Dickson has constructive meeting with Caterpillar management.

East Antrim Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has said he had an extremely constructive and informative discussion with Caterpillar’s Operations Director, Robert Kennedy. Mr Dickson, who has regular contact with Mr Kennedy, spoke to him to represent the concerns of his constituents. Mr Dickson also raised a number of issues on behalf of the Trade Union […]

Essential Belfast Rapid Transit not delayed for Finaghy passengers – Bradshaw

Alliance South Belfast MLA Paula Bradshaw has expressed concern the new Belfast Rapid Transit system will not reach Finaghy Road North within the next two years, despite being initially scheduled for 2017. Ms Bradshaw said system would be a vital link to the city centre and Titanic Quarter for many of her constituents, as well […]

Northern Ireland needs equal marriage – Long

Alliance’s Naomi Long has said Northern Ireland needs to move as soon as possible to introduce equal marriage. Ms Long was speaking after the government on the island of Guernsey voted to legislate for equal marriage. Naomi Long said: “Yet again we have another government voting in favour of legislating for equal marriage. I congratulate […]

Ford says victims being forgotten about in process

Alliance Leader David Ford MLA has said victims and their families are being forgotten by other political parties, after families of victims held a protest at Stormont calling for funding for legacy inquests to be released. During the protest, letters threatening legal action if funding was not released within a fortnight were handed over to […]

Farry addresses physics conference on the risks from Brexit

Alliance Economy spokesperson and former Minister for Employment and Learning Stephen Farry has said it is important funding guarantees are given to protect the freedom of movement for academics and other researchers in the wake of the Brexit vote. Dr Farry was speaking as he gave the keynote address to the Institute of Physics Ireland’s […]

Bradshaw questions lack of helipad business case

Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has questioned why a helipad for the roof of a Belfast hospital was announced without a proper business case. The helipad, designed to be built on the roof of the Royal Victoria Hospital’s critical care centre, was announced by previous Health Minister Simon Hamilton prior to May’s election. However, […]

Bradshaw says fibromyalgia recognition just beginning of journey

Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has welcomed the recognition of fibromyalgia as a long-term condition in Northern Ireland, but cautioned without reform services will not catch up as quickly as they should. The South Belfast MLA was speaking after the Patient and Client Council announced new ‘pathways’ for sufferers, which will outline what services […]

Dickson says International Peace Day opportunity to build on success of peace here

Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has said International Peace Day is an opportunity to build on the success of the peace process here. The theme for 2016 is ‘Sustainable Development Goals: Building Blocks for Peace’. It is designed to call on UN countries to begin efforts to achieve sustainable development goals agreed by member nations at […]

Bradshaw says Holyland stakeholders need to step up their game

South Belfast Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw has said a number of stakeholders have to “step up their game” after more reports of anti-social behaviour by students in the Holyland area. Ms Bradshaw was speaking as students arrived back in the South Belfast community during freshers’ week. Almost 200 reports of anti-social behaviour include racist abuse […]

Assembly supports Armstrong’s proposal for a strategic and costed approach to roads

Alliance’s Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong has called on the Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard to respect the wishes of the Assembly and develop a costed strategic plan for road maintenance. Ms Armstrong was speaking after an Assembly debate on road maintenance. Kellie Armstrong said: “This Assembly debate shows the level of concern amongst elected representatives about […]