Commenting on the Secretary of State’s statement released in Brighton yesterday, Alliance Leader David Ford MLA said: “For the last year, Alliance has held the view that reform is the only realistic pro-Agreement option. It is clear that the fundamental principles of the Agreement stand, but there are flaws with some of the details. “Those […]
ALLIANCE Party Assembly member Councillor Sean Neeson has called for an end to the “outrageous” practice of ‘slamming’ by new telephone service providers. ‘Slamming’ is the practice whereby BT customers, for example, are contacted by phone by rival operators and asked if they wish to switch company. Mr Neeson stated: “From my own personal experience, […]
Responding to the news that NI Secretary of State Paul Murphy MP collapsed at the Labour Party Conference today, Alliance Party Leader David Ford MLA stated: “Paul has been working extremely hard over the past number of weeks, at the Leeds Castle talks and the subsequent meetings at Stormont. “I wish him all the best […]
ALLIANCE Party Deputy Leader Eileen Bell MLA has said that any bid to find a way to restore devolution is under threat if parties cling to uncompromising positions. Mrs Bell said: “Alliance made positive contributions at the Leeds Castle negotiations, and we remain determined to find a way forward that is fair to all. “We […]
ALLIANCE Assembly member Kieran McCarthy has welcomed moves to introduce free public transport for the elderly in both Northern Ireland and the Republic. Currently, free travel passes for the elderly entitle holders to free public transport within each jurisdiction, and between them. However, internal journeys within each jurisdiction are not then covered. Mr McCarthy, who […]
SOUTH Antrim Alliance Assembly member David Ford has said a new flight route to New York from Aldergrove would be warmly welcomed by air travellers. It is understood that Continental airlines could announce the launch of a new route to Newark International from Belfast International Airport in the coming weeks. The Alliance Party Leader stated: […]
New laws for Northern Ireland dealing with Hate Crimes come into effect today (28 September.) This legislation gives the power to the courts to hand down stiffer sentences to those convicted of criminal offences motivated by sectarianism, racism, homophobia or hatred towards those with disabilities. Alliance first proposed this legislation for Northern Ireland in July […]
The following paper was presented at the recent political talks to restore devolved government in Northern Ireland. * * Alliance Party of Northern Ireland Expanded Proposals: Accountability 22 September 2004 Background Alliance believes that there are substantive issues regarding accountability that must be addressed. In virtually every liberal democracy, accountability is achieved through a single […]
Castlereagh Alliance Councillor Michael Long has expressed his concern at figures released by the Housing Executive which show that £45m was spent in the last financial year rehousing those affected by intimidation. When he raised the matter at Castlereagh Borough Council’s most recent monthly meeting, housing representatives there confirmed that money spent on the Special […]
Alliance Party General Secretary, Stephen Farry, has claimed that the current SDLP position on accountability is failing to serve the interests of nationalists, and could potentially leave a DUP Minister of Justice unchallenged. Dr Farry stated: “Are the SDLP becoming the new DUP? The current intransigence of the SDLP in light of overwhelming logic is […]