Clarke: CCMS must be clear on future of St Patrick’s

Alliance Councillor Patrick Clarke has said he is disappointed the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) has delayed making a decision on the future of St Patrick’s Primary School, Burrenreagh. A long campaigner for the retention of the school, Councillor Clarke spoke of his concerns after receiving a letter from CCMS postponing an official decision […]

Alliance welcomes end to Hazelwood dispute

Alliance representatives in North Belfast have welcomed an end to a dispute over locked classrooms at Hazelwood Integrated College. Councillor John Blair said: “This dispute went on far too long and I am pleased to hear negotiations have finally led to pupils gaining access to the mobile classrooms from the end of the month. “Alliance […]

Alliance call on Environment Minister to step in on Exploris row

The Alliance Party has taken its campaign to save the Exploris Aquarium to the Environment Minister, urging him to step in and save the Portaferry tourist favourite. Kieran McCarthy MLA and Councillor Alan McDowell want Minister Durkan to intervene and freeze the decision made by Ards Borough Council this week, led by Unionist Councillors, and […]

Kelly praises ‘effective’ police work after cannabis find

Alliance Councillor Neil Kelly has praised the effective police action that led to over £600,000 worth of herbal cannabis being seized after two cars were stopped in the town. The drugs had an estimated street value of £618,200 and two men were arrested at the scene. Councillor Neil Kelly said: “I want to praise the […]

McCarthy disappointed Exploris will close as he announces he is standing down from Ards Council

Alliance Councillor Kieran McCarthy MLA has said he is ‘shocked and saddened’ his time on Ards Borough Council has ended with the planned closure of the Exploris Aquarium. The Strangford MLA has announced he will stand down from Ards Borough Council at the end of September, after representing the Peninsula area for 28 years. He […]

McCarthy welcomes Poots’ comments on care system review

Alliance Health spokesperson Kieran McCarthy MLA has welcomed the suggestion by the Health Minister that a review of the care system is carried out following the child sex abuse investigation. The Minister is also considering bringing in an external expert. Kieran McCarthy MLA said: “Everybody has been deeply shocked by the claims that have been […]

Lyttle welcomes new service to make it easier for people to change banks accounts

The Current Account Switch Service, launched by the Payments Council, is a new, free to use service designed to make switching current account from one bank or building society to another simple, reliable and hassle-free. It has initially launched with 33 bank and building society brands offering the new service and the accompanying Current Account […]

McCarthy criticises ‘shameful’ decision by the DUP to close the Exploris Centre

Alliance Councillor Kieran McCarthy MLA has criticised the ‘shameful’ decision by the DUP at Ards Borough Council last night that will see the Exploris Aquarium close its door for good. Based in Portaferry, the aquarium will now close after a private investor pulled out of the project. Mr McCarthy, also the MLA for Strangford, said […]

Long – Haass talks success will require strong leadership

Alliance Deputy Leader Naomi Long MP has said her party’s delegation to the Haass talks are “determined but not naïve” regarding the potential for success of the inter-party discussions. Mrs Long was speaking ahead of an Alliance delegation meeting with talks chair Dr Richard Haass today (Wednesday). The East Belfast MP said while Dr Haass […]

Alliance to host Hospice Coffee Morning at Stormont

Belfast woman, Una Crudden has created a stir and inspired members of the Alliance Party to host a Coffee Morning at Stormont in a bid to raise vital funds for Northern Ireland Hospice. On Thursday 19th September, MLAs will take part in what is expected to be Ireland’s biggest ever coffee morning, with money raised […]