ALLIANCE Deputy Leader Eileen Bell has said contrasted the attitude Sinn Fein have for asylum seekers from outside Northern Ireland with those forced to leave it. Mrs Bell said: “While it is right to highlight the shameful way in which asylum seekers in Northern Ireland are treated, it is hypocritical for Sinn Féin to ask […]
ALLIANCE Assembly member Sean Neeson has said that the arrest of a man in South Belfast in connection to racist attacks in the area shows the need for the early introduction of Hate Crimes legislation. Mr Neeson said that over the summer the Government committed itself to the introduction of new Hate Crimes legislation, which […]
The Alliance Party has called for the replacement of 50:50 police recruitment quotas by a fairer form of affirmative action to address the imbalance in Catholic representation in the service. The Party is responding to the NIO consultation on the renewal of the temporary provisions of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000, regarding 50:50 recruitment […]
Commenting on Jeffrey Donaldson’s resignation from the UUP, Alliance Leader David Ford said: “Whatever party Mr Donaldson belongs to, his views have clearly not changed. “While it is interesting to speculate about future Ministerial posts, the decision by three MLAs to leave the Ulster Unionists is simply confirmation that the current Assembly voting rules do […]
An Alliance delegation today met the Prime Minister and the Taoiseach in Downing Street to discuss the situation in the peace process and the priorities for the Review. The delegation consisted of Alliance Party Leader, David Ford; Chief Whip, Kieran McCarthy; South Belfast MLA, Naomi Long; and Party General Secretary, Stephen Farry. Speaking after the […]
An Alliance delegation will meet the Prime Minister and the Taoiseach in Downing Street this afternoon. Speaking in advance of the meeting, Alliance Leader David Ford said: “In the new situation brought about by the results of the Assembly election, the Review of the Agreement takes on an increased importance. It is vital that action […]
David Ford, Alliance Leader, has welcomed the decision of the Environment Minister to introduce a one year ban on the killing or taking of Irish hares. David Ford said: “To date, Angela Smith has taken action to prevent the taking of hares for coursing. She has done this under legislation passed by the Assembly decision […]
Alliance Party Justice Spokesperson, Stephen Farry, has backed the calls in today’s Irish News for the introduction of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders, and called upon the Government to find a way around the institutional hurdles to allow their extension to Northern Ireland. Dr Farry commented: “The introduction of these measures was a significant plank in our […]
East Belfast Alliance MLA Naomi Long has expressed her concerns at the likely participation of the BNP in the next Council Elections. She expressed confidence that the party, which has extreme right-wing views and wants to throw all blacks and Asians out of Britain, would fare poorly at the polls and stated her belief that […]
Alliance Party Leader, David Ford, has reaffirmed the party’s total opposition to the Assembly voting system based on the designation of MLAs. David Ford stated: “Some commentators and politicians seem intent on continuing to speculate that Alliance will redesignate in return for some ‘goodies’ like access to ministerial office. “I have repeatedly made clear that […]