Ford calls on Foster to clarify her stance on UDA endorsement of DUP

Alliance MLA David Ford has called on Arlene Foster to clarify whether she accepts an endorsement for her party from the UDA-linked UPRG group. Mr Ford was speaking after the UPRG magazine The Loyalist said it “would strongly urge a vote for Emma Little-Pengelly” in South Belfast. The former Justice Minister said it was particularly […]

Two Alliance MPs will be able to represent positive, progressive and pro-European politics for Northern Ireland, says Long

Two Alliance MPs would be able to showcase positive, progressive and pro-European politics for Northern Ireland at Westminster, Naomi Long has said. The Alliance Leader was speaking as the party launched its manifesto in East Belfast today (Wednesday). The document, entitled Change Direction, outlines key commitments from Alliance, relating to areas including Brexit, transparency and […]

Ballymena fire a blow to jobs – O’Lynn

Alliance Westminster candidate for North Antrim, Patricia O’Lynn, has expressed concern that the fire in Broughshane Street, Ballymena, could lead to job losses. Patricia O’Lynn said: “A number of businesses have been destroyed and others damaged in this major fire. There is real concern that jobs could be lost as the owners seek to rebuild […]

Executive ‘Paramilitary Plan’ is meaningless – Ford

Alliance MLA David Ford has said the brutal murder in Bangor on Sunday has shown that the Executive’s so-called Action Plan on Tackling Paramilitarism is now so weak that it is meaningless. Speaking after Colin Horner’s murder was linked directly to a loyalist paramilitary feud, the former Justice Minister said the attack had shone a […]

Long praises police after human trafficking rescues

Alliance East Belfast MLA Naomi Long has praised police after four victims of human trafficking were rescued and two men arrested. One woman was rescued from a property on the Newtownards Road in East Belfast, while three were found at a property at Kenlis Street in Banbridge. One man was arrested in East Belfast, while […]

Executive must get to work on waiting lists – Bradshaw

Alliance South Belfast Westminster candidate Paula Bradshaw has said there is no further excuse for any delay in establishing an Executive to tackle waiting lists and deliver on health transformation. Ms Bradshaw stated: “The Executive should be up and operational, facing up to the real challenges to our public services and the need for a […]

Vandalism at York Street railway station unacceptable – McAllister

Alliance Councillor for North Belfast, Nuala McAllister, has said the vandalism carried out at York Street railway station is unacceptable. Councillor McAllister said: “This mindless vandalism is totally unacceptable in our community. Damaging public property places further financial burdens on already stretched budgets. “I condemn without reservation whoever was behind this attack and would appeal […]

Armstrong warns of Brexit hit to trade route

Alliance Strangford Westminster candidate Kellie Armstrong has said a hard border following Brexit could see the end of a burgeoning trade route between Northern Ireland and China. The Belt and Road Initiative seeks to increase trade links from China across Europe, with a major event this month promoting it attracting over 130 countries and 70 […]

Eastwood expresses concern after child left critically ill

Alliance Westminster West Belfast candidate Sorcha Eastwood has expressed her concern after a nine-year old boy was left critically ill after coming into contact with a hazardous substance at a local bonfire site. Police have been clearing the scene at Glenwood Street since the situation emerged. Miss Eastwood said: “It is extremely worrying to hear […]