Dickson condemns Orange Hall attack

Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has condemned an attack on an Orange Hall in Ballymena.The premises in the Duneaney Road area of Glarryford suffered minor damage to its front door after a petrol bomb was thrown at it. The device was discovered around 7.45pm yesterday (Monday). The police have confirmed they are treating the incident as […]

Northern Ireland needs more power over immigration, says Farry

Alliance Brexit spokesperson Stephen Farry MLA has said Northern Ireland should be given additional powers over immigration, after a major report said EU workers coming to the UK should be given no preference for visas after Brexit. Dr Farry was speaking after a report by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC). The former Employment and Learning […]

Rainbow Colours to hopefully shine after proposal passed at Council Committee

Ards and North Down Alliance Councillors Andrew Muir and Gavin Walker have welcomed a recent decision by an Ards and North Down Borough Council Committee to back their proposal affirming that lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people be accepted and valued as equal citizens with Ards Town Hall to be lit up in Rainbow Colours […]

Howard meets with NSPCC reps in Belfast

Alliance High Sheriff Carole Howard has today spent time at NSPCC headquarters in Belfast, one of her chosen charities for the year. The event was attended by those who handle Child Line calls, child protection and other issues concerning the welfare of young people in Northern Ireland. She said: “I was delighted to meet with […]

McAllister: Others must step up and help Belfast’s traders

Alliance Belfast Councillor Nuala McAllister has called on the Executive Office and Treasury to step up in the campaign to help traders and boost regeneration in Belfast’s City Centre. The call comes in the wake of the #YourBelfast campaign being led by Belfast City Council, Visit Belfast and a number of high-profile celebrities. Nuala – […]

Foster’s anti-mediator stance shows lack of concern for NI, says Long

Alliance Leader Naomi Long has said DUP Leader Arlene Foster is living in a dream world if she genuinely still believes Northern Ireland’s growing political problems can be solved without the aid of an outside mediator. Mrs Long was responding to comments made by the DUP Leader following her meeting with the Secretary of State […]

ERG proposal delusional and distracting, says Alliance

Alliance Party Deputy Leader and Brexit spokesperson Stephen Farry MLA has responded to proposals from the European Research Group (ERG) by terming them “delusional”. Dr Farry added that not only did the proposals avoid dealing with the core questions; they only served as a distraction when it comes to finding a resolution to the border […]

Muir secures transparency concerning Councillor attendance statistics

Ards and North Down Borough Council is set to publish attendance statistics of all elected representatives, after an Alliance motion secured the latest move towards full openness and transparency. Speaking after he secured unanimous support for the plans – which will be updated on a quarterly basis going forward – Councillor Andrew Muir said ratepayers’ […]

Armstrong to address issues within education system facing deaf pupils

The Alliance Party’s Kellie Armstrong has called for hard of hearing and deaf pupils and students to come forward and talk about their experiences of Northern Ireland’s education system. Kellie – who is hard of hearing herself – has secured a meeting with education officials aimed at discussing provisions for children who are hard of […]

Bradshaw: Greater access to cancer drugs has been a long time coming

Alliance Party Health Spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has said she is “delighted” at news from the Department of Health that the Individual Funding Request is finally to be reformed, giving access to new cancer drugs to Northern Ireland. She said: “I know that there will be many individual campaigners and local cancer charities who will […]