Strategic approach required to budget spending, says Farry

Alliance Deputy Leader Stephen Farry MLA has warned real impacts on public services and the economy will be felt after budget allocations were set out by the Secretary of State. Dr Farry added there was an urgent need for strategic policy-making to ensure scarce resources are spent more effectively after the written statement from Karen […]

Ford welcomes High Court ruling on former First Minister’s legacy funding decision

Alliance MLA David Ford has welcomed a High Court ruling that the former First Minister’s decision to block funding for a plan to deal with legacy inquests was “unlawful and flawed”. Ex-Justice Minister Mr Ford was speaking after a High Court judge said Arlene Foster’s decision, that £150 million allocated as part of the Stormont […]

McDonough Brown welcomes Council’s backing of Ciclovia

Alliance Councillor Emmet McDonough Brown has said he hopes to see Ciclovia become a permanent fixture on the City Calendar, as the event is expected to again draw large crowds when it returns to Belfast later this year. The Councillor for South Belfast – who securing the initial funding allowing the event to take place […]

Armstrong: #PressForProgress and make change happen

Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has said we must continue to #PressForProgress as women across Northern Ireland stand together to mark International Women’s Day. The MLA for Strangford, and newly appointed Alliance Chief Whip, added that despite it being 100 years since the Representation of the People act gave some women the right to vote, in […]

Long disappointed as full transparency ignored at Westminster

Alliance Leader Naomi Long MLA has expressed disappointment after it was confirmed political donations dating back to 2014 will not be published, despite the Transparency of Donations and Loans Order 2018 passing at Westminster. Mrs Long secured the legislation while an MP, meaning any large donor to a local party after January 2014, meeting the […]

EU Guidelines show need for Customs Union and Single Market solution, says Alliance

Alliance Party Brexit Spokesperson Stephen Farry MLA has responded to the publication of draft guidelines by the European Council setting out potential future relations between the UK and EU. Stephen Farry said: “This document further demonstrates the risks and consequences from Brexit, both to the UK and European Union across a wide range of areas […]

Dickson calls for full delivery of diabetes strategy after major report

Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has called for full delivery of an agreed diabetes strategy after a major report stated a clear opportunity to improve care for those living with the condition was missed.The Northern Ireland Audit Office report said while a review of diabetes care in 2003 outlined best practice towards those with type 2 […]

Introduction of parking charges will be bad for our communities and businesses, says Alliance

Alliance Party activists have called on Causeway Coast and Glens Council to re-think its decision to introduce seasonal parking charges in some tourist spots – a move opposed by Councillor Barney Fitzpatrick. Approved at a recent meeting, the move will see charges introduced across the Council area, including Ballintoy Harbour, Ballycastle Marina and part of […]

McDonough Brown backs Belfast Brexit Committee

Alliance Councillor Emmet McDonough Brown has backed plans for Belfast City Council to establish a formal Brexit Standing Committee – allowing the City to adequately prepare in advance of the 2019 withdrawal date. The Councillor for South Belfast seconded a motion at Monday night’s Council meeting that should lead to the formation of a committee […]

Church needs to review policies and co-operate fully with police, says Armstrong

Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has said the Catholic Church needs to engage in a full and comprehensive review of its past policies and practices, and engage in full disclosure and co-operation with the police in relation to sexual abuse allegations. The call comes after Bishop John McAreavey stepped down after it was revealed he said […]