McNamee appalled by racist banner on East Belfast bonfire

Alliance Belfast Councillor Laura McNamee has condemned those responsible for a banner that has appeared on a bonfire in Orangefield Park in East Belfast, that says ‘Anna Lo ate my dog’. Cllr Laura McNamee said: “I am appalled by those responsible for this racist banner that has been placed on this bonfire. I am deeply […]

Dickson appeals for calm ahead of 12th July parades

Alliance Justice spokesperson, Stewart Dickson MLA, has appealed for calm ahead of the 12th July parades. Stewart Dickson MLA said: “I would appeal for calm on all sides ahead of the 12thJuly parades. We have already seen a number of parades pass off without incident this summer and I would encourage all groups to ensure […]

Lyttle: Welfare reform delays could impact on policing and justice

Alliance Policing Board Member, Chris Lyttle MLA, has warned about the potential consequences to policing and justice if the Executive does not address welfare reform and the financial consequences that would have on the Northern Ireland Budget. Chris Lyttle MLA stated: “Everyone should be clear about the huge challenges of policing and providing justice in […]

Long criticises placing of election posters on East Belfast bonfire

Castlereagh Alliance Councillor Michael Long has condemned the adding of election posters to an East Belfast bonfire which already has a UVF banner in close proximity to it. Cllr Long, a member of Castlereagh Council’s Interagency Bonfire Group, was speaking after the placing of Alliance and Sinn Fein posters to the structure in Ballybeen. He […]

Farry: Graduated response will not resolve parading issue

Alliance North Down MLA, Stephen Farry, has responded to the gradated response from Unionist leaders and the Orange Order to the restrictions being placed on the return route of a parade on the 12th July in North Belfast. Unionist leaders and the Orange Order will sign a pledge calling for peaceful and lawful protest. They […]

Muir shocked by DUP Councillor’s ‘Gestapo’ comments

Alliance North Down Councillor Andrew Muir has condemned a statement by DUP Councillor Alderman Alan Graham who referred to the ‘political correct Gestapo’. The comments were made following Cllr Muir’s support for an equality case under consideration by the Equality Commission against a bakery that refused to bake a cake featuring a slogan in support […]

McCarthy supports retention of free public transport for older people

Alliance Regional Development spokesperson, Kieran McCarthy MLA, has said he fully supports the free public transport for older people. He was commenting after the Regional Development Minister indicating that the scheme may be under threat. Kieran McCarthy MLA said: “I remain fully supportive of free public transport for the older people. I would be very […]

Alliance reiterates support for rule of law following meeting with Chief Constable

An Alliance Party delegation of Policing Board member, Chris Lyttle MLA and Justice spokesperson, Stewart Dickson MLA, have met the new Chief Constable of the PSNI, George Hamilton. Chris Lyttle MLA said: “We met with the new Chief Constable to reiterate our support for the rule of law and the PSNI. Political parties must give […]

Dickson welcomes Orange Order statement regarding tyres on bonfires

Alliance East Antrim MLA, Stewart Dickson, has welcomed the statement from the Orange Order which has urged bonfire organisers not to accept tyres. Stewart Dickson MLA said: “I am very pleased to see the Orange Order encouraging bonfire organisers not to accept tyres. It is a health and safety problem that must be urgently addressed. […]