Douglas: We need to find the right location for new school premises

Alliance Councillor Karen Douglas has welcomed a recommendation that Ward Park is not the right location to base the planned new Bangor Central Integrated Primary School. Speaking after the latest Ards and North Down meeting, Cllr Douglas said that while this scheme was not the best fit, it is essential the Council continues to advocate […]

UK Government brexit position needs reality check, says Farry

Alliance Brexit Spokesperson and Deputy Leader, Stephen Farry MLA has strongly criticised the UK Government for squandering the last six months and risking a catastrophic no deal Brexit, ahead of what should be a crucial European Council meeting. Calling on the UK Government to get a reality check around the need to sign up to […]

Bradshaw questions basis of independent care home provision

Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has questioned whether the very basis of independent care home provision is sound. The South Belfast MLA was speaking after the Department of Health said it would establish an independent review into Dunmurry Manor care home, which has been accused of a series of failings by the Older Person’s […]

Long calls for Electoral Commission to investigate DUP Brexit allegations

Alliance Leader Naomi Long MLA has called for the Electoral Commission to investigate after a probe into the DUP’s Brexit donation uncovered allegations of illegal activity and coordination of campaigns. The investigation by the BBC’s Spotlight programme alleged Richard Cook, the chair of DUP donors the Constitutional Research Council (CRC), shipped illegal tyre waste to […]

Bradshaw says need to build on DUP attendance at LGBT event

Alliance South Belfast MLA Paula Bradshaw has said there is a need to build on the DUP attendance at tomorrow’s Stormont LGBT event. DUP Leader Arlene Foster will be among those at the PinkNews summer reception in Parliament Buildings tomorrow (Thursday). Ms Bradshaw, who has sponsored the event to celebrate the contribution of LGBT people […]

Ford congratulates Harris on new role

Alliance MLA David Ford has congratulated PSNI Deputy Chief Constable Drew Harris after he was appointed new Garda Commissioner. Mr Harris will take up the post in September, replacing Nóirín O’Sullivan and Acting Commissioner Dónall Ó Cualáin. Former Justice Minister Mr Ford welcomed the appointment. “Drew Harris has had a distinguished career in the RUC […]

Lyttle says educational progression should not be based on one-off test

Alliance Education spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA has said educational progression should not be based on a one-off test at ages 10 and 11, after proposals for a common transfer test were agreed. The Post-Primary Transfer Consortium (PPTC) and Association of Quality Education (AQE) have agreed the proposals, which will now be subject to a consultation. […]

Actual commitments missing from new Sinn Féin policy, says Armstrong

Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has said while Sinn Féin’s new policy talking about tackling sectarianism is welcome, commitments to make change a reality are missing. Ms Armstrong was speaking after the party released their ‘One Community’ document. She said while Alliance remains committed to working with others from all parties to eradicate sectarianism, it would […]

Armstrong welcomes Heathrow expansion plans

Alliance Infrastructure spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA has welcomed Parliament’s approval of a new runway for Heathrow Airport. Ms Armstrong was speaking after two-thirds of MPs voted in favour of the £14 billion expansion. “This issue has been a long-running one but Alliance has always vocally backed a third runway at Heathrow, recently writing to the […]