ALLIANCE Economy Spokesperson Sean Neeson MLA (East Antrim) has welcomed the decision by OFREG to extend the natural gas licences to new areas of Northern Ireland. Mr Neeson said: “During devolution, I led the campaign to have natural gas extended to the north-west of Northern Ireland and elsewhere, as I believed that energy consumers should […]
East Belfast Alliance Assembly member, Cllr Naomi Long, has criticised Sinn Fein’s response to the investigation of the murder of East Belfast man, Robert McCartney, allegedly by a senior republican. Cllr Long, Chair of the East Belfast District Policing Partnership, who attended the vigil and funeral and called with the family in the wake of […]
ALLIANCE Spokesperson Judith Cochrane has condemned an attack on a USPCA van in Ballybeen, East Belfast, on Monday. Ms Cochrane, who is to stand for Alliance in the May Council elections, said: “This was a disgraceful incident, and what happened was completely unnecessary. The USPCA does a difficult and often thankless job, and for its […]
ALLIANCE Councillor Geraldine Rice, leader of the Alliance group on Castlereagh Council, lent her support to the rate set by the Council at their meeting on Valentine’s Day. An increase of only 3.48% was agreed by the Council following work undertaken by a cross party grouping, including Alliance. After lobbying by Alliance, the Council agreed […]
An Alliance party delegation this afternoon met with Security Minister, Ian Pearson, to discuss proposed legislation regarding the supporters and followers of parades. Speaking after the meeting, Alliance Party Justice Spokesperson, Stephen Farry, said: “The events of last summer exposed major loopholes in the law on parades, with respect to followers and protestors. It is […]
ALLIANCE Party Leader David Ford MLA has welcomed a ruling by the High Court upholding restrictions on Irish hare coursing in Northern Ireland. Mr Ford introduced an amendment in the Assembly in 2001, which ensured that Irish hares would have greater protection from coursing. The temporary ban on Irish hare coursing was renewed by the […]
ALLIANCE Assembly member Sean Neeson (East Antrim) has welcomed the announcement by Heritage Minister Andrew McIntosh to establish a National Historic Ships Unit. Mr Neeson, who represents Northern Ireland on the National Historic Ships Committee, said this could have real benefits for maritime history in the region. Mr Neeson stated: “A new Historic Ship Unit […]
Alliance Party Leader, David Ford, has responded to Mark Durkan’s remarks over the weekend in which he again ruled out any sanctions against Sinn Féin, or even participation in a voluntary coalition. David Ford said that tough rhetoric that is not matched by tough action sends out the wrong message. David Ford said: “The more […]
Alliance Assembly member Seamus Close (Lagan Valley) has criticised the Chief Constable’s statement in the Irish News today that Sinn Fein can join the Policing Board tomorrow as far as he is concerned. Mr Close said he could not see how Sinn Féin on the Policing Board could hold the Chief Constable to account, if […]
SOUTH Antrim MLA David Ford has expressed his concern at proposed cutbacks in library services in the North Eastern Education and Library Board area, including possible closure of Templepatrick and Monkstown. Mr Ford stated: “These cuts have clearly been driven by the reduction in public spending affecting all parts of the Board’s services, including the […]