Brexit would undermine Northern Ireland as an investment location

The Alliance Party’s former Minister for Employment and Learning, Stephen Farry MLA, has cautioned that any vote to leave the European Union would harm Northern Ireland’s investment potential. Adding the move would also make any moves to lower the rate of Corporation Tax as pointless, Mr Farry described it as ‘a cruel irony’ that just […]

Alliance welcomes launch of Stakeknife investigation

Alliance Justice Spokesperson Trevor Lunn has welcomed the investigation into the alleged activities of Army Agent Stakeknife, adding the inquiry must be allowed to proceed with the neutrality intended. Mr Lunn was speaking after it was revealed the investigation into the army’s most high-ranking agent in the IRA would also examine possible crimes by IRA […]

McDonough Brown addresses issue of Ormeau Road flags

Alliance Councillor Emmet McDonough Brown has again met with the PSNI to address the issue of flags on the Ormeau Road. Describing the meeting as ‘frustrating’ due to the lack of progress on the issue, the South Belfast representative said the onus was on those erecting the flags to prove the community wanted them, and […]

Alliance responds to hard-hitting report on Loughinisland Murders

Alliance Policing Spokesperson, Stephen Farry, has responded to the Police Ombudsman Report in into the Murders at the Heights Bar in Loughinisland in June 1994. Stephen Farry said: “This report from the Police Ombudsman is robust and hard-hitting. It identifies massive failings in terms of policing at the time. I do welcome that the Chief […]

EU has played ‘key role’ in securing Northern Ireland’s stability, says Dickson

The EU has played a key role in building a shared future in Northern Ireland, Alliance European Stewart Dickson MLA has said, as he added the DUP shouldn’t be so quick to dismiss it. Speaking after the DUP hit out at Sir John Major and Tony Blair for comments suggesting a leave vote could threaten […]

Lyttle calls on Education Authority to explain lack of communication on special educational needs

Alliance Education spokesperson Chris Lyttle has called on the Education Authority to explain why it has consistently failed to explain the ongoing process to parents affected by a potential cut in special educational needs (SEN) nursery hours. Mr Lyttle was speaking as the Authority revealed in a letter to the Education Minister it was taking […]

Ford asks what new evidence exists for removal of gay blood ban

Alliance Leader David Ford has submitted an urgent question to the Health Minister asking what evidence came to light to allow the lifting of the gay blood ban. Last week, Health Minister Michelle O’Neill said she would be removing the ban on gay men donating blood, after a succession of previous DUP Health Ministers claimed […]

Farry says petition of concern ban talk justifies Alliance approach

Alliance MLA Stephen Farry has said the Assembly Commissioner’s suggestion of a ban of vetoes in certain circumstances justifies his party’s attempts to reform the process. North Down MLA Mr Farry was speaking after Douglas Bain, the Assembly Commissioner for Standards, said in his annual report he wants to see a ban on the use […]