Executive failing on paramilitary strategy – Ford

Alliance MLA David Ford has said the Executive is failing in its duty to develop and implement a strategy to end paramilitary activity. Mr Ford was speaking after questioning Secretary of State James Brokenshire at the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly in Cardiff today (Monday) on the funding for the Executive’s anti-paramilitarism action plan, which Mr Brokenshire […]

Lyttle condemns threatening leaflets

Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle has condemned the production and distribution of threatening leaflets in East Belfast on Friday night. The leaflets, which carried images of the Union flag and a gunman, contained the threat ‘All PSNI informers will be put out of this area’ were placed on cars overnight. Chris Lyttle said: “Once again we […]

Long says Harland and Wolff contract a major boost

Alliance East Belfast MLA Naomi Long has said a multi-million pound contract for Harland and Wolff is a major boost for the area. The manufacturing company secured the contract, which it says will support 200 jobs, with wind farm developer Scottishpower Renewables. The engineering firm is to make 24 steel foundation jackets for wind turbines […]

Urgent action needed on waiting lists – Bradshaw

Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has said more support needs to be given to people on waiting lists, after the latest figures showed a rise in those waiting for more than nine weeks for outpatient appointments. According to Departmental figures, over two-thirds of patients were waiting more than nine weeks for a first consultant-led […]

Public engagement on flags and culture welcome – Bradshaw

Alliance South Belfast MLA Paula Bradshaw has welcomed the announcement from the Commission on Flags, Identity, Culture and Tradition that it will undertake a series of public engagements. Ms Bradshaw said: “We are all aware of how emotive the subjects of flags, identity and culture can be. These have been used, without justification, as an […]

Autumn Statement passes challenge to Executive to invest in the economy

Alliance Finance spokesperson Stephen Farry MLA has said the Executive needs to make investments across the board following the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement. Dr Farry was speaking after Philip Hammond announced the Executive will receive an extra £250 million in infrastructure funding. However, Dr Farry said the focus should also be on other economic drivers, including […]

Dickson says pig farm decision shows need for third-party appeal system

East Antrim MLA Stewart Dickson has said the successful application for a major pig farm in Newtownabbey shows the need for third-party right of appeal in planning decisions. The farm will accommodate 15,000 pigs, half of what the developer had originally intended. The initial plan had received thousands of objections. Alliance MLA Mr Dickson, who […]

Serious questions on community benefit around upgrade of stadiums – Bradshaw

Alliance South Belfast MLA Paula Bradshaw has expressed frustration local community benefits promised as part of the Windsor Park upgrade never materialised, saying it does not bode well for the Casement Park project. In preparation for the submission of bids for the contract to upgrade the South Belfast stadium, each bidder consulted with groups in […]