Kamble condemns Carryduff attack

Alliance Councillor Vasundhara Kamble has said thugs behind an aggravated burglary in the Carryduff area have no place in our society. The Castlereagh representative was speaking after police revealed two men and two women had been tied up and assaulted during the attack on the Ballynahinch Road. Councillor Vasundhara Kamble said: “It is extremely worrying […]

Farry challenges Prime Minister to meet First and deputy First Ministers jointly

Stephen Farry MLA has challenged Prime Minster Theresa May to meet both the First and deputy First Minister together to discuss the Brexit implications for Northern Ireland. Alliance MLA Mr Farry made the comments as it was revealed the Prime Minister is expected to visit Northern Ireland next week. The North Down MLA said it […]

Bradshaw says real and meaningful health reform vital

Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw has said it is vital the Executive provides “real and meaningful” reform of services to give local people world-class health care. South Belfast MLA Ms Bradshaw was speaking as Health Minister Michelle O’Neil announced her Department had received the report from the Expert Panel tasked with restructuring health and social […]

Armstrong discovers eight-week delay in issuing of blue badges

Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong has called on the Minister for Infrastructure to make staffing changes after she discovered there is a minimum eight-week delay in issuing blue badges for disabled drivers. Alliance MLA Mrs Armstrong was informed about the backlog after being contacted by a number of constituents concerned their blue badge payments had been […]

Changing Places campaign should be taken up locally, says Armstrong

Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has said the Executive must ensure appropriate toilet facilities for older children and adults with disabilities should be installed across Northern Ireland. Strangford MLA Mrs Armstrong was speaking as the Changing Places charity marked the 10th anniversary of its campaign which has seen almost 860 such toilets installed throughout the UK, […]

Armstrong: Bank closures extremely worrying for many

Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has described the news Bank of Ireland is to close eight branches, with a loss of 54 jobs, as ‘worrying’ and ‘disappointing’. The MLA for Strangford was speaking after the closure list included the last remaining branch in her own constituency, located in Newtownards. Kellie Armstrong MLA said: “The issue of […]

Alliance seeks Chief Constable meeting over Billy Wright poster claims

Alliance has sought a meeting with the Chief Constable after a senior police officer claimed a banner celebrating the killing of four men would be offensive to some but not others. The banner, which contains an image of LVF leader Billy Wright, was erected in Dungannon two weeks ago. It quotes Wright saying: “I would […]

Ford says Executive response ‘utterly weak’ on paramilitarism

Alliance Leader David Ford has said an Executive response to an independent report on paramilitarism is “utterly weak” after it failed to state a number of expected timescales and objectives. The ‘Fresh Start Panel report on the Disbandment of Paramilitary Groups,’ by an independent three-person panel, was given to Ministers on time at the end […]

Muir expresses condolences following death of cyclist

Alliance Councillor Andrew Muir has expressed his deep sympathies following the death of a cyclist close to Holywood on Tuesday morning. The man in his 60s was travelling with another cyclist when he was involved in a collision with a car near Holywood shortly before 6.30am. Councillor Andrew Muir said: “It is heart breaking to […]