Michael Long said: “This would appear to be a case which would benefit from independent assessment, in order to provide the maximum accountability to the taxpayer. It is of utmost importance that the public has total confidence in the actions of their elected representatives, and I believe that the best way of doing this is […]
Alliance leader David Ford has said that some progress has been made today on the issue of an independent ceasefire auditor. Mr Ford was speaking after an Alliance delegation met this evening with Minister of State Des Browne. Among the other issues discussed were security resources and the need to tackle sectarianism in Northern Ireland […]
Alliance justice spokesperson Stephen Farry has said that the Government has taken no action against anyone erecting paramilitary flags since at least 1998 despite a range of criminal law measures being available. Cllr Farry was speaking in response to written answers provided to Liberal Democrat MP Lembit Opik by Security Minister Jane Kennedy in which […]
Alliance Justice Spokesperson Stephen Farry has accused the First and Deputy First Ministers of dodging responsibility on the issue of paramilitary flags in Northern Ireland. Councillor Farry was responding to yesterday’s statement by OFMDFM in response to a question on the effect of paramilitary flags on community relations (Belfast Telegraph, July 30, page 3). Cllr […]
In response to Judith Maas, who asked if Alliance believed new laws against sectarianism would be successful, in the same way as workplace equality laws have been, Deputy Alliance Leader Eileen Bell said: “Alliance called for Hate Crimes legislation dealing with sectarianism to be introduced here in June 2000. Unfortunately, others do not seem to […]
Alliance Leader David Ford has said that police in north Belfast must have the resources they need to protect all sections of the community there. The South Antrim MLA was speaking ahead of a meeting with PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Alan McQuillan this morning. Mr Ford said: “The police in north Belfast are under more […]
Alliance councillor Geraldine Rice has slammed Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams for his ‘gross hypocrisy’ when he criticised the police for its use of plastic baton rounds while the IRA continues its campaign of paramilitary attacks. Councillor Rice said: “Yesterday, Gerry Adams slammed the SDLP for supporting a police service which uses plastic baton rounds […]
Assembly Agriculture Committee member David Ford has said that today’s report into last year’s Foot and Mouth outbreak does not deliver all the lessons to be learned about how the disease was contained. Mr Ford added that while there was little doubt that containment of the outbreak was handled better by Northern Ireland’s devolved government […]
In response to Judith Maas, who asked if Alliance believed new laws against sectarianism would be successful, in the same way as workplace equality laws have been, Deputy Alliance Leader Eileen Bell said: “Alliance called for Hate Crimes legislation dealing with sectarianism to be introduced here in June 2000. Unfortunately, others do not seem to […]
Alliance Councillor Naomi Long has congratulated the police on an ammunition find in Garnerville, east Belfast. Cllr Long said: “This was a significant find, with over 2,200 rounds uncovered. The police are to be commended for a job well done, one which may well have saved many from injury or worse.” ENDS. Note: Not on […]