Dickson says we are missing chance to have a say on EU withdrawal

Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has said Northern Ireland is missing its chance to have a say on EU withdrawal thanks to the ongoing political impasse. The EU Withdrawal Bill, which began its Parliamentary passage in the House of Commons today, is the main Brexit Bill. East Antrim MLA Mr Dickson said there were major issues […]

EU unique solution call creates opportunity, says Farry

Alliance Brexit Spokesperson Stephen Farry MLA has welcomed the EU’s recognition of the need to identify ‘a unique solution’ for the border issue after any Brexit. Dr Farry said the EU’s negotiating papers, which say the UK should take responsibility for finding a resolution, was an acknowledgement of the special circumstances of Northern Ireland and […]

Lyttle questions why it took so long to release education report

Alliance Education spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA has questioned why it took two years to release a major report which finds academic selection favours children of parents who can pay for private tuition. The Investigating Links in Achievement and Deprivation (Iliad) report was commissioned by the then Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister […]

Ford welcomes publication of civil and family justice reports

Alliance MLA David Ford has welcomed publication of reports looking into the administration of civil and family justice. The Lord Chief Justice (LCJ)’s Civil and Family Justice Review Group reports are designed to look at current procedures, with a view to improving access to justice, achieving better outcomes for court users and creating a more […]

Farry says perception of Sinn Fein chaos strategy reinforced by Adams speech

Alliance Deputy Leader Stephen Farry has said a speech by Gerry Adams reinforcing Sinn Fein’s Irish Language Act redline for returning to the Executive did nothing to dispel “the perception Sinn Fein is pursuing a chaos strategy” Mr Adams repeated his party’s demand there can be no Assembly or Executive without a stand-alone Irish Language […]

Council backs Alliance Trump amendment

Belfast City Council has backed an Alliance amendment to a motion condemning recent comments made by US President Donald Trump. The amendment, submitted by Councillor Michael Long, said President Trump’s comments following events in Charlottesville lacked clarity and failed to condemn the Ku Klux Klan and neo-Nazi gangs. “The President has a history of comments […]

Long’s motion on Council openness referred back to committee

Alliance Councillor Michael Long’s motion to allow for crucial decisions at Belfast City Hall to be made more transparent will be referred back to committee later this month. The motion from Councillor Long – Alliance’s Group leader on Belfast City Council – was referred back to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, after he brought […]

O’Neill calls for public inquiry into mother and baby homes

Alliance Councillor Sian O’Neill has called for a public inquiry into the plight of victims of mother and baby homes in Belfast. Councillor O’Neill was speaking during tonight’s Belfast City Council meeting, in which she backed Amnesty International’s call to set up a human rights-compliant public inquiry into allegations of forced labour and ill treatment. […]

Long extends condolences to family of Victor Gordon

Alliance Leader Naomi Long MLA has extended her condolences to the family of Victor Gordon, the veteran reporter who has passed away. Mr Gordon, who worked for several newspapers, was most closely associated with the Portadown Times. He died on Sunday after a short illness. “Victor Gordon was true gentleman and a gifted journalist, with […]

Independent mediator can help talks, says Farry

Alliance Deputy Leader Stephen Farry MLA has said an independent mediator would help give the talks process much-needed impetus. The call comes ahead of a party delegation meeting with Secretary of State James Brokenshire later this afternoon. Dr Farry said while an arbitrator may not have been appropriate before due to time constraints, that was […]