ALLIANCE Assembly member for Strangford, Alderman Kieran McCarthy, has condemned an attack on members of the Turkish and Indian communities living in Comber. Mr McCarthy stated: “Gone are the days when racist attacks were something associated with Belfast. They are now happening all across Northern Ireland, and sadly people in Comber have now been targeted. […]
ALLIANCE has said that if the DUP decides to officially talk to loyalist paramilitary groups, it could no longer refuse to talk to Sinn Fein representatives directly. Alliance Deputy Leader Eileen Bell MLA stated: “While everyone knows that the DUP policy of not talking to political groups liked to paramilitary organisations is something of a […]
ALLIANCE Deputy Leader and Victims Spokesperson Eileen Bell MLA has said that the IRA apology for the murder of 15-year-old Bernard Teggart in 1973 should lead to the paramilitary group doing more to assist victims. Mrs Bell stated: “The IRA tried to justify the murder of this child at the time by saying he was […]
Alliance Party Leader David Ford MLA has warned a number of unionist politicians to avoid sending mixed messages to the IRA by demanding the limited language of ‘the war is over’ rather than seeking a broader statement indicating an end to all paramilitary activity. David Ford said: “The phrase ‘the war is over’ is a […]
SPEAKING after his first official meeting at Parliament Buildings this afternoon with the new Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dermot Ahern, Alliance Leader David Ford MLA stated: “This was a useful meeting in which Alliance explored the need for detailed reforms to the Agreement with the new minister. We welcome his approach to Northern Ireland, […]
FOLLOWING a direct request by Alliance MLA David Ford, Minister for the Environment Angela Smith MP has agreed to hear at first hand the concerns of Crumlin residents opposed to the proposed asbestos transfer station. Mr Ford said: “When I heard that the Planning Service were still recommending approval for the asbestos station, I wrote […]
ALLIANCE Assembly member for South Antrim David Ford MLA has welcomed the opening of a bus lane onto the M2 at Sandyknowes roundabout this week. Mr Ford stated: “I welcome this new bus lane as a welcome addition in the battle against car congestion on our roads. It will benefit the people of Newtownabbey, as […]
ALLIANCE Deputy Leader Eileen Bell MLA has said that the issue of the ‘Disappeared’ must be prioritised by both the British and Irish Governments if they are serious about dealing with the needs of the victims of the ‘Troubles’. Speaking after a meeting in Parliament Buildings this afternoon with the families of the ‘Disappeared’ – […]
Newtownabbey Alliance councillor Lynn Frazer, has said that an elderly woman (71) in Carnmoney, Newtownabbey was assaulted and robbed on Saturday evening was traumatised by the incident. Cllr Frazer, who lives nearby, said she doubted if she would ever fully recover from the horrific ordeal, in which the woman was grabbed and threatened with a […]
EAST Belfast Alliance MLA Cllr.Naomi Long has hit out at comments by PUP Leader, David Ervine, who has said loyalists would only consider acting on the arms issue once the IRA goes out of business. She called for all paramilitaries to act now to bring paramilitary activity to end. Naomi Long said, “Whilst I agree […]