Long asks if DUP are fools or just treating public as such

Alliance Leader Naomi Long MLA has questioned whether the DUP “are being utterly foolish or merely treating the public as such” after supposed clear the air talks between the Economy Minister and Finance Minister failed to produce any substantive plan around the RHI scandal. Prior to the meeting, Economy Minister Simon Hamilton said the DUP […]

RHI scandal compromising Budget process, says Farry

Alliance Deputy Leader Stephen Farry MLA has said the ongoing RHI scandal means an agreed Budget is long overdue. Dr Farry said the fact it was unclear if Northern Ireland currently had a functioning Government also meant an increased urgency on the Executive agreeing a position on how best to mitigate Brexit. “Even the basic […]

Bradshaw shock at cancer waiting time figures

Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has expressed her shock at figures showing cancer waiting time targets are being missed, with the situation regarding long-term treatment is getting worse. South Belfast MLA Ms Bradshaw said there was no time to waste in delivering a cancer strategy and waiting lists plan, in order to address the […]

Armstrong says emergency RHI legislation still does not resolve issue

Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has said possible emergency legislation to deal with the RHI scheme still does not resolve the issue Strangford MLA Ms Armstrong was speaking after the DUP announced it was working on the legislation to deal with overspend on the scheme, reducing the tariffs being paid to claimants, as well as introducing […]

Donor move by Secretary of State no coincidence, says Ford

Alliance MLA David Ford has said it is no coincidence the Secretary of State has announced a consultation into the transparency of political donors, given recent increased pressure by Alliance on the issue. Mr Ford was speaking after James Brokenshire stated he would be writing to local parties to seek their views on ending the […]

Long says First Minister misogyny claims do a disservice to many

Alliance Leader Naomi Long MLA has said claims by the First Minister calls for her to step aside as misogynistic “do a great disservice” to those who experience sexism. Arlene Foster made the claims in an interview in which she said the calls were personal and some of them were because she is female, a […]

Nicholl calls for parties to reveal donors after successful Council motion

Alliance Councillor Kate Nicholl has said local parties need to follow through on their pledges after her motion calling for transparency around political donations was passed at Belfast City Council. The motion, which called for local parties to be brought into line with those across the UK by revealing names of single donors over £7,500, […]

Alliance will continue to support need for independent, judge-led inquiry into RHI, says Long

Alliance Leader Naomi Long MLA has said her party will continue to support the need for an independent, judge-led public inquiry into the RHI scandal, despite the Executive parties’ reluctance. Mrs Long was speaking after the DUP and Sinn Fein said such a move could take “years”, while Sinn Fein’s national chairperson Declan Kearney has […]

New noise controls at airport must be adhered to, says Armstrong

Alliance Infrastructure spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA has said new noise controls at Belfast City Airport must be adhered to, after it was announced a restriction on the number of departure seats sold there is due to be lifted. The decision, which follows a public inquiry, will mean the two million seats cap will go, with […]

Now is the time for donor transparency, says Nicholl

Alliance will reiterate its call for details of major donors to local political parties to be made public with a motion at Belfast City Council tonight (Monday). Alliance Leader Naomi Long has secured legislative change so names of single donors of over £7,500 to local parties will be published in line with UK law. It […]