Growing demand for allotments – Muir

Alliance Councillor Andrew Muir has highlighted the growing demand across the Ards and North Down Council area for additional allotment provision. Councillor Muir has been a strong advocate for allotments and was speaking after Councillors discussed an initial report from Council officers. Councillor Muir said: “There is no doubt about the wide range of benefits […]

Alliance councillors call for joined up approach on street disorder

Alliance members of Belfast City Council have called for a joined up approach from the Council, Housing Executive, PSNI and other statutory agencies to deal with street disorder associated mainly with students living in the Holyland area of Belfast. Councillor Emmet McDonough-Brown proposed a motion calling for the reinstatement of street wardens and CCTV. He […]

Alliance motion looks at growing unease from public around Executive transparency

There is growing unease from the public on the lack of transparency from the Executive, the Assembly will hear tomorrow as Alliance brings a motion calling for greater openness in local politics. The motion lays out a number of recent examples of secretive behaviour by the Executive Office, which Alliance’s Stephen Farry MLA said has […]

Alliance condemns Gregory Campbell comments in support of Hungarian regime

Alliance Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong has condemned DUP MP Gregory Campbell after he made comments in support of the Hungarian Prime Minister. Her comments came after Prime Minister Viktor Orban declared victory in a referendum on mandatory EU migrant quotas, despite only 43 per cent of the electorate voting, short of the 50 per cent […]

Patients are being let down by intransigence – Bradshaw

Alliance health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has said that it is clear what is needed for reform of the health and social care service, patients are being let down by intransigence. Ms Bradshaw was speaking in support of an Assembly debate on the work of the Assembly All Party Group on Epilepsy and the Northern […]

PM talks Brexit while the DUP pours champagne – Dickson

As the Prime Minister sets out her Brexit timetable, the DUP are busy pouring champagne; Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has said. Mr Dickson was speaking after it emerged the DUP was sponsoring a champagne reception at the Conservative Party conference. Stewart Dickson said: “This champagne reception for Conservative Party conference delegates, sponsored by the DUP, […]

Farry disappointed First and deputy First Minister not pressing UK Government on right to remain

Alliance Economy spokesperson Stephen Farry MLA has hit out at the First Minister and deputy First Minister for not recognising the need to prioritise the right for existing EU nationals to remain post-Brexit. Dr Farry said such a right should not be used as a bargaining chip but rather granted as an act of good […]

Long says PM’s Brexit announcement makes Executive inaction more significant

Alliance Deputy Leader Naomi Long has said the Prime Minister’s announcement the UK will begin the Brexit negotiation process by the end of March makes the inaction from the Executive an even more significant issue. It comes after Theresa May stated she will trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty by the end of March […]

Kelly expresses shock after ‘racist abuse’ video

Alliance Antrim Councillor Neil Kelly has expressed his shock after a video posted on social media appeared to show young people racially abusing a Romanian woman in the town. The video involves a number of young people verbally abusing the woman before threatening to assault her with rocks. Councillor Kelly said he was horrified when […]

Armstrong says new taxi legislation needs reviewed

Alliance Infrastructure spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA has said the Department must review proposed changes to taxi legislation to ensure best service for both customers and drivers. Under new legislation being introduced tomorrow (October 1), all taxis in Northern Ireland will be required to have an approved meter and printer, with minimum fares also increased. However, […]