Speaking after the Assembly debate about the ‘On the Run’ scheme, Alliance Leader David Ford MLA said: “There are many questions that must be answered about this secretive and misguided scheme. Alliance will be setting out the questions we believe the judge led inquiry should investigate. “However, the biggest single question facing us now is […]
Alliance Councillor Kellie Armstrong has given her full backing to a motion that could have secured the future of Exploris for six months. At the latest meeting of Ards Borough Council the local Councillor seconded a motion that would have allowed the popular aquarium to remain fully operating for the next six months – giving […]
Alliance Justice spokesperson, Stewart Dicskon MLA, has questioned why the Executive have opposed a change in the minimum criteria for the appointment of a Chief Constable. The Justice Minister’s proposal would have removed the requirement for candidates to have served a minimum of two years at the rank of Assistant Chief Constable or higher in […]
Alliance Leader, David Ford MLA, has welcomed the Prime Minister’s decision to appoint a judge led inquiry into the scheme in which letters were given to ‘On the Run’ suspects. David Ford MLA said: “I welcome the Prime Minister’s decision to appoint an independent judge to hold an inquiry into this misguided and secretive scheme. […]
Alliance MP Naomi Long has said serious questions need answered about who had knowledge and maintained oversight of the scheme which issued ‘comfort letters’ stating so-called ‘on the runs’ would not be prosecuted. Mrs Long, speaking in the House of Commons today (Wednesday) said the collapse of Hyde Park bombing suspect John Downey’s trial due […]
Alliance Agriculture spokesperson, Kieran McCarthy MLA, has welcomed the decision by the Agriculture Minister to pledge £400,000 for fishermen who have been badly affected by the recent extreme weather. Kieran McCarthy MLA said: “Just like other groups who receive support in the event of extreme weather, I am glad that the Agriculture Minister has pledged […]
Alliance Justice spokesperson, Stewart Dickson MLA, has responded to the outcome of the John Downey case. Stewart Dickson MLA said: “This judgement has clearly caused enormous hurt and bitter disappointment to the families and victims of the Hyde Park bombing. “Alliance has consistently opposed any amnesty in respect of crimes committed during the Troubles. When […]
Alliance East Belfast MP Naomi Long has been elected vice-chair of a new All Party Group in Westminster focused on regional airports and flights. Mrs Long said the role with the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Regional Aviation would hopefully allow her to pursue further long-standing work she has done regarding the potential for reforming APD, […]
Alliance OFMDFM spokesperson, Chris Lyttle MLA, has said that the First and deputy First Ministers must do more to support the Victims and Survivors Service. He was speaking after an answer to an Assembly Question to their Department could only state that a financial assistance scheme for victims and survivors will re-open sometime in the […]
Alliance East Belfast MLAs, Judith Cochrane and Chris Lyttle, have urged vulnerable consumers who might require extra support in the event of a loss of electricity, gas or water supplies, or need extra help with bills, to make sure that they are on the Customer Care and Critical Care Registers held by utility companies. Judith […]