Armstrong calls for immediate action to prevent environmental damage

Alliance Strangford candidate Kellie Armstrong has called for immediate action to stop environmental damage following the sinking of a boat moored in Portaferry. The leisure ship crashed into the Ards and North Down Council-owned Cook Street Quay some time ago and although several attempts have been made to repair it, it has been moored at […]

Northern Ireland MPs must safeguard our interests – Farry

Alliance Brexit spokesperson Stephen Farry has said it is essential that Northern Ireland’s MPs safeguard our interests in the Brexit debate. The Alliance Deputy Leader was speaking after publication of the draft European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Act 2017, which allows the Prime Minister to invoke Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty. Stephen Farry said: […]

Dickson hits out at those behind threat to journalist

Alliance Chief Whip Stewart Dickson MLA has hit out at dissident republicans who issued a threat to a Belfast-based journalist. The threatening social media post by the dissident-linked republican organisation posted personal details of the journalist, adding a call to not engage with her in future. Mr Dickson said the threat undermined freedom of the […]

Bradshaw pleased by Minister’s cancer drugs consultation move

Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has said she is pleased the Health Minister has finally listened to people after she launched a consultation into access to specialist drugs. The move comes after South Belfast MLA Ms Bradshaw submitted a petition with over 10,000 signatures calling for the change to the Assembly in September 2016. […]

Cautious welcome for York Street scheme development funding – Armstrong

Alliance Infrastructure spokesperson Kellie Armstrong has given a cautious welcome to the announcement of £4 million funding to develop the York Street interchange scheme to construction ready state. Kellie Armstrong said: “The York Street junction is one of the busiest in Northern Ireland with around 100,000 vehicles going through it every day. While I welcome […]

Farry welcomes strategy but warns of difficulties ahead

Alliance Economy spokesperson Stephen Farry MLA has said a number of challenges could stop a successful implementation of the Executive’s draft Industrial Strategy. Dr Farry said while he recognised the strength and ambition of many aspects of the document, other problems still existed. “It is beneficial the Minister has managed to publish this strategy ahead […]

Translink must follow fare increases with cost savings – Armstrong

Alliance Infrastructure spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA has said that after announcing fare increases averaging 1.6%, Translink needs to identify cost savings to mitigate against further increases. Kellie Armstrong said: “I appreciate that 1.6% is a modest average increase, with some fares unchanged, but it is important for Translink to identify where they can make cost […]

Article 50 should not be triggered without recognition of special circumstances of Northern Ireland, says Farry

Alliance Brexit Spokesperson Stephen Farry MLA has said specific issues relating to Northern Ireland must be addressed before Article 50 can be triggered, adding local MPs must insist on a deal before supporting any legislation. The Alliance Deputy Leader was speaking after the Supreme Court ruled Parliament must give the go-ahead on the Brexit process […]

Ford responds to Supreme Court Article 50 ruling

Alliance MLA David Ford has welcomed the Supreme Court ruling Parliament must vote on triggering Article 50 but added he is disappointed the devolved institutions will not be consulted on the Brexit process. The ruling means the Prime Minister cannot begin talks with the EU until MPs and peers back that move. However, the regional […]