Labour commitment to Customs Union necessary but not sufficient, says Farry

Alliance Brexit spokesperson Stephen Farry MLA has given a qualified welcome to the commitment from Jeremy Corbyn to the UK having a fresh Customs Union with the EU in the event of Brexit. However, Dr Farry stressed it has to be a full replica of the existing situation and emphasised Labour needed to end its […]

Dickson seeks urgent meeting with management after job loss announcement

Alliance East Antrim MLA Stewart Dickson has expressed his regret after a local company announced 125 jobs would be lost at its Carrickfergus plant. Sensata Technologies said it had informed employees of its intention to reduce the workforce at the site. The company’s Antrim operation will not be impacted. The organisation makes sensors, switches and […]

Ford says legacy inquest funding should be released immediately without need for side deals

Alliance MLA David Ford has said funding for legacy inquests should be released immediately without the need for any side deal after Sinn Féin claimed an arrangement had been agreed with the UK Government. Gerry Kelly claimed it was part of the draft agreement from the talks process leaked this week and would have seen […]

All Constituency Offices and Centres Should Be Shared Space

Alliance Deputy Leader Stephen Farry MLA has stressed the importance of all constituency offices and locations for constituency surgeries being shared and welcoming venues for the whole community. This comes in the wake of renewed controversy around the location of the constituency office of Sinn Fein’s MP Chris Hazzard in an office named after two […]

Waiting lists show need to move forward with transformation, says Bradshaw

Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has warned further missed targets on waiting lists demonstrate the need to move forward with transformation of the system. The South Belfast MLA was speaking after a progress report on waiting lists showed a key commitment had not yet been met. The Department of Health’s aim that no-one should […]

Farry welcomes unemployment rate news but cautions against complacency

Alliance Economy spokesperson Stephen Farry MLA has said while news the local unemployment rate has fallen to a 10-year low is welcome, fundamental issues with the economy must be addressed. Dr Farry was speaking after new statistics showed the Northern Ireland unemployment rate now stands at 3.9 per cent, below the UK average of 4.4 […]

Ford says talks collapse should not prevent justice for victims

Alliance MLA David Ford has said last week’s collapse of the talks process should not prevent justice for victims of legacy cases. The former Justice Minister said yesterday’s statement by the Secretary of State, in which she committed to supporting the reform of legacy inquests, once again highlighted the issue. Mr Ford said she could […]

Bradshaw welcomes £8 million investment in South Belfast

Alliance South Belfast MLA Paula Bradshaw has welcomed a multi-million pound investment in her constituency, as it is expected to create up to 480 jobs in the south of the city. Work is set to be completed on the expansion at Weavers Court business park, bringing in larger occupiers and potentially foreign direct investment. “Weavers […]