ALLIANCE Councillor Seamus Close OBE MLA has been unanimously selected to fight both the next Westminster and local government elections as an Alliance Party candidate. This will be Mr Close’s ninth local government election, and he is confident of making it a straight nine wins, having been first elected in 1973 and successfully defending his […]
Alliance Party Leader, David Ford, has said that the proposals from the Governments reflect some compromise ideas put forward by Alliance in recent weeks, based on the fundamental principles of the Agreement. However he warned that there are major gaps that still need to be addressed. David Ford said: “It is a pity that the […]
ALLIANCE Leader David Ford MLA has paid tribute to founding Party member Bob Cooper, who died at his Holywood home last night aged 68. Mr Ford said: “Bob Cooper played an enormous role in public life. Following a period in the UUP, Bob was one of the founding members of the Alliance Party. He worked […]
Speaking after the launch of the ‘No Room For Racism’ initiative by Health Minister Angela Smith today, Alliance South Belfast representative Councillor Geraldine Rice stated: “Without overseas workers, our health services would crumble and wards in hospitals like the Mater or the City would be forced to shut, so we owe them more than just […]
ALLIANCE Health Spokesperson Alderman Kieran McCarthy MLA (Strangford) has welcomed plans for a ban on smoking in England and urged the NI Health Minister to bring forward proposals for a similar ban in Northern Ireland. Mr McCarthy stated: “Recent research has indicated that the dangers of passive smoking are more harmful than was previously thought. […]
ALLIANCE Health Spokesperson Alderman Kieran McCarthy MLA is lending his support to Help the Aged’s ‘Winter Deaths’ campaign to end fuel poverty in Northern Ireland. Speaking after the launch of the campaign at Stormont today, Mr McCarthy said: “Over 21,ooo elderly people die in the UK each year because of fuel poverty, a frightening figure. […]
North Down Alliance Association last night (Monday 15th) selected Dr David Alderdice as their candidate for the forthcoming Westminster elections. His selection was uncontested. David Alderdice is a Consultant Dermatologist by profession. A former Lord Mayor, he has served on Belfast City Council since 1997. The Association also appointed Alliance Party General Secretary, Dr Stephen […]
EAST Antrim Alliance Assembly member Sean Neeson has condemned the attack at the home of Danny O’Connor MLA as “blatantly sectarian”. Mr Neeson stated: “This disgusting attack was carried out by cowardly, diehard bigots who, over the years, have brought shame and misery on the community of Larne. “Hopefully, their days are numbered and I […]
ALLIANCE Leader David Ford MLA has welcomed the fact that Minister Ian Pearson has postponed the process of reforming local government administration for further investigation. Mr Ford said: “It was absolutely clear there was no public support for just seven super councils with no community identity in Northern Ireland. Indeed, it is doubtful whether this […]
ALLIANCE Health spokesperson Alderman Kieran McCarthy MLA has said that the most vulnerable in society will be the victims of Government cutbacks in the health sector. Speaking after health officials in the Eastern Health and Social Services Board discussed a funding shortfall over the next three years, Mr McCarthy said: “A funding shortfall of £65 […]