Dickson – Transparency on political donations needed following Red Sky affair

Alliance Social Development spokesperson, Stewart Dickson MLA, has said that the final report of the Assembly Committee investigation into the BBC Spotlight allegations, has vindicated the Committee’s work. It found that Nelson McCausland had acted inappropriately by seeking to extend a Housing Executive contract with the maintenance company Red Sky. Stewart Dickson MLA said: “It […]

Lo – Review of environmental laws could have serious consequences

Alliance Environment spokesperson, Anna Lo MLA, has given her support to the campaign against a proposed review of the birds and habitats directives by the European Commission. The umbrella organisation, Northern Ireland Environment Link, has spoken out against the consultation on the environmental laws, with a decision being taken next year on any possible changes. […]

Lo praises Employment Minister’s work on apprenticeships

Alliance Employment and Learning spokesperson, Anna Lo MLA, has welcomed the work by the Employment and Learning Minister on apprenticeships. The Minister announced in the Assembly to a question from Ms Lo, that 130 higher level apprenticeships have been piloted by his Department across a range of sectors and companies including PwC, Norbrook and Moy […]

Ford – Hamilton must bring change in attitude to equality issues

Alliance Leader David Ford has said that the new Health Minister Simon Hamilton must bring a different attitude towards equality issues. Mr Hamilton was appointed by Peter Robinson after Jim Wells resigned following remarks he made about the LGBT community. David Ford MLA said: “I would like to congratulate Simon Hamilton on his appointment and […]

Bradshaw: McDonnell should leave Assembly seat immediately

Alliance Councillor Paula Bradshaw has said SDLP Leader Alasdair McDonnell’s decision to finally stop double jobbing proved the South Belfast MP hadn’t been fully engaged in both legislative bodies to date. Dr McDonnell announced on Sunday his plans to stand down from his Assembly seat, but would not be drawn further as to when he […]

Ford –Villiers must put pressure on Sinn Fein over Stormont House Agreement

Alliance Leader David Ford has congratulated Theresa Villiers on her reappointment as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and has said that one of her main priorities must be the completion of the Stormont House Agreement. David Ford MLA said: “I would like to congratulate Theresa Villiers on her reappointment and look forward to working […]

McAllister slams ‘sectarian’ Sinn Fein leaflet

Alliance Councillor Nuala McAllister has criticised Sinn Fein for distributing a ‘sectarian’ leaflet across North Belfast, detailing the breakdown of the Protestant and Catholic population in the area. She said: “This amounts to nothing more than trying to make the election a sectarian headcount rather than about the issues. “The people of North Belfast will […]

Lo criticises mismanagement of environment funds

Alliance Environment spokesperson, Anna Lo MLA, who chairs the Assembly Environment committee, has welcomed the Environment Minister’s announcement of a new £1.25million Natural Environment Fund (NEF) for eligible NGOs, but she has criticised the financial mismanagement of Minister Durkan’s department. Anna Lo MLA said: “I welcome the news that additional funds are now available from […]