. But this is not […]
In many ways, George Best was very like this part of the world. On his good days he was a genius, but one who never lost his friendliness or humility. On his bad days however, he could be just a wee bit difficult. It is because of both of these – his very human brilliance, […]
Alliance Party Group Leader on Belfast City Council Naomi Long has slammed those responsible for a suspicious package found in City Hall. The Security Alert has been ongoing since 11.00 this morning. Cllr Long, who is also Assembly Member for East Belfast, stated: “This alert causes totally unnecessary disruption for everyone. What kind of message […]