Alliance Party Justice Spokesperson, Dr Stephen Farry, has welcomed the moves in Westminster today to pass legislation dealing with Hate Crimes, Car Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour. Stephen Farry stated: “Alliance has been campaigning for the introduction of Hate Crime laws in Northern Ireland for several years. “We first presented proposals in this area to the […]
THE Lord Mayor of Belfast has said that he was “saddened and disappointed” by the violence surrounding a parade in Ardoyne, North Belfast last night. Councillor Tom Ekin stated: “Sadly, last night’s violence has marred what could have been the most peaceful summer in years. I am disappointed that things deteriorated so far, but rather […]
THE Lord Mayor of Belfast has called for calm ahead of Monday’s planned protest in Belfast by the Orange Order, and insisted that the only way parades issues can be resolved is through dialogue and discussion. Alliance Councillor Tom Ekin said: “While everyone has the right to legal protest, with that right come important responsibilities. […]
ALLIANCE Assembly member and Party Health Spokesman Kieran McCarthy has expressed his concern at the number of complaints received by the Northern Ireland Ombudsman in his latest annual report. The Ombudsman’s office ensures that every citizen in Northern Ireland is served by a fair and efficient public administration that is committed to accountability, openness, and […]
ALLIANCE Councillor Noreen McIlwrath died this afternoon after an illness. She was 64. Cllr McIlrwrath had served on Carrickfergus Borough Council since 1993, and had been active in the field of disability legislation over the years. Her funeral is expected to be held next Wednesday. Paying tribute to his colleague, East Antrim MLA and Carrickfergus […]
ALLIANCE Leader David Ford has called on the Orange Order not to blockade Belfast on Monday, following reports that it intended to protest on roads into and out of the city after the ‘Twelfth’ demonstrations. Mr Ford said: “I would condemn any plans to blockade Belfast and prevent people entering or leaving the city. The […]
ALLIANCE Deputy Leader Eileen Bell MLA has welcomed news that research into the causes of autism is to be carried out by Bristol University. Mrs Bell said: “This research is very welcome because there are so many complex issues associated with autism, and we still don’t know what has caused the increased incidence of it […]
ALLIANCE leader David Ford has called for flags recently put up around Templepatrick roundabout to be removed. The South Antrim MLA said their emergence had sparked widespread concern. “Most people in Templepatrick do not want any flags up, but are prepared to tolerate some if they are taken down quickly after the 12th celebrations, before […]
THE former vice chair of the Stormont Enterprise, Trade and Investment committee has said that the EU Commission’s rejection of a £90m scheme to ease electricity prices for business would never have become an issue had the Government bought out long-term electricity generation contracts. The rejection of the proposals means industrial and large business users […]
SOUTH Antrim Assembly member David Ford has said those behind today’s letter bomb campaign had nothing to offer but a return to the past. Condemning the actions of those who posted the bombs, Mr Ford said: “Not only were postal workers put at risk by these devices, but the whole mail delivery service has been […]