Alliance MLA Judith Cochrane has reminded parents to apply for pre-school places for their children in the coming weeks. Children born between July 2, 2012 and July 1, 2013 are eligible for pre-school education starting in September 2016. With applications opening this Friday (November 27) and closing January 13 at noon, Mrs Cochrane has said […]
Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has said it is disappointing an Assembly motion calling for the British Government to not renew its Trident nuclear weapons system was defeated. Mr Dickson said the motion, stating the renewal of the Trident submarine was indefensible at a time when people across the UK were experiencing the consequences of austerity […]
Alliance representatives in East Belfast have met with a number of agencies to discuss a range of issues relating to a major road in the area. MLA Judith Cochrane and Councillor Carole Howard met with Transport NI and Belfast City Council at Carncaver Road off the upper Castlereagh Road on several matters, after residents approached […]
Alliance South Belfast candidate Paula Bradshaw has described DUP Health Minister Simon Hamilton’s pledge to spend an additional £1 billion on the health service by 2021 as “simply not credible”. Alliance Councillor Ms Bradshaw was speaking after the Minister made the announcement at the DUP’s party conference this past weekend. She said questions would be […]
Reducing the number of MLAs by one per constituency at the next election would save the taxpayer over £11 million in the lifetime of the next Assembly. The number has been revealed by Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson, ahead of an Assembly motion brought by the party tomorrow (Monday) calling for the 108 MLAs currently in […]
Alliance Health spokesperson Kieran McCarthy has said while the almost £50 million additional funding to the health service is welcome, more needs done to alleviate pressures on waiting times in particular. Stormont Health Committee member Mr McCarthy was speaking in the wake of Health Minister Simon Hamilton announcing a financial package of £47.6 million designed […]
Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has accused UKIP MLA David McNarry of “intentionally stirring up anti-immigrant feelings” after he said Islamic militants may be operating inside Northern Ireland. Mr Dickson was speaking in the wake of Mr McNarry’s comments, in which he said the EU referendum would not be “welcome with the ISIS gun held to […]
Alliance Strangford Councillor Kellie Armstrong has welcomed an increase in funding for rural transport services provided by community transport charities across Northern Ireland. The £600,000 increase, provided after the November monitoring round was agreed by the Executive, will alleviate pressures forced on volunteer-led community transport after a previous cut to grant support provided by the […]
Alliance South Belfast MLA Anna Lo has welcomed the reinstatement of funding for a number of arts organisations after the Culture Minister restored money to the Arts Council. Ms Lo was speaking after Carál Nί Chuilίn announced the passing of an Assembly budget meant £620,000 would be given to the organisation, which will subsequently feed […]
Alliance Leader David Ford has said “time will tell” what will be Peter Robinson’s legacy, after the DUP leader and First Minister announced he would be retiring from politics in the new year. Mr Ford said Mr Robinson, who this week signed the ‘Fresh Start’ deal with Sinn Fein following recent talks, was to be […]