O’Lynn says people can make a stand for transparent politics by signing recall petition

Alliance North Antrim representative Patricia O’Lynn has said the people of the constituency can make a stand for transparent politics by signing the recall petition against Ian Paisley. Ms O’Lynn was speaking as the petition opened across three locations in the constituency – in Ballymoney, Ballymena and Ballycastle – until September 19. If 10 per […]

Bradshaw left baffled after Northern Ireland misses out on HPV vaccine for boys

Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has said she is baffled after it was confirmed Northern Ireland will not join other UK regions in introducing the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine for boys as well as girls. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation recommended the HPV vaccine be issued for 12 to 13-year-old boys […]

After wildfires, Council must plan for future, says McMurray

Newry, Mourne and Down Council has unanimously backed Alliance Councillor Andy McMurray’s calls to recognise the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and the Irish Air Corps for their hard work in tackling recent forest fires in the area. A number of fires were reported in the vicinity of both Tollymore and Donard Forests after […]

Armstrong welcomes new buses but disappointed on lack of progress for park and ride

Alliance Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong has welcomed the introduction of new high-tech buses between Newtownards and Belfast but added she is disappointed there has been no progress on a park and ride for the town. Ms Armstrong was speaking after Translink announced eight new vehicles – known as Urby – with a range of features […]

McAllister concerned at North Belfast intimidation

Alliance Councillor Nuala McAllister has said she’s concerned after a number of incidents of intimidation forced residents from their homes in North Belfast. The local Councillor was speaking after residents were forced to flee their homes after five attacks in the past fortnight saw windows broken and vehicles damaged. Nuala said: “It is absolutely disgraceful […]

Defence chief needs to let criminal justice system do its job

Alliance Party Deputy Leader, Stephen Farry, has said it’s not the job of those tasked with helping to uphold the rule of law to second guess it, as he responded to media comments from the Chief of the Defence Staff, General Sir Nick Carter. Appearing to draw a distinction between ‘genuine’ and ‘vexatious’ allegations against […]

O’Lynn calls on North Antrim electorate to make their voices heard

Alliance North Antrim representative Patricia O’Lynn has called on the people of the constituency to make their voices heard after the recall petition against Ian Paisley was opened. Three locations across North Antrim will be available from August 8 until September 19, following the suspension of Ian Paisley as an MP for 30 sitting days. […]

Farry says DUP not exonerated by Electoral Commission Brexit money decision

Alliance Deputy Leader Stephen Farry MLA has said the DUP have not been exonerated, after the Electoral Commission said it couldn’t investigate allegations against the party relating to Brexit ‘dark money’ due to legislation. BBC’s Spotlight programme made a series of allegations around a £425,000 donation to the DUP. It was also alleged Vote Leave […]

Lyttle reiterates call for Bengoa-style review of education

Alliance Education spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA has reiterated his party’s call for a Bengoa-style root and branch review of the education system after a senior civil servant said it was under “considerable strain”. Department of Education Permanent Secretary Derek Baker was speaking after the Departmental accounts for 2017-18 were published. The Education Authority overspent its […]

Alliance stresses need for talks facilitator amidst dangerous deadlock

Alliance Party Deputy Leader, Stephen Farry, has responded to the poor prospects for successful inter-party talks in the autumn, again stressing what is at stake for Northern Ireland and reiterating his party’s call for the two Governments to urgently appoint an independent talks facilitator. Stephen Farry said: “Alliance is up for fresh talks, anytime, anywhere. […]