Ford: Dealing with the past more important than ever

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 […]

Armstrong: Exploris could have been secured for six months

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 […]

Dickson: Justice Minister was right to propose changing Chief Constable criteria

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 […]

Ford welcomes inquiry into ‘On the Run’ letter scheme

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. […]

Long: Questions need answered about ‘on the run’ letter 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 […]

McCarthy welcomes aid package for fishermen

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 […]

Dickson: Outcome of Downey case will cause further pain and hurt to the victims’ families

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 […]

Long made vice-chair of All-Party Group

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, […]

Lyttle: OFMDFM must indicate when victims scheme will be reopened

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 urges consumers to avail of customer care registers

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 […]