Bradshaw says Sinn Fein has power to remove flags if so wished

South Belfast MLA Paula Bradshaw has said Sinn Fein “need to look closer to home” in order to reach a solution to flag-flying on lampposts along the Ormeau Road. Sinn Fein’s Mairtin O Muilleoir hit out at police after flags were placed along the road earlier this week ahead of the marching season. It comes […]

Bradshaw says need to ensure robust accountability for health sector

Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has said there is a need to ensure robust accountability across the health and social care sector after a programme showing a doctor convicted of child abuse continued to work with children. BBC Spotlight last night showed an investigation into why child psychiatrist Dr Morris Fraser was not struck […]

Alliance takes lead on securing new Lidl store for Connswater

Alliance Councillor David Armitage has led the way in securing a new Lidl store for Connswater shopping centre in East Belfast. Taking on the campaign on behalf of local residents and supporter groups, the local Councillor has played a key role in challenging perceptions and changing minds on the issue. Councillor David Armitage said: “I’m […]

Ford says paramilitary report builds on Alliance work

Alliance Leader David Ford has said a major report on paramilitarism builds on work Alliance led in the Department of Justice. He was speaking after the launch of the ‘Fresh Start Panel report on the Disbandment of Paramilitary Groups’ by the three-person panel by the First Minister, deputy First Minister and Justice Minister. Mr Ford […]

Armstrong: Minister must address infrastructure concerns

Welcoming a financial boost to tackle road problems in Killinchy, Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has questioned further when a maintenance plan will be in place to tackle the on-going backlog across the area. The Strangford MLA was speaking after the Infrastructure Minister granted a £95,000 improvement scheme at Main Street and Ardview Park, Killinchy. Kellie […]

Dickson says planning move by Sinn Fein cynical

Alliance East Antrim MLA Stewart Dickson has said a move by Sinn Fein to change rules around planning permission for oil and gas exploration comes too late for a controversial drill in his constituency. Mr Dickson said while the drilling currently taking place in Woodburn Forest close to Carrickfergus was “gravely concerning,” yesterday’s motion at […]

Alliance pays tribute to Susan O’Brien

North Down Alliance representatives have paid tribute to longstanding Holywood Councillor, Susan O’Brien, who passed away at the weekend. Alderman O’Brien served as Councillor for Holywood from 1981 to 2005, including serving as Deputy Mayor 1994/95 and as Mayor of North Down 1995/96. Her funeral took place today (Tuesday) at St Colmcille’s Church in Holywood. […]

Ford says Departmental move an administrative nightmare

Alliance South Antrim MLA David Ford has said a proposed Departmental move from Belfast to the north-west has turned into “an administrative nightmare” after it was revealed that it would not be completed until 2029. Mr Ford discovered the damaging effect of the controversial move of the former Department of Agriculture and Rural Development – […]

Lyttle calls for independent review of early years education and care in Northern Ireland

Alliance Education spokesperson Chris Lyttle has called on the Education Minister to commission an urgent, open and independent review of early years education and care in Northern Ireland. East Belfast MLA Mr Lyttle, who will speak in support of an Assembly motion tomorrow calling on the Education Minister to introduce a strategy to ensure a […]

Farry says Easton must clarify approach to paramilitaries

Alliance North Down MLA Stephen Farry has called on DUP MLA Alex Easton to clarify his approach to working with known paramilitaries after revelations he provided a reference to self-professed UDA member David ‘Dee’ Stitt. Self-professed North Down UDA boss Stitt was described as “outstanding” and “highly regarded” by Mr Easton in a letter supporting […]