Alliance MLA Judith Cochrane has hit out at those behind a bomb alert which forced the closure of an East Belfast road for several hours. A ‘viable, crude, improvised explosive device’ was found during the alert on the Beersbridge Road this afternoon (Wednesday). The object is believed to have been found in a phone box […]
Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has said there needs to be more regulation given to privately rented homes during a debate on the growth of the sector in the Assembly. The East Antrim MLA said he was concerned the DUP Social Development Minister was not in attendance for the debate, which called on him to introduce […]
Alliance MLA Judith Cochrane has launched a consultation into liquor licensing laws in outdoor stadia here, with the aim of allowing venues to hold a full and permanent license. The East Belfast MLA said her consultation document would help change the current set-up here, where the legislation regulating the sale and consumption of intoxicating liquor […]
Alliance Education spokesperson Trevor Lunn MLA has said more must be done to raise standards in the education sector after a new report revealed scores of inequalities had become worse since 2007. The report, released today (Tuesday) by the Equality Commission, said among other findings that Protestants had consistently lower levels of attainment than Catholics […]
Alliance Employment and Learning Minister Stephen Farry has launched the second stage of his Department’s ‘Big Conversation’ about the future sustainability of higher education in Northern Ireland. The scheme is designed to give people their say on the future of higher education, with responses from the consultation forming the basis of an Executive paper outlining […]
East Antrim Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has expressed his delight after Glenarm became ‘World Champions’ after being voted the most beautiful small village in an international competition. Mr Dickson said: “What a wonderful achievement by all those involved in securing this magnificent award for Glenarm, when it won the International Challenge (Small) category in the […]
Kieran McCarthy MLA has announced he will not seek re-election at the next Assembly election. Mr McCarthy, who has represented Alliance at Stormont since the creation of the new institutions following the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, said he was “honoured and proud” to have represented the people of Strangford, who he thanked for their […]
Anna Lo MLA has paid tribute to Brian Friel by bringing a Matter of the Day commemorating the late playwright to the Assembly. The Alliance MLA tabled the motion following the death of the Co Tyrone-born writer on Friday (October 2). He was known for plays such as Dancing at Lughnasa and Philadelphia, Here I […]
Stephen Farry MLA and Councillor Andrew Muir will contest the North Down Assembly election for Alliance. The team were officially selected by the North Down Alliance Association to fight the contest on a vision of progressive, inclusive and prosperous politics. They said they were honoured to be selected. Mr Farry has been MLA for the […]
Alliance Councillor David Armitage has praised authorities for their “quick and positive” reaction to a fire in an East Belfast hostel. The blaze broke out at the hostel, located on the corner of the Woodstock and Albertbridge Roads, overnight. Residents were evacuated, with eight taking shelter in Dee Street Community Centre. The building has been […]