Bradshaw reiterates call for students to stay away from Holyland on St Patrick’s Day

Alliance South Belfast MLA Paula Bradshaw has reiterated a call for students to stay away from the Holyland area on St Patrick’s Day in a bid to avoid a repeat of widespread antisocial behaviour of previous years. Ms Bradshaw’s call followed several off-licences in the area saying they would close voluntarily for a number of […]

Ford resubmits private member’s bill on abortion reform

David Ford MLA has resubmitted his private member’s bill on abortion reform. Mr Ford presented his proposal to the Speaker’s Office late yesterday (Monday) soon after signing the roll of membership to officially become an MLA again. It had been moved in the previous Assembly mandate but was a casualty of the Executive collapse. The […]

Appeal for calm by Dickson following loyalist’s death

Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has appealed for calm following the death of loyalist George Gilmore. The 44-year-old died in hospital after being shot yesterday in Carrickfergus. Loyalist factions in the town have been feuding for a number of months. Mr Dickson called on those behind the feud to bring it to an end. “My sympathy […]

Long says Assembly needs restored as soon as possible

Alliance Leader Naomi Long has said the Assembly needs to be up and running as soon as possible in order to deliver for people. The East Belfast representative was speaking after her party’s MLAs officially signed the roll of membership. She said the increased turnout in the recent election showed the desire for a return […]

Dickson condemns ‘brutal’ attack in Carrickfergus

Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has condemned a serious assault which occurred in Carrickfergus on Saturday night, March 11. A member of staff from the Royal Oak Bar, Green Street, was attacked around 9.40pm. Two men have since been arrested. He said: “I must condemn this horrifying attack which has left the victim with serious head […]

Illegal bonfire materials should be removed, says Armitage

Alliance Councillor David Armitage has called for illegal bonfire materials left on the Connswater Greenway to be removed immediately. Dozens of tyres have been left on the Flora Street walkway section of the multi-million-pound greenway. “Alliance recognises everyone has the right to celebrate their culture and traditions but it must be done in a safe, […]

Armstrong left bitterly disappointed by bank closures

Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has said she is “bitterly disappointed” after Ulster Bank announced it would close nine of its local branches from October. The move means the Ards Peninsula is left without any banking provision. The bank said it was due to the increase in usage of its digital banking services. Affected branches include […]

Unless new Executive formed, integrated education will suffer, says Armstrong

Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has said unless a new Executive is formed, a major report into integrated education risks being lost. The report, entitled Integrating Education in Northern Ireland: Celebrating Inclusiveness and Fostering Innovation in our Schools, was completed in November but only released last Thursday, on Assembly election polling day. Among its recommendations are […]

Lunn calls for full investigation after prisoner escape

Alliance Justice spokesperson Trevor Lunn has called for a full investigation after a murder suspect was released by mistake. Michael Lawrence Smith (38) has not returned to Maghaberry Prison after last being seen in the Belfast area at 2pm yesterday (Tuesday). PSNI have stated Smith, who is on remand for murder, said he had been […]