Armstrong: Exploris reopening is major boost for Strangford

Councillor Kellie Armstrong has said news that Exploris will re-open this summer is testament to the hard work of everyone involved in the campaign to save it. Playing a key role in the campaign to save Northern Ireland’s only aquarium from complete closure, Kellie said Alliance has always stood firm in the face of opposition […]

Muir: Public must have full confidence in elected representatives

Alliance Councillor Andrew Muir has said the public must have full disclosure when it comes to their Councillor’s interests, as he again placed greater openness and transparency on the agenda. Ensuring that all Declarations of Interest are published on Ards and North Down’s website, the local Councillor said the move would ‘help restore’ the public’s […]

Lyttle says animal cruelty sentencing increase a result of public outcry

Alliance Animal Welfare spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA has said an increased maximum sentence for animal cruelty offences came about following public revulsion over a number of high-profile animal cruelty cases in his constituency. The East Belfast MLA, who is Vice-Chair of the Assembly’s All-Party Group on Animal Welfare, was speaking ahead of an amendment to […]

Dickson asks Commissioner to investigate alleged comments

Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has submitted a formal complaint after a DUP MLA was recorded making alleged sexist and ageist comments. A microphone picked up the DUP’s Jim Wells MLA making comments, which can be viewed online, during an open session of the Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee on February 3. East Antrim MLA Mr Dickson […]

Lo disappointed by long-running taxi changes

Alliance Environment spokesperson Anna Lo has said she is disappointed it has taken eight years to bring forward changes that affect the licensing of taxis. The South Belfast MLA was speaking after Environment Minister Mark H Durkan announced the changes to be introduced in May, including new classes of taxi licence replacing existing PSV licence […]

Ford takes Alliance vision to electorate

Alliance Leader David Ford will defend his South Antrim constituency seat at the next Assembly election, after being unanimously backed by party members. Officially selected during a South Antrim committee meeting, Mr Ford said his party was the only vehicle for change when it comes to delivering the best for everyone across South Antrim. Having […]

Alliance pleased by airport jobs announcement

Alliance has welcomed an announcement of over 100 new jobs at Belfast International Airport. The jobs, of which 85 are full-time, are being created by six businesses at the airport and will cover a range of aviation support activities, including food outlets, taxi operations and private charter services. “This news, coming so soon after a […]

Cochrane welcomes Strandtown admissions news

East Belfast Alliance MLA Judith Cochrane has welcomed the approval of a development proposal for admissions to a local primary school. Education Minister John O’Dowd announced today (Thursday) that all pupils currently in P3 at Greenwood, Belmont and Dundela feeder schools in East Belfast would be guaranteed a place at Strandtown Primary School from this […]

McCarthy urges further investment in care sector

Alliance Health spokesperson Kieran McCarthy has said he hopes new funding for the care sector will stop further closures of care homes. Mr McCarthy was speaking after Health Minister Simon Hamilton announced a package worth £1.6 million for care and nursing homes, as well as the domiciliary care sector. Mr McCarthy said while he welcomed […]

Armstrong: Re-opening of Portaferry Hotel is major boost for area

Alliance Councillor Kellie Armstrong has welcomed news the Portaferry Hotel is set to open for business again. Following its shock closure late last year, Kellie said it was great to see someone local, with a passion for the area taking it over. She added: “When the Portaferry Hotel closed its doors last year a lot […]