Lyttle calls on DRD to take action on East Belfast bonfire

East Belfast MLA Chris Lyttle has called on the Minister for Regional Development to take urgent action to make safe a large bonfire on land for which his Department is responsible. Alliance MLA Mr Lyttle said the bonfire, situated on the Comber Greenway in East Belfast, is located dangerously close to residential and community properties […]

Lyttle disappointed as child abuse inquiry begins without Kincora inclusion

Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle has said he is “extremely disappointed” for the victims and survivors of a local boys’ home which has not been included in a child abuse inquiry beginning today. East Belfast MLA Mr Lyttle said Kincora Boys’ Home, which has been the focus of allegations regarding MI5 cover-up of the systematic abuse […]

Lyttle welcomes EastSide Arts Festival launch

Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle has welcomed the launch of a major community festival which will see local legend Van Morrison play special homecoming concerts. The EastSide Arts Festival will see a wide range of events, including music, film, talks, workshops and exhibitions, take place at various locations throughout East Belfast. It will culminate in ‘Van […]

Budget reinforces why devolution is important, says Farry

Alliance Minister Stephen Farry has responded to today’s Budget Statement by stressing the continued importance of devolution and local decision-making in order for Northern Ireland to address where possible the worst aspects of the emerging UK policy. Stephen Farry MLA stated: “The Budget has been announced and it is now time for the local political […]

Dickson: Graffiti will not intimidate me

Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has said graffiti discovered overnight in Carrick aimed at intimidating him will not succeed. The MLA for East Antrim was speaking after the PSNI alerted him to the extensive offensive graffiti, the morning after he spoke out against the flying of swastika flags in the town. “Those behind this graffiti obviously […]

Dickson condemns flying of swastika flags in Carrickfergus

Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has hit out at those who have flown swastika flags in Carrick, branding them “disgraceful”. The East Antrim MLA was speaking regarding the flying of the Nazi symbol in several locations in the town, including Oakfield Drive and Marshallstown Road. Stewart Dickson MLA: “This is a deplorable move, particularly coming only […]

Lyttle: NI can be proud of Tall Ships success

Chris Lyttle MLA has praised all those involved in the organisation of the Tall Ships festival, adding everyone in Northern Ireland can be proud of the fantastic event. The MLA for East Belfast was speaking after hundreds of thousands of visitors flocked to Belfast across the four-day event, enjoying 50 vessels from around the world. […]

Dickson condemns Orange Hall arson

Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has condemned a suspected arson attack on an Orange hall in Co Armagh. The Alliance Party Justice spokesperson was speaking after Ballytyrone Orange Hall was left gutted in the blaze, which began around 11.50pm yesterday (Thursday). Stewart Dickson MLA said: “This was nothing more than mindless vandalism that should be condemned […]

Dickson opposes ‘overwhelming’ development on Jordanstown campus

Alliance East Antrim MLA Stewart Dickson has spoken of his strong opposition to the development of 600 homes on the Jordanstown University of Ulster campus. Speaking at a preliminary meeting of the Antrim and Newtownabbey Planning Committee, Mr Dickson made an official objection, saying the planned 600 houses for the site would be “overwhelming” for […]