Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has said rural areas in particular need to benefit from improved broadband after it was announced political parties would shortly be consulted on how best to use money to improve it here. The Department for the Economy said preparation work, including engagement with political parties and industry stakeholders, is under way […]
Alliance Councillor Barney Fitzpatrick has responded to concerns regarding a recent Council vote. He said: “I was in the RUC for 40 years and over this time saw many people lose their lives. All victims deserve to be remembered, which is why if we are going to have permanent memorials I believe they need to […]
Alliance Leader Naomi Long has said the launch of new cross-border initiative Third Space will provide valuable support for vulnerable young people and promote the benefits of good working relationships across borders and communities. Aiming to promote positive relationships across Northern Ireland and particularly the border regions, the project will involve 14-24 year olds and […]
Victims and survivors of the Troubles deserve justice and shouldn’t have to wait any longer to receive it, Alliance West Tyrone Westminster candidate Stephen Donnelly has said. Mr Donnelly said the consultation into the Stormont House Agreement legacy mechanisms should proceed immediately, as they offered the best opportunity for the issues to be resolved, adding […]
David Ford MLA has welcomed the impending publication of an inter-Departmental report which recommends changes in abortion law here. The working group on fatal foetal abnormality, set up before the election in May 2016, will recommend the ‘law be changed to provide for termination of pregnancy where an abnormality is of such a nature as […]
Alliance has raised a number of concerns over paramilitary activity with the body designed to monitor progress on tackling it here. Party Deputy Leader Stephen Farry MLA and former Justice Minister David Ford MLA met the Independent Reporting Commission (IRC) today (Tuesday). The IRC was created as part of the Fresh Start Agreement and charts […]
Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has expressed his dismay at a new report showing foodbank usage in Northern Ireland remains high. The Trussell Trust charity published the report, entitled Left Behind: Is Universal Credit Truly Universal, today. It showed their foodbanks gave out 32,433 three-day emergency food supplies to people in crisis between April 2017 and […]
Alliance MLA David Ford has welcomed news a review has been launched into how the criminal justice system here deals with serious sexual offence cases. The review, which Mr Ford called for last week in the wake of the recent high-profile rape trial in Belfast, will be led by former judge Sir John Gillen. It […]
Alliance Leader Naomi Long MLA has said an independent facilitator should be appointed to chair all-party talks without further delay. The East Belfast MLA was speaking ahead of planned meetings with Secretary of State Karen Bradley and Tánaiste Simon Coveney, and the other party leaders this week to discuss the ongoing impasse. She said the […]
Alliance South Belfast MLA Paula Bradshaw has welcomed the commencement of the construction of new sporting facilities at Malone College. Ms Bradshaw stated: “There is no doubt the new sports hall and 3G pitch will make Malone College not just an even more attractive proposition for pupils and parents, but will cement its place within […]