Ford calls on First and deputy First Minister to release Executive response to paramilitary report

David Ford MLA has called on the First and deputy First Minister to publicly announce the Executive response to a major panel report on paramilitarism. The Alliance Leader has written to Arlene Foster and Martin McGuinness to determine when the Executive reaction to the ‘Fresh Start Panel report on the Disbandment of Paramilitary Groups’ will […]

Armitage: Plans to keep bonfire under control ignored

Alliance Councillor David Armitage has spoken of his frustration after Belfast City Council and other agencies reneged on agreed protocol, meaning a planned bonfire close to the Comber Greenway has again been allowed to grow out of control. Last year homes in the Chobham Street had to be boarded up, while the Council has already […]

Armstrong calls for establishment of Multiculturalism Day

Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has called for the establishment of a Multiculturalism Day in Northern Ireland to celebrate the diversity of our society. Strangford MLA Ms Armstrong said this week’s Multiculturalism Day in Canada was a good example of how the event would work, advocating the strength it can bring to a country. “No matter […]

Ford says we must never forget sacrifice of the Somme

Alliance Leader David Ford has said we must never forget the sacrifice of those who died at the Battle of the Somme, as commemorations take place to mark the 100th anniversary of the event. Mr Ford was speaking after a ceremony he attended in Ballynure, in his South Antrim constituency, to remember the battle, where […]

Nicholl: Lack of leadership after Brexit vote is dangerous

Alliance Councillor Kate Nicholl has said the First and deputy First Minister must put the interests of Northern Ireland first, in the wake of last week’s vote to leave the EU. Speaking as it was revealed Belfast City Council was set to debate the issue at a special Council meeting on Monday night – a […]

Dickson hits out at First Minister over remain remarks

Alliance Executive Office spokesperson Stewart Dickson MLA has hit out at the First Minister after she suggested only nationalists were opposed to the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union. When questioned about those who voted against Brexit last week on BBC’s Good Morning Ulster programme today, Arlene Foster said “We are seeing some party politics […]

Alliance: South Belfast’s diversity must be upheld in wake of Brexit

The Alliance Party in South Belfast has said that while there’s been confirmation the Brexit vote hasn’t led to an official increase in hate crimes locally, the situation must be monitored, with South Belfast’s unique diversity continuing to flourish. Paula Bradshaw MLA, Councillor Emmet McDonough Brown and Councillor Kate Nicholl commented after the local PSNI […]

Dickson says no place for so-called punishment attacks in society

There is no place for so-called punishment attacks in society, Alliance East Antrim MLA Stewart Dickson has said, after a man was shot in both legs in Carrickfergus. The paramilitary-style incident happened around 5.30pm today (Wednesday) in Dunluskin Gardens. The victim has been taken to hospital for treatment for his injuries. “I condemn this act […]

Lyttle says teacher retirement scheme wrong approach

Alliance Education spokesperson Chris Lyttle has said a controversial scheme to replace early retiring teachers is the wrong approach to reform of the teaching system here. Education Minister Peter Weir today announced the start of a scheme for academic year 2016/17 which will see teachers aged over 55 retire early and be replaced by those […]