Ford: Northern Ireland is stronger in the EU

Alliance Leader David Ford has reiterated his Party’s strong support for remaining in the European Union Speaking during a debate sponsored by CARE on Tuesday night, Mr Ford stressed ‘the serious damage’ facing the economy, his belief the Common Travel Area would be under threat and pressures facing the justice system in the event of […]

Armitage: Lidl confirmed for Connswater shopping centre

Alliance Councillor David Armitage has said he’s ‘delighted’ Belfast City Council has backed a decision to allow a new Lidl store open in Connswater shopping centre. The East Belfast Councillor was speaking after the latest Belfast City Council planning committee meeting, where he recused himself from voting in order to speak in favour of the […]

Larne oil spill is shocking and worrying, says Dickson

Stewart Dickson MLA has voiced his concerns over the recent Larne oil spill and welcomed the investigation and clean up coordinated by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA). Emphasising the effects of the oil spill on the local environment, the MLA for East Antrim added the spill had affected many local attractions. Stewart Dickson MLA […]

Lyttle raises growing childcare costs with Minister

Chris Lyttle MLA has highlighted the issue of growing childcare costs of working families, calling on the Minister to take action to relieve the pressure. The MLA for East Belfast put pressure on the Economy Minister as he outlined plans to increase Northern Ireland’s gross disposable income. Chris Lyttle MLA said: “There is no point […]

Dickson: Questions must be answered after EU voter registration confusion

Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has questioned the reasons behind the failure to extend the EU voter registration deadline to Northern Ireland. The Party’s European Spokesperson raised concerns after the deadline was originally extended for 24 hours across the United Kingdom, only for Northern Ireland to be excluded a few hours later. Stewart Dickson MLA said: […]

Lyttle takes special educational needs nursery concerns directly to the Minister

Alliance Education Spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA will take the fight to stop cuts to Special Educational needs nursery provision to Stormont on Tuesday, presenting a petition to the Education Minister on the issue. The Vice Chair of the Education Committee, alongside representatives from Parents for Equal Education Coalition, are aiming to reverse a recent Education […]

Long: No guarantee Westminster will plug Brexit funding gap

Naomi Long MLA has said voters should be ‘extremely concerned’ after the Deputy First Minister confirmed there was no guarantee EU funding lost in the event of a Brexit vote would be replaced by Westminster. Questioning the deputy first Minister in the Assembly on Monday, the Alliance Deputy Leader added voters needed to be aware […]

Alliance providing sole opposition to Executive Budget

Alliance is the only voice of opposition to a budget that is ‘not sufficiently strategic or sustainable’, Finance Spokesperson Stephen Farry has said, adding he was surprised the UUP and SDLP indicated they are willing to let it proceed. Outlining his Party’s position during a debate on the Executive’s Supply resolution for the 16/17 budget, […]

Dickson launches Diabetes Awareness Week

Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has launched a range of events to mark Diabetes Awareness Week. Aiming to tackle the daily challenges facing those living with the condition, Mr Dickson unveiled a series of events at Stormont on Monday. Stewart Dickson MLA said: “In Northern Ireland over 70,000 people are living with diabetes, and that number […]