DUP and Sinn Féin ganged up and carved up public money, says McDonough Brown

Alliance Councillor Emmet McDonough Brown has hit out at the DUP and Sinn Féin in Belfast City Hall after they ‘ganged up’ and ‘carved up’ public money for their own pet projects. The Councillor – who first raised concerns almost two weeks ago – was speaking at the latest meeting of Belfast City Council, after […]

Long: SOS must end hands off approach with DUP and Sinn Féin

Alliance Leader Naomi Long has said people should not be fooled that this latest missed deadline will not have implications for everyone in Northern Ireland. She said: “We want to see devolution restored, but for that to happen the Secretary of State needs to end the hands off approach with DUP and Sinn Féin which […]

Bradshaw slams Holylands vandalism

Alliance South Belfast MLA Paula Bradshaw has slammed vandalism in the Holylands area, condemning those responsible as showing no respect for those living there. Speaking after mattresses were set on fire, cars were damaged and broken bottles were littered in the street, Ms Bradshaw stated: “It is utterly unacceptable that those who have chosen to […]

Armstrong secures clarification around minibus licensing laws

Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has held an urgent meeting with officials from the Department for Infrastructure, securing important clarifications around proposed changes to driver licensing that could restrict those able to drive minibuses. The Party’s Infrastructure Spokesperson – whose background is in community transport – led a cross-party delegation after it was revealed a proposed […]

Bradshaw: Political deadlock is failing victims and survivors

Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw today attended a protest in support of Survivors and Victims of Institutional Abuse (SAVIA) at Stormont, as the group continues its efforts to see findings from the Hart enquiry implemented here. The Alliance Party’s health spokesperson spoke of her ‘frustration for all involved’ as the on-going political impasse has left victim […]

Farry outlines alternatives to direct rule

Alliance Deputy Leader Stephen Farry MLA has emphasised there are alternative ways to save devolution and provide for shared and sustainable government for Northern Ireland. Dr Farry said while there appeared to be little likelihood of a deal emerging tomorrow and a budget would be put through Westminster the following week, it did not mean […]

Armstrong heads up cross-party delegation on changes to minibus licensing

Alliance Infrastructure spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA will head up a cross-party delegation to meet the Department for Infrastructure tomorrow (Monday) regarding its decision to take drastic action to change minibus driver licensing here. The change, which came without appropriate consultation, public notification, Ministerial or political support, will remove the ‘grandfather’ rights enabling community workers and […]

O’Neill says cemetery arson an attack on our whole community

Alliance Councillor Sian O’Neill has said an arson attack in West Belfast is “an attack on our whole community”. Councillor O’Neill, who sits on Belfast City Council’s Strategic Cemeteries and Crematoriums Working Group, was speaking after the gates of Milltown Cemetery were set alight last night (Friday). Damage was done to the gates, as well […]

Local voice not being heard on Brexit, Armstrong tells Pensioners’ Parliament

Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has told the Pensioners’ Parliament Northern Ireland’s voice is not being heard in the Brexit negotiations due to the lack of a functioning Assembly. The Strangford MLA was participating in the Brexit discussion session of the parliament, which works to allow older people their say on ongoing issues. Elected representatives present […]