Motorists urged to take caution due to snowfall by Campbell

Alliance Councillor Tom Campbell has reminded drivers to take care as a snow warning remains in place over the weekend. Snow fell across many parts of Northern Ireland overnight, with a yellow weather warning for snow and ice in place until 6pm on Saturday. A number of schools are closed as a result, while disruption […]

Head of Civil Service should move to implement pay awards now, says Bradshaw

Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has said health staff should receive their recommended pay awards, after it was confirmed to her the money has been earmarked to do so. The South Belfast MLA received a letter from the Department of Health Permanent Secretary stating £26 million has been earmarked to fully implement the 2017/18 […]

Brexit Agreement a foundation on which to build, says Farry

Alliance Brexit Spokesperson Stephen Farry MLA has given a cautious welcome to the Joint Report from EU and UK Negotiators on the first phase of the Brexit talks. He stressed the agreement amounted to a foundation on which to build a workable solution for Northern Ireland, including the potential for Northern Ireland continuing to participate […]

Dickson brands war memorial attack ‘utterly mindless’

Alliance East Antrim MLA Stewart Dickson has said an attack on a war memorial in Larne was an “utterly mindless” act. Mr Dickson was speaking after the memorial in the Church Road area had paint thrown over it sometime overnight. It has been targeted in the past and recently undergone refurbishment. Police are treating the […]

City park confirmed after successful campaign, says Brown

Newry will finally see a park on the Albert Basin site, it has been confirmed, after a campaign led by Alliance Councillor Patrick Brown secured the long-sought after decision. With full community backing, the local Councillor had consistently stood up against Sinn Féin and the DUP’s attempts to block the park, while Newry Mourne and […]

Alliance raises questions over Knock Iveagh development

The Alliance Party’s Infrastructure spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA has raised questions over how a controversial wind turbine development was given the go-ahead, despite being located at the ancient historical site of Knock Iveagh. The MLA for Strangford has formally written to the Department for Infrastructure asking for clarity around the legal situation regarding Knock Iveagh […]

Ford says any Troubles amnesty would undermine the rule of law

Alliance MLA David Ford has said any amnesty for either security forces accused of crimes in the Troubles or paramilitaries would undermine the rule of law. The former Justice Minister was speaking after four MPs called for legislation providing an effective amnesty for anyone accused of crimes linked to the Troubles. It follows claims a […]

Armstrong welcomes publication of integrated transformation guidance for schools

Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has welcomed the publication of guidance for schools seeking to change to integrated status. Transformation is the name given to the process where a school becomes integrated. Advice is given from the Department of Education on how to plan for it, the legal and administrative requirements, and the help available. Ms […]

Ards and North Down’s policy of ignoring Brexit won’t work, says Alliance

Ards and North Down Council is failing to prepare for the potential outcome of Brexit locally ahead of the 2019 planned withdrawal, Alliance Councillors have said. At a recent Council meeting, Councillor Gavin Walker and Alderman Alan McDowell pressed for Officers to prepare a full report on the impact of Brexit on local businesses, a […]