Sexual Orientation Strategy delay is a disgrace – Lo

Alliance South Belfast MLA, Anna Lo, has said that the delay in publishing the Sexual Orientation Strategy is unacceptable. Ms Lo was speaking after she raised the issue in the Assembly during Question Time to the Deputy First Minister. Anna Lo MLA said: “The delay in publishing the Sexual Orientation Strategy is completely unacceptable. We […]

Disproportionate cut to disability transport scheme must be reconsidered – Lyttle

Alliance Regional Development spokesperson, Chris Lyttle MLA, has urged the Minister for Regional Development to reconsider the level of cuts that have been imposed on the Disability Action Transport Scheme.The level of funding they receive from DRD has been cut by 21% for this financial year. There will also be a 100% cut to group […]

McAllister appalled by North Belfast homophobic attack

Alliance North Belfast Councillor Nuala McAllister has condemned those behind a homophobic attack on a house on Cosgrave Heights in North Belfast. The home of Paul Finlay-Dickson, whose partner died in January from cancer, has been attacked several times over the past two years. Windows were smashed and graffiti was daubed on the walls. Cllr […]

Lo hopes judgement will act as a deterrent to others from sending threatening messages

Alliance South Belfast MLA, Anna Lo, has welcomed the judgement in the case of a man who posted a threatening message to her on social media. David John Wylie posted a photo of himself with what appeared to be a gun with the message “Anna Lo you’re next”. When Police searched his house, they only […]

Lyttle – ‘Buddy Up!’ scheme will help break down barriers

Alliance OFMDFM spokesperson, Chris Lyttle MLA, has sponsored the official launch of ‘Buddy Up!’, a free reconciliation and education resource for nursery and primary schools in Northern Ireland. ‘Buddy Up!’ is a creative, simple way for schools, children, families and groups to meet across the traditional divides, as they learn, play and share stories with […]

Lyttle – UDA murals should have been re-imaged

Alliance East Belfast MLA, Chris Lyttle, has said that four paramilitary murals on the Newtownards Road, East Belfast which are being repainted should have been re-imaged. Work is ongoing to repaint the four UDA images of masked gunmen and slogans, which had deteriorated in recent years. Chris Lyttle MLA said: “In recent years there has […]

Ford – Implementing Stormont House Agreement is the only way through welfare impasse

Alliance Leader David Ford has said that the five main parties must implement the Stormont House Agreement and agree a responsible budget to solve the welfare crisis, but he stated that the commitment of the other parties to achieve this is uncertain. David Ford MLA said: “In December last year, I said that the Stormont […]

Bradshaw urges Council to get behind new Islamic Cultural Centre

Alliance Councillor Paula Bradshaw urged Belfast City Council to get behind plans for a new Islamic Cultural Centre, which aims to be an outlet for improved inter-faith and intercultural dialogue. The South Belfast Councillor said that not only would the move show universal political support for the Belfast Islamic community, but would also signal that […]

Alliance makes Belfast City Council more open and transparent

Belfast City Council is set to be more open and transparent, after Alliance successfully secured the audio recording of all committee meetings. Led by Alliance Group Leader, Councillor Michael Long, the decision was confirmed at June’s full Council meeting on Monday night, following the issue initially passing at committee level. Describing the move as ‘essential’, […]