As a former peace activist and community worker, I am saddened by the current situation in Northern Ireland today. In spite of ceasefire declarations, numerous IRA statements, interminable negotiations, and even an attempt at devolved Government, there continues, nearly daily, intimidation, evictions, disruption, riots, outright violence and murder. Some may take misleading comfort from the […]
East Belfast Alliance Councillors, Michael and Naomi Long, have expressed concerns about Phoenix Natural Gas billing policy in the aftermath of the company’s announcement of plans to increase prices by 25% in the autumn. The councillors said that the current billing procedures together with the proposed hike in charges was bad news for customers and […]
Alliance Party Leader, David Ford, has acknowledged the work of the Washington-Ireland Programme, applauding its contribution to expanding political expertise in Northern Ireland through its service and leadership programme. David Ford said, “Northern Ireland has benefited directly from this excellent opportunity. The programme allows young people from various backgrounds to work together, without fear or […]
Alliance Belfast City Councillor, Maire Hendron, has slammed Sinn Fein for claiming there was violence in the area on Monday night, and said people in the area are fed up of being seen as a trouble spot. Cllr Hendron stated, “I have spoken to people both in Short Strand and Cluan Place. Although there were […]
North Down Alliance Alderman Marsden Fitzsimons has hailed the Atlantic Rim Games international bowls championship, held in Bangor this month, as a true success story for Northern Ireland. Alderman Fitzsimons, Chair of the North Down Borough Council Leisure Committee, stated, “We in North Down Borough Council have been delighted to assist the success of the […]
Alliance Representative for Larne Town, Elena Aceves-Cully, has welcomed Translink’s comments regarding improvement of the 256 Goldline Express service from Larne to Belfast. Elena Aceves-Cully stated, “I am delighted that Translink is putting on an additional bus service from Larne to Belfast, leaving at 7.25am, after my petitioning on the issue. “In April, I carried […]
Alliance Party General Secretary, Stephen Farry, has been appointed as a Senior Fellow with the United State Institute for Peace. He will be conducting a project entitled: “Inside Out: An Integrative Critique of the Northern Ireland peace process” The post will commence in October 2005 and will last for 10 months. Dr Farry will be […]
Alliance Councillor, Tom Campbell, has expressed concerns about proposals by Winemark to site an off license in Mayfield Village in Glengormley. An application has been made by the company to the County Court in September, for the grant of retail drinks license for the area. The premises in question at Unit 4a Mayfield Garden Village […]
Newtownabbey Alliance Councillor, Tom Campbell, has hit out at proposals by Phoenix Natural Gas to charge its customers a 25% increase in household gas prices this year, and described the proposals as ‘completely unacceptable’. The Antrim Line councillor’s comments follow a similar condemnation of the proposals by the General Consumer Council. Councillor Campbell said, “I […]
East Belfast Alliance Assembly member, Cllr Naomi Long, has condemned a pipe bomb attack on a young couple at their home at Cheviot Avenue on Sunday evening. Cllr Long, former Chair of the East Belfast Sub-group of the District Policing Partnership Board, said, “This was a reckless attack in a residential area, which could have […]