Budget a reality check for local political process, says Farry

Alliance Economy spokesperson Stephen Farry has said today’s Budget should be a “further reality check” for the political process here. Dr Farry was speaking after Chancellor Philip Hammond unveiled the details of the Budget, which will see the Executive receive a small amount of additional funding. “Today’s Budget should be a further reality check for […]

Bradshaw: #BeBoldForChange on International Women’s Day

On International Women’s Day, Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw says all MLAs must #BeBoldForChange to extend equality for all to Northern Ireland This year International Women’s Day follows an election which saw more women come to the forefront of Northern Ireland’s politics. On this day last year I highlighted the need to encourage more women into […]

Bradshaw shocked after woman allegedly raped

Alliance’s Paula Bradshaw has said she is shocked after a woman was allegedly raped in South Belfast. The woman, in her 20s, reported she was attacked by a man in the doorway of commercial premises in the University Street area around 12.40am today (Tuesday). A 25-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident. […]

Lunn: Online threats cannot be tolerated

Alliance MLA Trevor Lunn has said the online bullying and vile threats made to former UUP MLA Jenny Palmer cannot be tolerated. The Lagan Valley representative was speaking after Mrs Palmer said she was left feeling vulnerable after she was targeted online having failed to retain her seat in last week’s election. “No-one should have […]

Alliance calls for emergency Budget legislation

Alliance has called for the Secretary of State to consider emergency legislation allowing the Civil Service to agree a Budget. Party Leader Naomi Long and Deputy Leader Stephen Farry wrote a letter to James Brokenshire asking him to amend the Northern Ireland Act to provide greater flexibility and discretion in the event agreement on forming […]

This is an opportunity to change things for good, says Long

Tomorrow is the best opportunity people have ever had to change society here for good, Alliance Leader Naomi Long has said. Mrs Long said while she understood many people’s frustration with the Executive parties and institutions, Thursday’s poll was the chance to deliver a message to the DUP and Sinn Fein by voting for Alliance […]

Health service reform will be challenging but necessary, says Bradshaw

Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw has said while the transformation of the health service will be challenging, the long-term viability of the service is the most important thing. South Belfast Assembly candidate Ms Bradshaw said although a number of positive advances had been made, more still needed to be done to make the service work […]

Schools neglected for too long – Armstrong

Alliance Strangford candidate Kellie Armstrong has said the Education Minister has neglected schools in the area for too long. Ms Armstrong was speaking after the principals of 15 schools in the Newtownards and Comber area wrote to parents highlighting the financial difficulties they face. Kellie Armstrong said: “I wholeheartedly support this letter from the 15 […]

We need to celebrate our diversity, says Long

Alliance Leader Naomi Long has said Northern Ireland can be used as an example of an open and welcoming society if people vote for progress on March 2. The East Belfast Assembly candidate said although 2016 had seen “many blows” against tolerance and liberalism across the world, if people here voted for Alliance and other […]